Glencoe Elopement Photographer

Are you considering eloping to Glencoe?

Glencoe is truly the most amazing place in Scotland. We may be biased (more on that shortly), but we truly believe that it is.

Glencoe feels like stepping into another world

Easily accessible yet wonderfully remote, this area could be the perfect location for your Scottish Elopement.

It’s wild, dramatic and full of stories — and yeah, sometimes it feels like the mountains are watching.

We lived here. We’ve hiked the trails, dodged the midges and watched the weather change five times in one afternoon.

We love it.

If you’re dreaming of eloping somewhere that feels a bit otherworldly, Glencoe could just be the perfect choice.

Harry Potter, Outlander, James Bond and… maybe YOU

(Not the Netflix TV Show. We actually mean you.)

Glencoe has been calling to the adventurous sort for years (and when you consider the skirmishes between rival clans that took place on this land, we mean hundreds of years). The splendour of the valley has been featured in scores of movies and series, but here are a few of our favourite spots.

Outlander

The Three Sisters is a majestic trio of mountains that tower over the glen. You can spot them in the opening scene of Outlander. Ralston Cairn along Glencoe Pass is a lovely viewpoint. The Buachaille Etive Mòr is another Outlander option for sharing your vows.

James Bond

In the 1969 movie, Bond reveals his father is from Glencoe, and that comes back in the 2012 movie Skyfall. There’s a moment where the characters Bond and M look out over Glen Etive toward Bond’s family home that’s stunning (but not very private for an elopement ceremony).

Harry Potter

So much of this series is rooted in Scotland, but a particular spot from the set of the third movie comes to mind. Hagrid’s Hut was situated near the base of Clachaig Gully, with views overlooking Torren Lochan and the Signal Forest. The hut is no longer there, but the amazing views remain.

“Matt and Jodie brought us to the best spots in surrounding Glencoe areas and had us fall in love with Scotland. We can’t wait to be back for a visit, and hopefully permanently in future!”

— Karissa & Tommy, Canada

Spring

It’s chilly and a bit blustery, but seeing the wildflowers start to blossom against a backdrop of snow-dusted peaks… that’s a truly unforgettable vista. Spring is not peak tourist season, so you’ll have an easier time of finding lodging and other reservations. Just be prepared for more unpredictable weather.

Summer

May to September brings steadier weather and longer days. And heather! Beautiful, purple heather. Expect warmer temps and more sun, with the occasional storm rolling through the valley. But this is also peak tourist season, so you’ll need to plan further in advance and expect higher prices. Also note: late August to late September is peak midge season. You’ve been warned.

From 2022 we no longer offer elopement photography in Glencoe in July, August or first week of September due to tourist numbers and midges.

Autumn

The valley fades to the rust and tan of autumn and the air carries a crisp hint of coming winter. It’s spectacular to see the colours slowly change along the valley and that makes it one of our favourite times to photograph elopements. The weather is usually unpredictable with high chances of mist and fog too, which makes it a popular choice for elopements.

Winter

Stormy weather reigns, but you’ll have much of Glencoe to yourselves. It makes for intimate, romantical imagery and a cosy elopement. Between mid-December to mid-January, daylight hours diminish steeply. It can make the valley feel remote and cloistered, like it’s just you two exploring the wild together with not a soul around. For the stalwart, adventurous couple, winter in Glencoe can be spectacular.

We are the only elopement photographers to have actually lived in Glencoe

The million pound question: Of all the spectacular spots in Glencoe, how do you choose?

Having called Glencoe home for several years, we know this place like the back of our hands. You can rely on us to help you pick elopement and photography locations that speak to you. We do that by truly listening to what you envision for your elopement and then using our decade of experience and love of this place to find the perfect spot.

After we chat on our initial Zoom call, we’ll share images from past couples’ elopements for inspiration and also share a map pinpointing specific locations for you. We’ll take into consideration accessibility, how adventurous you want to be, and the number of guests who’ll be joining you.

But this is important: there is so much more to Glencoe than what you see on social media. With our help, we’d love to guide you to somewhere private and special. And for those few moments as you exchange your vows, it becomes yours and yours alone. Nothing is better than that, right?

Glencoe Valley Viewpoint

The twisting A82 scenic road wends into the heart of the valley, leading to innumerable options for your elopement. The mountains tower above, often shrouded in mist, and ribbons of waterfalls flash silver. It is, in a word, dramatic. If you’re up for an adventure (and are wearing sturdy boots), we love the hike up to the Hidden or Lost Valley and we’ll tell you the tale of Highland Hospitality gone wrong while we’re at it.

Buachaille Etive Mòr

To the locals, this mountain at the head of Glen Etive is simply called The Buachaille (pronounced boo-kil). At the foot of the mountain, Lagangarbh Hut alongside the magical River Coupall is stunning, but also very popular. Nearby, the sister mountain of Buachaille Etive Beag is a wonderful elopement option. Let’s learn some Gaelic! Mòr means “big” and beag means “small.”

The Three Sisters

These steep peaks feel part of another time, where if you look just right, you might spot a wisp of magic or hear a selkie on the wind. The Three Sisters are old, formed by some of the oldest rock on Earth (fun fact: The Highlands and Appalachia in the U.S. were once part of the same mountain range when Pangea was around). Today, The Three Sisters are every bit as magical and make a dramatic backdrop to your elopement. Plus, they are fairly accessible, so that’s a bonus.

Rannoch Moor

Once upon a time, wilderness reigned across Europe. Today, there are only a few of these untamed environments left, and the Great Moor of Rannoch is one of them. It’s a vast land of bogs, rivers, lochans and rocky outcroppings to explore and is our “special place” in the Highlands (we’d live here if we could!). Though it can be a challenge to access, Rannoch Moor holds an ethereal beauty that feels like it truly never ends.

Pap of Glencoe

A conical peak called Sgorr na Ciche in Gaelic, this dramatic, diminutive mountain rises up over the village of Glencoe. Reaching its peak is not an easy stroll, so it’s only recommended for experienced hikers who have climbed hills before. But the views from the top. The views! It looks out over two of Scotland’s major lochs—Loch Leven and Loch Linnhe—making for some major vistas for your elopement.

Glencoe Lochan

Closer to conveniences, but no less beautiful, the forest-fringed lochan just outside the village of Glencoe is a perfect choice if you’re including little ones. Along the trails, you’ll find tucked away views of the loch, the village and above you, the Pap of Glencoe.

“As soon as we met them, we felt like we were all old friends getting together again. We are both introverts who do not like getting our pictures taken, yet they put us at ease and made us feel comfortable throughout the process. The pictures captured the mood and overall beauty of Scotland.”

— Anissa & Jack, USA

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What’s included

Your elopement is more than just a ceremony — it’s a unique and unforgettable adventure. And, cards on the table, we want to be the ones who capture it for you.

Our photography and planning support packages are £4,000, providing you a seamless, luxury experience from the moment you begin planning right through to when you’re reminiscing about your special day.

Here’s what you get when you work with us:

Flexible Coverage: We’ll be with you from the quiet moments of getting ready to the final intimate celebrations. Whether it’s a sunset toast or a champagne soak in the hot tub, every part of your day will be captured in exquisite detail.

Unlimited Vendor Support: We’re here to help you find the perfect celebrant, accommodation that looks amazing in your prep photos, and the best hair and makeup artists. With our extensive network of trusted suppliers, we’ll ensure every detail is flawless.

Location Scouting: Having lived in Glencoe for years, we know every hidden corner, every secret viewpoint, every spot where the light falls just right. We’ll help you find the perfect ceremony location and create a timeline that makes the most of the day.

Legal Guidance: Most of our couples are from the US or Canada, and we know the ins and outs of the paperwork, timelines, and options for symbolic vs legal ceremonies. We’ll guide you through every step of the process.

Timeline Planning: We’ll work with you to create a day that flows naturally, with plenty of time for the moments that matter and no rushing between locations.

Payments are accepted securely online via credit/debit card. Simple and straightforward.

So you’ve decided you’re coming

After all, your elopement is so much more than a ceremony. Make the most of your time in Glencoe.

Glencoe has a wide range of accommodations to fit every style and budget. Picture quaint B&Bs, refined lodges, and storied hotels. Depending on when you’re planning to elope, be aware of price differences and how far in advance things book up. There’s a very large difference between February and July! Here are a few of our favourite places to stay in the Glencoe area.

Aos Si

An old church Manse in the nearby village of Ballachulish and this is our number one choice. Choose between luxury spa lodges, quirky woodland lodges that look like Hagrid’s Hut or beautiful rooms inside the manse. You are also given access to the Parlour room to get ready.
The Glencoe Inn

Situated in the village, this inn is warm and welcoming. Past the cosy furnishings and log fires, expect lovely views of Loch Leven.
Hollytree Hotel

Opened in 1903, this hotel was originally the Kentallen railway station along the Oban to Ballachulish line. Now it’s a classic choice with a swimming pool.
RiverBeds Luxury Lodges

Outside the village, this lodge offers something a bit different. What do you think about a wooden lodge with a woodland hot tub? Yep, it sounds pretty great to us too. They have bigger options called SeaBeds too but these maybe lack the romance. Be warned, all these lodges are very tight.
Glencoe House

Glencoe House is a place that needs to be seen to be believed. It’s luxurious, beautifully-appointed and most of the rooms have hot tubs.

Raise a toast and get ready to tuck in

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to refuel before afternoon adventures or a celebration dinner the evening of your elopement, here are the local spots we find ourselves recommending time and time again.

The Clachaig Inn

An open fire, friendly staff and good food make this a cosy spot for a drink and a warming meal. It’s one of the most traditional Scottish pubs in the area! (And fun fact: The inn is in Clachaig Gully, the site of Hagrid’s Hut from Harry Potter.)

The Glencoe Gathering

This is our favourite spot to eat. In our opinion, it’s the best pub food in the area and is in a great location.

Glencoe Mountain Resort

Good food and hot coffee. Sometimes, that’s exactly what the day calls for.

Loch Leven Seafood Cafe

A seasonal restaurant, this is a casual spot on Loch Leven for super fresh seafood.

Just a wee note: We have long recommended Kingshouse Hotel but are no longer feel we are able to do so due to a number of factors after a change in their business practices. Please get in touch with us before booking Kingshouse so we can fill you in on the details.

Making it legal and other details

All the legal stuff you’ll need to know

As photographers who have a lot of experience helping couples elope, we can always point you in the right direction, but we always recommend asking experts when it comes to filling out the legal paperwork. Your celebrant is a great source of information, or you can also find more at the Scotland Government Marriage Page.

A bit about cars and driving on the “correct” side of the road

That was for all you Outlanders who tell us we’re driving on the wrong side of the road. If you feel comfortable, we recommend renting a car and driving yourself around. We promise you get used to being on the other side of the road. Just be aware—we drive on the left and the roads around here can get very narrow. Think of it like part of the adventure! We’ll happily drive you around on your elopement day to make everything easier!

Nearest train stations

Fort William (30 minutes by car)
Tyndrum (40 minutes by car)
Oban (45 minutes by car)

Nearest airports

Inverness (2 hours by car)
Glasgow (2 hours by car)
Edinburgh (3 hours by car)

So, what’s in a name?

Glen Coe leads to Glencoe, which is a ways away from the head of the glen, and what? My head hurts.

Okay, here’s the difference for all you language nerds out there (say hi to Matt when you see him at the annual meet-up). Glen Coe is the valley, as in, the name of the valley (or glen) is Coe. The village of Glencoe, which sits on the shores of Loch Leven, is situated at the mouth of the valley.

For the sake of clarity (and finding any of this on Google), we’ll call the whole stunning area Glencoe.

“They drove us all over Glencoe to get the most stunning backdrops, guided us through every shot so we felt natural, and even made sure we stayed warm in the cold weather. We trusted them completely and they made the whole experience fun and stress-free.”

— Allison & Forest, USA

No more big wedding hoopla. Nope, not your thing.

No stress, no fuss, just you two, madly in love.

Who needs the chaos and family 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 blazing your own trail, right here in Glencoe!

Tossing aside the old norms… and embracing YOUR way of tying the knot.

Welcome. You are our kind of people.

You want to elope to Glencoe. We are the Glencoe Specialists.

It’s a match made in heaven.

Your adventure starts here

You are less than 1 minute away from starting the greatest adventure of your life. We would be absolutely thrilled to join you on this journey.

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