Best Off-Radar Locations to Elope in Scotland
All right you all, if you are looking into Scotland as your elopement destination, you most likely have heard of the very Instagrammable locations in Scotland to elope to, like Glencoe, Isle of Skye, and classic elopement places like Gretna Green. But don’t you wish to find something wilder, less touristic, and therefore, more special for your intimate ceremony?
Besides, if you are looking for a real Scottish experience, you might be surprised to hear the best places to experience Scotland are actually where you’d least expect!
In this article, I will suggest five overlooked Scottish elopement locations, and tell you why I love them. I will also give you a few tips for eloping in famous locations like Glencoe and Isle of Skye, just in case you really can’t renounce to eloping there!
Lake of Menteith, Stirlingshire
I love this area so much that I moved here 5 years ago from Italy, and never left! Here, everyone is friendly, there are lovely rolling hills and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and great banter with locals.
Lake of Menteith offers a secluded, romantic elopement setting. It’s great for couples with kids or a group of guests with mobility needs, as the lake can be easily reached by car, and you can still have a quiet yet luxurious experience by lodging at Lochend Chalets and reserving a private room for your dinner at the top-class Nick’s at Port of Menteith. The place is full of Scottish history: for a few pounds, you can take a boat to Inchmahome Priory, located on the island at the centre of the lake, and even plan a private boat and your elopement photography at the priory!
Alternative eat and sleep solutions in the area include the historical Black Bull Inn in Gartmore, where you can reserve the over 300 years old historical room for your intimate wedding dinner, and Nether Glenny Farm, a prominent 100-acre family-run farm offering self-catering accommodation and "Coos & Views" experiences to meet the famous long-haired Highland cattle.
Not far, you can reach Stirling, Doune and Deanston to visit the famous Castle and distilleries. Do you want to see how I planned Hannah and Jon’s elopement right here at Lake of Menteith in less than 2 months? Read the article here.
Elopement on Arbroath Cliffs, east coast
This wind-swept part of the east coast of Scotland is a great place for dramatic photos. Celebrate your love among red sandstones sculpted by the sea, for an evocative and dramatic elopement. There is a large parking lot at the seafront, and from there a path winds along the rugged coastline. There are plenty of spots on the cliffs to stop and have your ceremony, and plenty more for epic photos.
I love this place in every season for its untamed beauty and tranquil setting. You will find primarily local here and in Arbroath village, and opportunities to kayak, fish, and explore castles and ruins along the coast, like Red Castle and Dunottar Castle.
For this location, I only have images I took with my film camera (my hobby!), but I think you get the idea :) If you like the North East Coast of Scotland, but feel stuck with planning, I am here to help! I created a complete elopement package for the East Coast with a stunning, secret castle as your backdrop. With this package, I handle all the planning, and take care of your photography as well. I am all in for experience-led elopements in Scotland, where you can expect lyrical, evocative celebrations and equally spell-bound photography.
Quiet micro-wedding at Loch Venachar, Stirlingshire
Loch Venachar is also in Stirlingshire and sits at the Highland Gates. It’s the perfect place for someone who loves fresh water and peaceful stays. When the water is low in summer, there are a few beaches along the lake where, early in the morning, you won’t find a soul. Later in the day, it can get busier with locals coming for a swim, a cycle, or a watersport experience. And you could join in the fun by renting gear from Roll Outdoors, which delivers the kit directly to the loch if needed.
In terms of accommodation, there are the very fancy Loch Venachar Cabins and Venachar Lochside, a great restaurant with stunning lake views on the other side of the loch, which also doubles as a wedding venue.
Did I mention that there are amazing walks and activities in the area? For example, goat ice cream and cuddling baby goats at Achray farm, exploring the many walking options in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, and eating traditional, freshly baked pies at Mhor Bread in Callander.
Intimate escape at Red Point Beach, Gairloch
I love Red Point. It’s so far away from everything. The first form of life I met was sheep. This northern beach is for true adventurers seeking a remote elopement in the Highlands. There are self-catering options in the area, a parking lot to stop your car or van, and a ten-minute walk through a sheep field brings you above the dunes overlooking the bay. Reaching the beach, you will see the variety of colours.
It’s absolutely stunning, and if you are those people who were looking exactly for a place like this, PLEASE let me be your photographer! It calls for true adventure lovers, for those in love with fantasy books and the past and fairytales, who embrace the elements and yearn for an epic elopement.
After spending time outdoors, have dinner or afternoon tea at Shieldaig Lodge just down the road, which also offers accommodation, and works as a waterside wedding venue (a great plan B in case of bad weather!).
If you like the North West of Scotland, but feel stuck with planning, I am here to help! I created a complete elopement package for the West Coast that allows you to relax while I handle all the planning, and take care of your photography as well. I am all in for experience-led elopements in Scotland, where you can expect lyrical, evocative celebrations and equally spell-bound photography.
Elopement on Loch Lomond
Alright, Loch Lomond can be a popular destination for national tourism, as the glittering water of this massive lake, the lovely shores and historical villages offer a very European vibe during summer.
However, let me tell you this: book yourself a cottage at the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel in Luss, and arrange a private use of their library room. This hotel offers top-tier hospitality, great food, and a stunning ancient library for intimate weddings. Stepping out of the hotel, you will walk around the village of Luss, and for a few pounds you can take an Island Explorer cruise and enjoy your wedding afternoon hopping on and off the cruise to explore the islands of Loch Lomond.
How to Elope in Glencoe
It’s not impossible to elope in Glencoe and avoid hoards of tourists at the same time, but you might have to make some compromises. Glencoe is a valley (gleann literally refers to a deep, narrow valley, often carved by glaciers or rivers), and there is one (1) main road that crosses it. In summer, cars and buses cross the valley up and down, rushing to capture a photograph of the iconic place that has been the backdrop to famous titles like Skyfall, Braveheart, Outlaw King, and even Harry Potter. There are a few parking spots along the way, with little parking room (10-20 spaces max).
It’s certainly a place worth a visit, but if you want a quiet elopement in summer, you should opt for an early ceremony (8 am or so) to find parking and be able to pronounce your vows at jaw-dropping places like the wee white house, the three sisters, and the hidden valley. Luckily, you can elope pretty much everywhere on public lands in Scotland, as I explain in depth in this article.
Once your ceremony is completed, you should allow some time to capture your portraits as a wedded couple before continuing your exploration of the valley. Or you can opt for a ceremony nearby, for example, on Loch Leven or Glencoe Lochan shores, to have more peace and quiet. Alternatively, in autumn and winter, the place is much quieter and definitely a better choice for intimate weddings.
Remember, these deep valleys are typical of the Highlands: Glencoe is the most famous because of the movies and Instagram, and the closes to reach from the main airports, but there are other valleys, other glens and munroes equally stunning and known only by us who live here.
For those of you who really can’t renounce the rugged beauty of Glencoe, I created a complete package to elope in Glencoe. I am aware that with so many options, it’s easy to get a headache. I offer comprehensive elopement planning and storytelling photography for an epic Scottish wedding. My Glencoe elopement package can be fully personalised for a truly bespoke experience.
How to Elope in Skye
Similar to Glencoe, the Isle of Skye has become world-famous thanks to its otherworldy and untamed landscapes that inspire fantasy,sci-fi, and historical fans from all over the globe. Skye it’s absolutely beautiful and you really shouldn’t miss it when you visit Scotland.
For your elopement, generally, the rules are similar to Glencoe: find secluded spots away from the main routes and consider an early ceremony. The island is great for hiking lovers and including an exploration of the Quiraing with its volcanic history and of the many waterfalls and pools is a must.
After visiting Skye myself many times, I created a full-day, adventure-led elopement package for couples looking for a wild wedding. As your specialised elopement photographer and planner, I offer story-led, romantic photos, full planning guidance, and a completely personalised package design.
I wanted to help couples eloping to Skye if they wish to, without the hassle of having to plan it themselves. Expect bespoke planning, a seamless, stress-free experience, and post-celebration moments that lean into adventure.
Hello! I’m Isabella…
Elopement Photographer and Planner in Central Scotland
I am your specialised elopement photographer and planner based in Central Scotland. I love getting to know you and what inspires you. I work with you in crafting your bespoke wedding, handling the difficult parts so you can enjoy the day. As your photographer, I gently guide you through romantic posing, letting you focus on your intimate love while I quietly capture your love story.
I’ve been hiking the country high and low, scouting all the secret spots for epic elopements. In my free time, you will find me doing sports outdoors, or immersed in a romantasy book indoors. My love for romance and fantasy books has inspired me to become an elopement photographer, and I strive to recreate that feeling of enchantment and fervent love in my photographs.
