Are you currently engaged, but the thought of being centre stage in front of so many people keeping you awake at night? If your idea of the dream wedding involves adventuring just the two of you, or with your immediate family or closest friends to a fairytale setting out in the wilderness then an elopement might just be for you. Whether it’s in the dramatic back drop of Glencoe with its Outlander style vibes, or the striking scenery of the Isle of Skye, fairytale woodlands or calm sandy beaches, Scotland has something for everyone. Elopements take the stress out of organising a big day and trying to accommodate so many people, for an elopement its just all about you two. Emotional, intimate and romantic, elopements are becoming more and more popular for couples who do not want a traditional day and prefer to do things their way in the middle of breathtaking scenery with just the two of you and few witnesses.
decided to plan your elopement in scotland?
Scotland is currently the only country in the UK that allows you to get legally married anywhere with a registered celebrant. You can pretty much choose anywhere and have free reign to pick mountains/forests/beaches, whatever suits you both as a couple.
Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone, I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One. I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done.
Whether you're exchanging vows on a windswept mountaintop, beside a hidden waterfall or overlooking one of Scotland's breathtaking lochs, your elopement deserves to be remembered in every way possible. That's why I capture both photography and cinematic video, giving you two storytellers in one. With years of experience photographing adventurous elopements, I know the moments you'll want to relive forever, not just how they looked, but how they felt. Your photographs will freeze the beauty of the day, while your film brings it all back to life; the wind in your hair, the laughter, the vows, and the incredible landscapes that surrounded you. One seamless experience, one familiar face behind the camera, and memories you'll never stop coming back to.
Elopement photo and video scotland
Eloping started in Scotland
The concept of eloping has historical ties to Scotland, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. One famous location associated with elopements is Gretna Green, a village just over the border from England. During that time, English law required couples to be at least 21 years old to marry without parental consent, while Scottish law allowed marriage without parental consent at a younger age, with the minimum age being 16.
-Freya & Fraser - Boturich Wedding.
"The photos and service we received from Roma was nothing short of outstanding. Aside from her skill and ability to capture beautiful moments, which are
clear from her work you can view on her website, she put us at ease from the first call with her, and was an amazing addition on the day! ."
-Elena & Mike .
"I just wanted to give you a huge thank for you yesterday. You were beyond amazing. During an event where everything went wrong, bus cancelling, my original dress disappearing night before, along with people’s reading etc, I was honestly on verge of canceling morning of/ a ball of stress when you arrived. From the moment you got there to the moment you left you were not only an incrediable photographer but the most calming presence. I truly cannot thank you enough. Mike and I went to bed talking about how you were our saving grace. I just want to thank you for making everything so wonderful".
The romantic bit…
As a result, many young English couples would "elope" to Scotland to marry quickly and without the need for parental approval. Gretna Green, being the first village across the border, became synonymous with these runaway marriages, with blacksmiths and other locals often officiating the ceremonies. This historical context has contributed to the romantic and adventurous connotations of eloping..
Can I elope anywhere in Scotland?
Yes, Scotland is the only place in the UK that you can elope anywhere, as long as you follow the legal requirements for marriage in the country. Here are the steps and considerations for eloping in Scotland:
Notice of Marriage: Both parties must submit a marriage notice to the registry office in the district where you intend to marry. This must be done at least 29 days before the wedding, but it is recommended to allow 6-8 weeks to ensure all paperwork is processed in time.
Marriage Schedule: Once the notices are processed, the registry office will prepare a marriage schedule, which is a document that authorizes the marriage to take place. This must be collected in person by one of the parties at the registry office before the ceremony.
Legal Officiant: You need to have an authorized officiant to conduct the ceremony. This can be a registrar from the local council or a religious officiant who is authorized to perform marriages in Scotland. I have a list of some brilliant ones I have had the pleasure of working with.
Witnesses: Scottish law requires at least two witnesses to be present at the ceremony. These witnesses must be at least 16 years old. I have had the pleasure of not only being the photographer but also a witness to many of my couples elopements.
Location: You can choose any location for your elopement in Scotland, including outdoor venues like beaches, forests, mountains, or historic sites. Many people opt for romantic or scenic spots such as castles, lochs, or even remote countryside locations.
Returning the Marriage Schedule: After the ceremony, the signed marriage schedule must be returned to the registry office within three days to have the marriage officially registered.
Popular Elopement Locations in Scotland
Gretna Green: Famous for runaway marriages.
Isle of Skye: Known for its dramatic landscapes.
Edinburgh: Offers historic sites like Edinburgh Castle or intimate settings in its beautiful gardens.
Highlands: Provides stunning natural backdrops.
Lochs: Loch Lomond and Loch Ness are popular for their beauty.
Planning Tips
Hire a Local Planner: Consider hiring a local wedding planner to help navigate legal requirements and logistics. I have a list of some lovely ones I have worked with ion you would like some recommendations.
Weather Considerations: Be prepared for Scotland's unpredictable weather, especially if you plan to marry outdoors.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a romantic and legally recognized elopement anywhere in Scotland.
If you are planning to elope and would like to enquire about availability for your special day then just get in touch.
If you would like to see some more galleries of elopements in Scotland then click here.
You can also see behind the scenes from my elopements on myTik Tok.
faqs
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE BOOK?
Since I take on a limited number of elopements per year, no more than 10, I encourage couples to book as early as possible to secure their date.
can you get married anywhere in scotland
Yes. In Scotland, you can legally elope almost anywhere, which is one of the reasons it's such a popular destination for intimate weddings.
Unlike many places, Scotland allows legal marriage ceremonies in outdoor locations and other meaningful places, as long as:
The ceremony is conducted by an authorized celebrant (such as a Humanist Society Scotland celebrant or a registrar, depending on the type of ceremony).
You complete the required marriage paperwork and submit your notice to the local registration office in advance.
The landowner gives permission if the location is on private land.
what are popular locations in scotland to have our elopement
Some of the most popular elopement locations include:
Isle of Skye – Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Fairy Glen, Neist Point.
Glencoe – dramatic mountain scenery with countless quiet spots.
Glen Etive – famous from Skyfall and perfect for secluded ceremonies.
Cairngorms National Park – forests, lochs, and mountain views.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs – beaches, woodland, and lochside settings.
Edinburgh – Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill, Dean Village, or nearby beaches.
Scottish Highlands – hidden glens, waterfalls, and remote lochs.
Coastal locations – beaches in East Lothian, the North Coast 500, or the Isle of Harris.
Many couples even choose places like:
A mountaintop after a short hike.
Beside a waterfall.
On a quiet beach.
In a forest.
At a castle ruin.
By a secluded loch.
How to elope in scotand
Dreaming of an intimate wedding surrounded by Scotland's incredible landscapes? Whether it's a mountaintop at sunrise, a hidden waterfall, or a quiet loch tucked away in the Highlands, eloping in Scotland is easier than you might think.
1. Choose Your Perfect Location
One of the best things about getting married in Scotland is that you can legally marry almost anywhere. From the Isle of Skye and Glencoe to the Cairngorms and the rugged coastline, the possibilities are endless. I'll help you find the perfect location based on your vision, the season, and how adventurous you'd like your day to be.
2. Book Your Celebrant
Scotland is one of the few places in the world where you can have a legal outdoor wedding ceremony. Humanist ceremonies are especially popular for elopements, allowing you to marry in stunning natural locations while creating a ceremony that's completely personal to you.
3. Complete the Legal Paperwork
To marry legally in Scotland, you'll need to submit your marriage notice forms to the local registration office before your wedding. If you're travelling from abroad, don't worry,I'll guide you through the process and point you towards the information you need.
4. Plan Your Adventure
Your elopement can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you want it to be. Hike to a mountain summit, exchange vows beside a waterfall, explore hidden glens, or enjoy a picnic overlooking a loch. There are no rules, your day should reflect who you are as a couple.
5. Capture Every Moment
Your elopement is more than just a ceremony, it's an experience you'll remember for the rest of your lives. That's why I capture both photography and cinematic video, so you can relive not only how your day looked, but how it felt. From the sound of your vows to the wind sweeping through the Highlands, every moment becomes part of your story.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you're dreaming of an unforgettable Scottish elopement, I'd love to help. From finding the perfect location and planning your timeline to capturing every incredible moment, I'll be there every step of the way, so you can focus on what matters most, each other.
wind and lamas at this boturich castle wedding day
Spring wedding in the bluebells at boturich castle
cosy, romantic rainy day wedding at boturich castle
Summer outdoor wedding at boturich castle
I'm a fine art photographer for the adventurous and the romantic, I am based in Glasgow in Scotland. I have been described as an 'artistic' photographer by others and this probably sums up my work quite well. I have had my work featured on Vogue Italia, We Fell in Love, My lovely Scottish Wedding, US Blog Ruffled Wedding Blog and many more..
About me
Hello There! Thanks For Stopping By. I Am Roma
I like old movies and new friends. I'm a hopeless romantic, my favourite movies are Gone with the Wind and pretty much most films directed by Baz Luhrmann. I was brought up on alot of Disney which is most likely where my happily ever after streak has grown from! I am a huge animal lover and have an unhealthy obsession with anything pirate themed and Audrey Hepburn.
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