An elopement refers to a wedding ceremony that is planned and executed with a minimal number of guests, and often in a location that is different from where the couple lives. Many couples choose to elope because they want a more intimate and personal experience, without the stress and expense of a traditional wedding.
As someone who cares deeply about capturing the special moments of your elopement, I believe that Scotland is the perfect destination to make those memories last a lifetime. One of the reasons why Scotland is a popular destination for eloping is because of its natural beauty. From the rugged Highlands to the rolling hills of the Lowlands, Scotland offers a wide variety of landscapes that provide the perfect setting for an intimate ceremony. The natural beauty of Scotland’s landscapes, historic castles, and intimate venues provide a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable elopement. Not only the landscapes and venues but also the Scottish heritage and traditions give a special touch to the pictures, making them unique and timeless. Additionally, Scotland has relatively relaxed marriage laws, which can make eloping easier and less stressful than a traditional wedding.
As a photographer, I understand the importance of capturing every special moment, emotion and detail of your special day. I am passionate about providing high-quality images that will last a lifetime and tell the story of your elopement in Scotland. I will make sure that every moment of your elopement in Scotland is captured with care, love and attention to detail, so that you can cherish those memories forever.
I have created an elopement planning guide to help you plan your perfect Scottish elopement, covering everything from the legal requirements, to some venues and locations, to help you make the most of your special day. I will work closely with you to understand your vision and preferences, and to create a customized package that meets your needs.
My step-by-step guide:
1) Choose your ideal date
Choosing an ideal date for your elopement is important because it can impact various factors of your ceremony. For example, the weather can play a big role in the quality of your photos and overall experience if you choose to have an outdoor ceremony. Availability of your desired location or venue is another important factor to consider when choosing a date, reserving a date well in advance can ensure that you get the location you want.
Additionally, some couples prefer a specific season for their elopement, like spring for blooming flowers, autumn for colorful leaves or winter for snow, that can also be a reason to choose a date. Personal significance such as an anniversary or a milestone birthday can also be a factor to decide the date.
Furthermore, if you’re planning to travel to Scotland, it’s worth considering the time of year to ensure that travel arrangements are as easy and cost-effective as possible. And lastly, legal requirements for marriage also differ from country to country, so checking the legal requirements in Scotland and plan accordingly is important.
Overall, choosing an ideal date for your elopement is important because it can impact various factors that can make your ceremony special and memorable and that the photographs captured on that day are the best they can be.
2) Choose a location
Choosing a location that takes your breath away is important because it adds a special touch to the ceremony and the photographs that will be taken on that day. A beautiful location can enhance the overall ambiance of your elopement, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
When it comes to Scotland, there are many locations that can take your breath away. Indoor venues can provide a comfortable and cozy atmosphere for you and your guests. Additionally, indoor venues can offer a variety of styles and ambiance, whether it is a traditional or a modern setting. On the other hand, an outdoor ceremony allows you to take advantage of nature’s beauty and provides a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and photographs.
Whether that is an indoor elopement ceremony or an outdoor elopement ceremony, both have their own unique charm and atmosphere, and the choice between the two will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and the style of ceremony you want to have have different characteristics and advantages.
Here are some popular location ideas for eloping in Scotland:
Glencoe
The natural beauty of Glencoe is simply breathtaking. From rugged mountains to cascading waterfalls and serene lochs, the scenery here is absolutely stunning. Imagine exchanging your vows with the picturesque Glencoe as the backdrop, whatever season, it’s sure to make for some incredible wedding photos.
Glen Etive – this tranquil glen is a beautiful and secluded spot for a ceremony. The turnoff for Glen Etive on the A82 can be easy to miss, but it leads to a narrow and winding single-track road that takes you deep into the glen. The road can be challenging to drive, especially if you’re not used to single-track roads, but the scenery is well worth it. You’ll pass by lochs, mountains, and forests as you make your way to the end of the glen. Also there are opportunities to stop by in between for photos as the scenery is dramatic and wild, and the mountains are a perfect backdrop.
Loch Etive – At the end of the 13 mile single-track road that winds through Glen Etive, you will reach the beautiful Loch Etive. The road ends here, so it’s a very peaceful and secluded spot. The small car park by the shore provides easy access to the loch and is a great spot for an intimate and secluded wedding ceremony. The scenery at Loch Etive is truly breathtaking, with the loch surrounded by majestic mountains and the beautiful Scottish Highlands. The location provides a great setting for a romantic elopement or a small intimate ceremony. However, while Loch Etive is a beautiful and remote spot, it can also be quite busy during the summer months, as it is a popular destination for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. The car park by the shore is small and can fill up quickly. Additionally, during the peak season, the road leading to the loch may be busy and challenging to navigate.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye offers a wide variety of landscapes, from rugged cliffs to rolling hills and stunning beaches. It is a great location for an outdoor ceremony, with a unique and picturesque environment. I made an elopement planning guide specifically for Isle of Skye, you can check it out here.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a popular destination for eloping because it offers a unique and romantic setting for couples who want to get married in a more intimate and urban setting. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, historic landmarks, and picturesque scenery, which can provide a stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony. Additionally, Edinburgh has a wide range of romantic venues and accommodations, making it easy for couples to plan an intimate and memorable elopement experience. The city also has a rich cultural heritage, which can provide a unique and exciting atmosphere for a wedding. It is also a great destination for couples who want to combine their elopement with a mini-moon and explore the city.
Edinburgh Castle – The city is home to many historical landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle, which can provide a beautiful backdrop for a wedding ceremony.
The City Chambers – The City Chambers is also a perfect spot for eloping as it is a registered venue for legal ceremonies.
These are just a few examples of the many beautiful locations that Scotland has to offer. Each one has its own unique charm and atmosphere, and I will work with you to find the perfect location for your elopement, whether it’s one of these or another place entirely.
3) Decide who will conduct your ceremony
In Scotland, you have the option to have a religious or civil ceremony. It’s important to note that in Scotland you can have your ceremony anywhere, as long as it’s approved by your celebrant or local registration authority.
For a humanist ceremony, The Humanist Society Scotland has a wide range of registered celebrants available.
4) Decide who will be your witnesses
It’s important to note that anyone over the age of 16 can act as a witness for your elopement ceremony. While it’s always nice to have family and friends present, it’s not necessary. However, if you are eloping with only the two of you, your photographer can also act as a witness, which is an honor for them and they will be happy to do it. My husband and I are happy to serve as witnesses for your ceremony. Additionally, your celebrant may be able to provide a second witness if needed.
5) Obtain your marriage license
Make sure you have all the necessary documents and meet the legal requirements for getting married in Scotland. To begin the process, both you and your partner will need to give notice to the district registrar for the area where you plan to marry. You can find the full list of local registrar here. You must fill out an M10 form and submitting it along with your birth certificates to the registrar. It’s important to note that notices must be given to the district registrar no earlier than 3 months and no later than 29 days before the date of the marriage.
If either you or your partner is not from the UK, it’s important to also apply for a marriage visa in order to get married in Scotland. The earliest you can apply for this type of visa is no earlier than 3 months before your travel date. It’s important to note that this type of visa has a cost of £115. It’s recommended to check the specific requirements of your country and the UK immigration website for more information. Also, you can check if you need a visa here.
6) Hire your vendors (such as photographers, florist, etc)
A professional photographer can capture the beauty and emotion of your elopement and provide you with lasting memories. Look for a photographer who has experience shooting elopements and who has a style that you like. I am deeply passionate about capturing the unique love story of each and every one of my clients. I would love the opportunity to capture the memories of your special day and create beautiful and lasting images that tell your love story. If you have any questions or would like to book me for your elopement, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would be more than happy to assist you in any way that I can. If you want to enquire, fill in my contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
I’d be happy to provide you supplier recommendations if you ever need it.
7) Plan your transportation
When planning a visit to the highlands of Scotland, it is highly recommended to drive a car as it is the most convenient and flexible way to explore the area as the locations can be remote and may not be easily accessible by public transportation.
8) Plan your attire
Decide what you and your partner will wear for your elopement and make sure it is appropriate for the weather and location. Keep in mind that some of the locations can be rugged and may require more sturdy footwear.
9) Research for accommodation and other services
It is important to book in advance as the best options might be fully booked during peak season.
10) Collect your Marriage Schedule
It is important to note that your Marriage Schedule, which is a legal document required for your wedding ceremony, must be collected in person by either you or your partner no less than 7 days before the ceremony, from the registrar office that is local to your ceremony location.
11.) Enjoy your special day
Don’t forget to relax and enjoy your special day!
12) Hand in your Marriage Schedule after your elopement
It is important to note that in order for your wedding ceremony to be legally registered, you must ensure that the Marriage Schedule, is submitted to the local registrar no later than 3 days after your ceremony. This is a mandatory step to make your wedding legally binding.
I am a passionate photographer always seeking out new and exciting places to capture through my lens. From the rugged beauty of the mountains to the bustling streets of a big city, I am constantly in awe of the world around me. Recently, I have taken on a new role as a parent, and I am loving the new adventures that come with it. While my focus has shifted slightly, my love for photography and exploration remains as strong as ever. I hope my portfolio and planning guide gives you a taste of what Scotland has to offer and inspires you to book me for your next photography needs.
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