Ok, so you decided to elope, but what does an elopement day actually look like? Should you plan the timeline of the day, or just let the day unfold spontaneously? And what about the ever-changing weather in Scotland? Will that affect your plans? Let’s find out!
Scotland Elopement Planning from Abroad
If you come from abroad, I would suggest allowing at least 12 weeks to ensure you get the paperwork sorted on time.
Involving a planner who can talk to locals and find solutions that might be hard to scout on the internet can be a great tip as well.
What about couples who absolutely dread planning?
For many, there is simply no time to travel all the way up to Scotland to choose a location, decide which suppliers are better, and what feels right.
I helped so many couples short on time, with kids, or busy lives, who simply couldn’t invest time in planning, and for them, I came up with a planning + photography solution.
If it’s sounds interesting, check it out :)
It’s true: the beauty of elopements is their spontaneous nature…
Planning Elopement Day timeline
When I work for a couple, I start by defining the elopement location.
I grab my boots and walk about the area. Pick a spot easy to reach, and pin the location on Google Maps or what.three.words.
This is important because, depending on your location, you will select the correct council to send your marriage application to.
Define Logistics
The next step is calculating travel and time logistics:
How will you get to your ceremony location? Do you need to involve suppliers for the morning preparations?
All these elements will influence your prep time and, therefore, determine the ceremony time.
Other considerations: parking spots, ask HMUA how long the morning prep will take, guests’ mobility issues…
Even for elopements, the morning prep can be a bit nerve-wracking: after all, you are about to be wedded! It’s SUUPER important to select a photographer who feels like a friend and can calm nerves.
Time for Portraits
Schedule some time for “just married” portraits with your photographer.
They are usually very emotional portraits, as everything has just happened, and emotions are heightened.
The Elopement Afternoon
What about the afternoon? Some couples decide to have only half-day photography coverage, leaving the afternoon free for explorations, a luxurious lunch, or fun activities.
It’s your wedding day, and you eloped for a reason. Make it special!!
Elopement Timeline Example
7 am: breakfast, slowly waking up in your accommodation before getting ready in separate rooms
8 am: HMUA arrives. The bride gets her hair and make-up done, while the photographer snaps some pictures. Groom gets in kilt/wedding attire.
11:30 am: ceremony by the ruins on an historical loch up North in Scotland.
The bagpiper accompanies you to the ceremony location with the haunting notes of the pipe.
Personal vows exchanged, followed by the handfasting tradition and drinking from the Quaich.
12:00pm: You’ve signed the papers and are now husband and wife!! Whohoo! Time for your just-married portraits, while the bagpipe plays once more.
Just married portraits sheltered by lovely, clear umbrellas, or perhaps while getting soaked in the fresh rain.
1:00 pm: A lovely lunch starts your afternoon. You planned for a short hike to arrive at a stunning viewpoint.
3 pm: Take in the views before beginning your descent. Your photographer hiked with you and took some stunning sunset photos.
6 pm: end the day with a quiet dinner, just the two of you, or head to a local pub still in your wedding attire and mingle with the locals!
Hello! I’m Isabella…
Elopement Photographer and Planner in Central Scotland
My love for romance and fantasy books has inspired me to become an elopement photographer.
I now photograph all sorts of weddings, and I would love to work with you!
If you are curious to learn about my services, head here.
