ELOPE IN SCOTLAND
So, You’re Thinking of Eloping in Scotland…
Not a huge wedding person? Can’t picture yourself walking down an aisle in front of 150 people you barely speak to?
Yup. Same. 👋
That’s probably what brought you here. You’re not looking for a production. You’re looking for meaning.
The kind of wedding day that feels like just right. The kind of elopement that binds you to each other and maybe even to this land.
We’re Matt & Jodie - aka The Sassenachs - and we’re here to help you make that happen.
We’re not wedding planners. We’re elopement photographers who also help with planning. That means we help you figure out what you actually want, guide you through the logistics, and take stunning, heartfelt photographs of the whole thing.
If that sounds like what you’re after, then grab a cup of tea (or dram of whisky, we won’t judge) - because this guide is for you.
Why Eloping to Scotland Just Makes Sense
✨ Legal Flexibility
Scotland is one of the only places in the world where you can legally get married anywhere. Castle ruins? Forest glades? The edge of a cliff at golden hour? All fair game.
✨ No Residency Requirements
You don’t need to be a UK citizen. You don’t need to live here for a certain number of days. The process is surprisingly straightforward (and we’ll help you with it).
✨ Iconic Backdrops
This place doesn’t try to be photogenic—it just is. From craggy peaks to calm lochs, castle walls to windswept beaches, Scotland serves serious main-character energy without needing filters.
✨ Deeply Personal Vibes
There’s something about the stillness of this place that invites connection. When you elope here, you give yourselves space to feel everything: joy, quiet, awe, and the gravity of what you’re doing.
behind the lens
Hey, we are jodie & Matt
We’re just two down-to-earth people who love capturing elopements.
We don't have an intimidating backstory. In fact we met in the Office. We are basically Jim and Pam - IYKYK. (Sorry, Roy)
Based in The Highlands, parents to 3 kids and 2.5 dogs (we can explain) and 1 cat, we love Scotland and we want to share it with you.
We love The Big Bang Theory, The Office, Outlander (obvs). We drink too many cocktails (is there such a thing). And we are STILL mad at the ending of Game of Thrones.
Oh, and Matt is Harry Potter OBSESSED.
For more than a decade, we’ve specialised in photographing Scottish weddings and elopements, helping couples craft unforgettable experiences. We’re here to make your dream day stress-free and uniquely yours.
Curious to know more about us? Click below to dive deeper into our story.
more about us
scottish elopement photographers
What Does a Scottish Elopement Actually Look Like?
The truth? It looks however you want it to.
But here’s an example based on one of our favourite Autumnal elopements last year:
🌅 The Morning
You wake up in a wee cosy cottage tucked away at the bottom of a mountain. The fire’s still warm from the night before. You make coffee and sit together quietly, soaking it in.
No makeup artist bustling about. No chaotic bridesmaids. No rigid timeline.
Just the two of you, about to do something beautiful.
🌙 The Evening
You head back to your accommodation and have dinner just you two.
No speeches. No terror-filled first dance.
And just like that, your most perfect wedding day draws to a close.
🪞Getting Ready
We arrive with our cameras - but we don't take them out straight away. We are here to get to know you better as you start to get ready.
Jodie can help with hair and make up, Matt will tell (probable terrible) jokes. We'll take a few photos here and there, all the time making sure this does not turn in to a photoshoot.
💍 Getting Married
We head out to the ceremony spot we chose together. Maybe it’s a wild glen, a castle ruin or the top of a hill with no one for miles.
Your celebrant is already there, waiting to join you in matrimony. You exchange your vows witnessed by the beautiful Scottish scenery.
📸 Afterwards
Champagne. Hugs. A small picnic.
We wander with you to the nearby cliffs or lochs for relaxed, beautiful portraits.
No stiff posing. No fuss.
Where in Scotland Should You Elope?
Here’s the fun part: you’re spoiled for choice. And we know the best bits. Here are a few of our faves.
⛰ Glencoe Elopements
Moody, majestic, dramatic. Perfect if you want that epic Highlands feel. Very popular for a reason—and we know hidden spots off the tourist track.
🏝 Isle of Skye Elopements
Where folklore meets landscape. Think sea cliffs, fairy pools, and otherworldly backdrops. Ideal for couples willing to go a bit off-grid.
🌲 Cairngorms Elopements
Peaceful, less touristy, with ancient forests, mountain lochs and golden light in autumn. A dream for slow, heartfelt ceremonies.
🏰 Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) Elopements
Yes, that Lallybroch. We can help you elope at Lallybroch - the filming location of Jamie Fraser’s family home from Outlander. It’s private, romantic, and absolutely one of a kind. Oh, and talking of one of a kind - we are the only ones who offer this. So... yay!
🌊 Argyll & the West Coast Elopements
Underrated coastal beauty, dramatic seas and intimate venues. Great for couples wanting a touch of wild with some solid creature comforts. One of those places that will feel like it is all yours.
🏰 Edinburgh Elopements
A romantic city elopement with cobbled streets, castle views and Holyrood Park (literally feels like the Highlands within a city). Ideal for couples who want a mix of history, charm and ease - with incredible photo spots just steps away from a luxury hotels and restaurants.
Legal Bits (Don’t Panic)
how do i elope to scotland?
Here’s the need-to-know stuff for getting legally married in Scotland as an international couple:
• Arrange your marriage Visitor Visa 3 months in advance. This varies by country but is a simple process. Submit your Marriage Notice (form M10) to the local registrar at least 29 days before your ceremony.
• Provide ID, birth certificates, and travel info.
• Choose your celebrant - humanist, religious, or registrar (we recommend humanist for the flexibility).
• Collect the marriage schedule once you’re here.
• Get married. Sign the papers. That’s it.
It’s more straightforward than you think.
What Does It Cost to Elope in Scotland?
Your elopement can be as simple or as styled as you like. Here’s a rough breakdown of what to expect:
• Flights (US/Canada/Australia to UK): £800–£1,200 per person
• Accommodation : £150–£350 per night
• Elopement photography and planning support (that’s us!): £5,000
• Celebrant: £500–£800
• Hair & makeup (optional): £150–£300
• Food / dining: Varies greatly but budget £50 per person, per day if you are eating out.
• Travel in Scotland (car hire, fuel, etc.): £300–£500
• Flowers (optional) : £100–£300
We’ll help you figure out what matters most and tailor your experience around that - no waste, no wedding tax.
Because we are nice, we've totalled it all up for you.
For a 7 night trip, all inclusive to Scotland including flights you are looking at a total cost of $12,000-$18,500 USD (assuming an exchange rate of £1-$1.31).
This range covers everything from travel and accommodation to the meaningful, memory-making parts of the day. Want to adjust up or down? We can help you shape the experience around what matters most to you.
TESTIMONIALS
"Not only do they take AMAZING photographs but they make the day such a memorable experience."
Lena and ryan
California, USA
California, USA
faqs
Q. Can you help us with travel and accommodations?
A. Yes - we’ll give you a personal list of trusted places and suppliers, based on where you’re eloping and your style. We will also plan a whole itinerary for your trip to Scotland if you want.
Q. What happens if it rains?
A. We embrace it. Rain makes great photos. And we always have a Plan B. Which is usually do Plan A in the rain.
Q. How far in advance do we need to book for 2026?
A. We’re booking 2026 now and only take a limited number of couples each year, so reach out as soon as you’re ready to chat.
Q. Can we bring our dog?
A. Yes. Please do. We’ve photographed many a four-legged witness.
scotland elopement planning guides
With over 10 years of experience and more than 200 elopements captured across Scotland’s unique landscapes, we’ve gathered everything you need to plan your adventure.
Our planning guides offer insider tips on finding the perfect spot, timing your day for the best light and making your elopement truly unforgettable.
You’re not just planning a wedding - you’re creating an adventure, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s make it extraordinary together!
how to elope in scotland. the ultimate guide for 2026
6 hidden gems for eloping in scotland
So... Why Choose Us?
Because we’re not in this for the Pinterest moment.
We’re in it for your moment.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all weddings.
We believe in happy tears, muddy boots and messy hair.
We believe in helping you have a day that makes you feel more you than you ever have before.
And if that sounds like your kind of wedding day - we’d love to tell your story.
Get In Touch
Let's create something amazing
Recent elopements
Edinburgh and glencoe elopement
Kirsty and jacob
Kirsty and Jacob travelled from Australia for their twin-destination Scottish Elopement.
See their adventure by clicking the link.
(Spoiler - it was AWESOME)
winter elopement in glencoe
beth and tj
Beth and TJ travelled over from California for their "just the two of them" winter elopement in Glencoe... and it was EPIC
© The Sassenachs 2025