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Your Scottish Elopement Guide
elope to scotland
Everything you need to know about eloping to Scotland. The where, when and how. Let's do this.
your adventure starts here
No more big wedding hoopla
Nope, not your thing.
No stress, no fuss,
Just you two. Madly in love.
Who needs the chaos and expectations, right? You're steering clear of all that pressure.
And planning a massive shindig for everyone but yourselves? Nah, that doesn't vibe with you.
But hey, you're thinking of blazing your own trail, right here in bonnie Scotland!
TOSSING ASIDE THE OLD NORMS...
And embracing YOUR way of tying the knot,
That's When the magic unfurls
and countless possibilities abound
Why elope in Scotland?
We’ll hazard a guess and say that, if you’re here, you already can list a hundred different reasons. Because it calls to mind a favourite story…Harry Potter, Outlander, Braveheart. Because you fell in love with this country once before and want to share it with your partner. Because you see images of the Highlands and feel at home.
Scotland is wandering the grey stone shops of Edinburgh for magical bookshops in the morning and North Sea beaches in the afternoon. It’s a mythical woodland and a moody mountain and this undeniable sense that legends might just be real in this part of the world.
Okay, okay, enough with the poetics. We love Scotland just as much as you, so sometimes we can go on! Now, let’s get to the specifics of how to make your Scottish elopement a reality.
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“We couldn't be happier with Clover. It was truly an elegant experience from start to finish. We were treated like royalty.”
aria & declan
“Our pictures from Clover are breathtaking. I still can't believe that's actually us. What an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience”
michelle & robert
meet a real couple
who had a real elopement
Meet Andy and Guilia who eloped to Scotland and had their winter elopement in the heart of The Scottish Highlands - Glencoe.
Just them, the mountains and their dog... perfection.
let's see them
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Updated for 2024!
Eloping to Scotland
TELLING THE STORY OF YOUR DAY
Dancing in the rain
Wandering a wild mountain
Walking hand-in-hand into a misty sunrise
Your images aren’t the sort of stiff poses and frozen smiles you may see in other weddings.
We’re telling your story.
Your love story.
Your I-can’t-believe-we-just-eloped-in-Scotland story.
Long after you’ve flown home and dipped your toes back into everyday life,
these images are there to remind you, to help you remember that for one amazing day, you two walked straight into a fairytale and came out married.
featured:
Scottish elopement
Aimee and Danny
intimate scottish elopement slains castle
Actors and general all round awesome people Aimee and Danny travelled from Philadelphia with a few of their closest friends and families for an intimate castle elopement
post wedding shoot, scotland
Charlotte & Albert,
Glencoe
Charlotte and Albert travelled over from Spain for their post-wedding photoshoot in the Scottish Highlands
first things first
how does an elopement in scotland work?
It’s actually fairly simple.
And did you know, Scotland is the only country in the UK that allows your ceremony to be celebrated anywhere.
The ruins of a seaside castle? Yep.
The sweetest back garden of your crofters cabin? Absolutely.
The literal side of a mountain. Aye.
Non-binding ceremony: Some couples prefer to complete their marriage paperwork and legal ceremony in their own country then celebrate with a special, though non-binding, elopement ceremony in Scotland. We love working with humanist celebrants for the non-binding ceremonies (learn more about humanism HERE). A non-binding ceremony does give us more freedom throughout your elopement day for your photography. Another difference is that there are no witnesses needed (though we’ll still be there cheering you on all day!).
Legal ceremony: This is most popular with our couples from the UK—the paperwork is the same as with any marriage ceremony. You’ll share your vows with a celebrant (humanist or religious) and at least two witnesses. Not bringing anyone along? We’d be honoured to be your witnesses! For couples from outside the UK who want a legal ceremony, there’s a bit more paperwork, but it’s still pretty straightforward. We’re happy to point you in the right direction, but recommend chatting with your celebrant to make sure you’re filling out the forms correctly.
There are two routes to eloping in Scotland:
aka, here’s where we talk about everyone’s favourite topic.... paperwork!
I want to elope
but what does it cost to elope?
That's a tricky one to answer... for us we don't have set packages and you will find that is probably the case for most experienced elopement photographers. The reason for that is simple.
Your elopement is as unique as you are and therefore you need a bespoke package that is tailored to suit you. No cookie cutter packages here!
We will say one thing though. An average wedding in the UK costs around £25,000 according to Bridebook and $30,000 in the US according to CNBC. These prices do not include the Honeymoon. Your Scottish Elopement will likely cost less than half that with a holiday thrown in for good measure. Seems a good deal to us!
the investment
MYTHS and LEGENDS
We’ll share our favourite Scottish myths and customs
You’ll be the absolute legends doing your wedding your way.
Hand-fasting, the oathing stone, drinking from a ceremonial quaich…there are meaningful Scottish marriage customs we would love to help you incorporate into your elopement. It’s a wonderful way to blend the old ways with your modern elopement.
It’s tradition
Without being traditional
FANCY A PADDLE?
That old requirement of marriage in a church? Not if you don’t want it. We love to help our couples pinpoint their perfect location to share their vows and spend an unforgettable elopement day.
With a decade of experience capturing landscapes and portraits across Scotland, we have a wealth of knowledge to guide you as you choose an elopement location that holds meaning to you. That’s why when we say fancy a paddle, we mean you could literally share your vows in the middle of a loch.
Wild, isn’t it? And absolutely possible.
We will quickly run through 5 amazing locations and then after, why not take a wander through our location guides. But this doesn’t cover every incredible corner of this land. Drop us a line to hear more about the elopements we’ve photographed everywhere from the border castles of the south to the untamed wilderness of the north.
choosing a location for your scottish elopement
Where to elope in scotland
Here are our our top 6 locations.... In no particular order
01
Glencoe Elopement
Our home has to be number 1 on the list. A Glen as beautiful as any place in the world. Filled with drama, history and mystery. Waterfalls, rivers, lochs, beaches, mountains - it really does have it all.
3 hours from Edinburgh and a wee bit less from Glasgow but please note we do not offer elopements here in July or August due to business and midges.
02
Isle of skye Elopements
Approx 5.5 hours from Edinburgh. Like Glencoe, we don't do elopements here during July and August
03
Glen shiel elopement
A lesser known Glen on the way to The Isle of Skye. The site of a pivotal Jacobite battle in the 17th century, this steep sided Glen is often overlooked. With great 360 degree all round views, this place should be high up on your list.
4.5 hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow and suitable for all year round elopements.
04
Edinburgh elopement
The only city on our list. Edinburgh is a wonderful city that feels like you have stepped back in time. Cobbled streets lead to enclosed courtyards that make for intimate images.
With the bonus of direct flights from all around the world, this is a really great location choice.
05
trossachs elopement
Home to Loch Lomond and several smaller lochs, this partially forested area is the start of The Highlands. Gentle mountain slopes lead to ancient woodland or lochside beaches. Another place that gets very busy in summer, but a great choice for the rest of the year.
1 hour from Edinburgh, less from Glasgow
06
Aberdeenshire coast elopement
Our favourite place on the East, The Aberdeenshire coast is a great spot for your Scottish Elopement. Home to ruined castles, high cliffs, crashing waves, rolling hills and picturesque fishing villages. This area really does have it all.
Excellent road links and only 3 hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow
Highlands
elopement location guides
Check out our elopement guides for The Highlands, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh and Glencoe
Isle of Skye
Glencoe
Edinburgh
the weather and your elopement
We think it is probably fair to say that the weather in Scotland is more unpredictable than most weather systems.
People often mention that we have four seasons in one day. Well, sometimes in Glencoe we have four seasons in 1 hour.
Wherever you are planning to elope in Scotland, please do not rely on the weather!
We are mountain people and are used to everything that the weather can throw at us. The celebrants that we recommend are the same. And our camera gear is waterproof too!
Lastly, bad weather makes for good photos. You will come together for warmth, the rain will make you laugh. It is all part of that adventure that you are chasing.
"The photos look like they came straight out of a movie."
“The Sassenachs were a dream to work with. We are from the States, so planning our little wedding from afar was a bit daunting, but from our first zoom call with Matt and Jodie we knew they were the team we wanted to shoot our wedding. We actually found them on Instagram and fell in love with their style and then meeting them and getting to know them was icing on the cake. The day of our ceremony they were game for anything. They were fun and total pros. We are so in love with our photos. Everyone can’t stop saying how the photos look like they came straight out of a movie! We definitely recommend them!.”
aimee & Danny
Layers, layers & layers
Wear what you want. There's no traditions here
Firstly, it is important to talk about traditions and expectations - and there are none here!
We've had brides in black, grooms in an open necked shirt - whatever works for you, works for us.
We do recommend bringing plenty of layers as the weather is unpredictable as we've said. Waterproof coats are recommended but not so much waterproof trousers as they can be a fiddle to get on and off.
Lastly, really think about footwear. Cold and wet feet will make you more miserable than anything else. We've written a whole guide about this.
what to wear for their elopement
So many of our clients ask us...
Oh, we forgot the last step.
Your homework is to catch up on Outlander and then we can point out all your favourite Highland landscapes when you’re here.
Already watched Outlander? Watch it again.
Got more questions? Check out our FAQs.
Eloping to Scotland from the USA is a dream for many couples who crave an intimate and adventurous wedding experience. Scotland offers breathtaking landscapes, historic castles, and a rich cultural heritage that makes it a unique destination for a romantic escape. It’s no wonder that the country has become one of the most popular locations for elopements in recent years.
Eloping is a perfect alternative to a traditional wedding, especially for those who want to avoid the stress and expense of a big event. Scotland offers a wide range of elopement packages, which cater to couples’ individual tastes and budgets. From a simple ceremony in a countryside location to a luxurious wedding in a castle, there is an option to suit everyone.
Not only is Scotland a beautiful location for a wedding, but the legal requirements for getting married are also straightforward. The process is simple and easy to navigate, with most couples able to complete the necessary paperwork before leaving the USA.
So let us explore the reasons why Scotland is the perfect destination for an elopement from the USA. We will look at the different elopement packages available, the legal requirements for getting married, and provide some inspiration for couples planning their Scottish elopement. So, grab a cup of tea (or a wee dram of whisky), and let’s discover why Scotland is the ultimate destination for your intimate wedding.
LET US TALK ABOUT....
THE PROS OF A SYMBOLIC CEREMONY
PERFECT FOR OUR OUTLANDER-CLIENTS
When planning an elopement abroad, there are many decisions to be made. One of the most important choices is whether to have a legal or symbolic ceremony. While a legal ceremony may seem like the most logical option, there are many reasons why a symbolic ceremony may be the better choice. In this article, we will explore why you should consider having a symbolic ceremony instead of a legal ceremony when eloping abroad.
Avoid Legal Complications
Whilst getting married in Scotland is generally straight forward there are a few hoops to jump through if you are coming from the US or another country that we’ve detailed above. Opting for a symbolic ceremony eliminates the need to comply with these legal requirements, saving you time, money, and stress. Many of our couples then choose to visit the local courthouse back home to have the marriage legalised.
Flexibility in Date and Location
When you choose to have a symbolic ceremony, you are not bound by legal restrictions on where you can get married. If you wake up and the weather is not exactly as you hoped or you get to your ceremony location to find it is full of campers then you can always move it. Obviously if you have suppliers involved such as photographers then you will need to ask beforehand if they have this flexibility. Did you know that we always leave the day before and after your wedding day unbooked so we can offer the utmost flexibility. Read more about this over on our pricing and packages page.
Personalised Vows and Ceremony
A symbolic ceremony allows you to personalize your vows and ceremony to make it truly unique and special. You can choose the readings, music, and rituals that are meaningful to you, and create a ceremony that reflects your values, beliefs, and love story. This level of personalization is often not possible with a legal ceremony, which may have strict requirements for the wording and format of the ceremony.
More Time for Photography
When you opt for a symbolic ceremony, you can focus more on capturing your special day through photography and videography. With no legal paperwork to worry about, you can spend more time on getting the perfect shots and creating a beautiful wedding album or video. This is especially important if you are eloping and do not have family and friends present to witness your special day. Speak to your elopement photographer for their thoughts on this.
Less Stress and More Enjoyment
Planning a wedding, even a small one, can be stressful, especially if you are doing it in a foreign country. Opting for a symbolic ceremony removes much of this stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day and creating memories that will last a lifetime. You can spend more time exploring your surroundings, indulging in local cuisine, and enjoying quality time with your partner.
HOW TO ELOPE TO SCOTLAND FROM THE USA OR CANADA
Eloping to Scotland is a dream for couples from all over the world – especially the US with their close cultural and ties. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the legalities of eloping to Scotland from the USA and offer some tips to help you plan your perfect Scottish elopement.
Legalities of Eloping to Scotland from the USA & Canada
As an American citizen, you can legally marry in Scotland. However, you must follow the legal requirements set out by the Scottish government. The legal requirements for getting married in Scotland are different from those in the USA, so it’s essential to do your research and plan accordingly.
The first step in planning your Scottish elopement is to give notice of your intent to marry. You can do this by completing the Marriage Notice Form, which is available on the National Records of Scotland website. You must give notice at least 29 days before the wedding date, but no more than three months in advance.
To give notice of your intent to marry in Scotland, you must provide the following documents:
A valid passport or other acceptable form of identification
Birth certificate
Decree absolute if you have been divorced
Death certificate if you have been widowed
Evidence of your immigration status if you are not a British citizen or European Economic Area (EEA) national
Full details of the necessary paperwork can be found on the Scottish Government Website.
Once you have given notice, you can schedule your wedding ceremony. You can get married anywhere in Scotland. Anywhere!
On the day of your wedding, you must have two witnesses present. They can be friends or family members, but they must be over 16 years old and able to understand the ceremony. You may also choose to have a religious or civil ceremony, depending on your preferences. They can also be your wonderful elopement photographers which is one of the reasons we always work as a pair!
After the ceremony, you will receive a Marriage Schedule, which must be returned to the Registrar’s Office within three days of the ceremony. The Registrar will then register your marriage, and you will receive a Marriage Certificate. Some registry offices will provide you with the Marriage Certificate there and then (Edinburgh City Chambers is one of these) but please check ahead if this is something you need.
A BIT ABOUT GETTING
GETTING TO SCOTLAND FROM THE US
Choosing the right airline can make all the difference in your travel experience. When traveling for your Scotland Elopement from the USA, there are several airlines to choose from. Some of the most popular airlines include British Airways, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines. These airlines offer direct flights to Scotland from major cities in the USA, such as New York, Chicago, Boston and Atlanta.
Best Routes to Scotland
There are several routes to Scotland from the USA – these are some of direct flights currently available at time of writing. Of course flights are constantly changing and being added and removed:
According to Visit Scotland the current direct routes from the US and Canada to Scotland are:
From New York (Newark) to Edinburgh with United
From New York (JFK) to Edinburgh with Delta
From Chicago to Edinburgh with United
From Orlando to Edinburgh with Virgin Atlantic
From Washington DC to Edinburgh with United
From Boston to Edinburgh with Delta
From Atlanta to Edinburgh with Delta
From Toronto to Glasgow with Air Transat
From Toronto to Edinburgh with Air Canada
From Calgary to Edinburgh with WestJet
Direct flights are often more expensive than connecting flights. Scotland is well connected to London and several other hub airports throughout Europe and a greater range of choice (at a lower price point!) is available if you are able to plan your trip via one of these airports. Flights via London, Amsterdam and Paris are the most popular options for our couples from North America.
ELOPING TO SCOTLAND FROM NORTH AMERICA: LEGALITIES AND PLANNING TIPS
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