Glencoe Elopement Specialists
Glencoe Elopement Photographers
We’ve been photographing elopements in Glencoe for over a decade
We lived here. Not “visited a few times” but actually lived in the glen. We’ve photographed elopements at every location in this valley, in every season, in every kind of weather.
We know which spots are empty at sunrise and which will be full of tour buses by 10am. We know where the wind drops, where the light falls and where you won’t see another person. That’s not something you get from a location scout. It comes from years of being here.
Two photographers at every booking. We can perform your ceremony. And if you want us to plan the whole thing, we’ll do that too.
We actually lived in Glencoe
We didn’t just visit for photo shoots. We lived in the glen for years. That means we don’t need to Google “best Glencoe elopement spots” but we’ve shot at all of them, repeatedly and we know which ones actually work for ceremonies and which ones just look good on Pinterest.
On our Zoom call we can share images and a map of specific locations based on what you want. We factor in accessibility, privacy, how adventurous you are and whether you’re bringing guests.
There’s far more to Glencoe than the three viewpoints you see on every photographer’s Instagram. We’d rather take you somewhere you’ll have to yourselves.
“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!”
What’s included
Our Glencoe elopement photography starts at £4,000. Both of us with you all day. Add planning for +£1,000 or video for +£1,000.
Here’s what the base package covers:
Both of us, all day: Two photographers capturing every moment from getting ready through to the last toast. No hourly limits, no clock-watching.
A curated gallery: Every image hand-edited. No filler, no duplicates. Quality over quantity.
Your ceremony: We can perform a non-legal ceremony for you. Handfasting, quaich, oathing stone, personal vows or any other tradition you’d like to include. Included with every booking, saving you the £500-750 a separate celebrant would cost.
Video call before your trip: We go through the plan, answer your questions and make sure everything is sorted.
Travel across mainland Scotland: Included in the price. Glencoe, Edinburgh, the Cairngorms, the coast.
Add planning (+£1,000): Location guidance from people who actually lived here, supplier introductions (celebrants, florists, hair and makeup), legal help, accommodation recommendations, Scotland trip planning, WhatsApp group with us for ongoing support.
Add video (+£1,000): A cinematic highlights film of your day.
Payments accepted securely online via credit/debit card. 25% deposit to secure your date.
“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.”
Let’s sort your Glencoe elopement
Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll take it from there.
Here are a few of our favourite locations to get you dreaming
From wee lochs to mountains that bring the drama, every hidden corner of Glencoe offers something stunning.
01
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.
02
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.”
03
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.
04
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.
05
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.
06
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.
Scotland’s climate can be a bit moody
(But that’s part of why we love it, right?)
That moodiness is magnified in Glencoe. Sudden rainstorms, whipping wind, snowflakes in June… the time of year you choose to elope in Glencoe can affect the look and feel of your ceremony and images. But as two people who lived here for years, our best advice to you is to be prepared for it all.
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.
Glencoe Accommodation for Your Elopement
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. If you’re from the US, check out our guide for Americans getting married in Scotland.
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)
Want a city instead?
Elope in Edinburgh
Not everyone wants a mountain. Edinburgh gives you cobbled streets, castle backdrops, hidden gardens and a cocktail bar ten minutes from your ceremony. Four completely different settings in a single afternoon, no hire car needed.
See Edinburgh ElopementsWant even more detail?
Get our free ULTIMATE 30+ page guide to eloping in Scotland. Locations, what to wear, season advice and more. Now including supplier recommendations!
Download Free GuideSo, 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.”
Two photographers. Over 200 elopements. Years of actually living in Glencoe.
We know every path, every viewpoint, every spot where the light does something worth capturing.
If you’re eloping in Glencoe, we should be the ones photographing it.
Let’s sort your Glencoe elopement
Tell us what you’re thinking. We’ll take it from there.