The Best Places To Elope In Scotland

A Guide To The Most Beautiful Scottish Locations

Before jumping into our list of the best places to elope in Scotland in 2024, feel free to check out our guide on how to plan your elopement in Scotland.  It’s full of useful information to help plan your Scottish elopement from beginning to end. 

Trying to decide on the best places to elope in Scotland? We’ve been photographing elopements around this beautiful country for over 10 years so we’re really excited to be able to share some of our favourite locations to tie the knot.  If you plan to elope in Scotland then put the kettle on, find somewhere cosy to sit and enjoy the read! 

.

.

.
.

The Best Places to Elope In Scotland

.
.

1. Glencoe elopement 

If you’re looking for epic mountainous backdrops, wild rivers, windy roads, untamed forests and a loch thrown in for good measure then you can’t go wrong with Glencoe and Glen Etive.  Without a doubt, it really is one of the best places to elope in Scotland! 

Glencoe is one of the most visited locations in Scotland and it can get pretty busy in the summer months.  However, with a bit of local knowledge it’s super-easy to find quiet locations away from the popular tourist hotspots.   

Another cool thing about Glencoe is that the majority of the locations are around 5-10 minutes from road access.  You genuinely feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere without having to hike for miles. 

I’ve explored the hills of Glencoe for over 10 years so I’d be more than happy to lend a hand if you’re searching for the perfect private ceremony location. 

Fun fact about Glencoe and the surrounding area: Many movies have been filmed there over the years including Skyfall, Macbeth, Under The Skin, Rob Roy, Brave Heart and Harry Potter. Be sure to check out the ‘James Bond: Skyfall’ road (Glen Etive) while you’re there. 

If you’re wondering where to elope in Scotland then perhaps Glencoe and it’s epic landscape is for you!

.

How to get to Glencoe

If you’re driving from it’s approximately a 2.5 hour journey and about a 2 hour Journey from Glasgow.  There’s plenty of beautiful scenery to look at on the way and you might spot a Highland Coo or two by the roadside as well!  About halfway is Mhor 84 restaurant which is a must-visit for coffee and a bite to eat. 

.

Where to stay at Glencoe

I recommend Glencoe House Hotel and if you’re in the mood for a pint and some hearty food after your elopement then not too far away from Glencoe House Hotel is a really awesome pub called the Clachaig Inn. Another hotel is Kings House which is conveniently located in Glencoe too. 

If you’re traveling with a small party of guests, check out St Mary’s Wedding Space – an intimate hidden elopement venue at Glencoe.

.
.

2. Isle of Skye Elopement 

There really is no other place in the world like the Isle of Skye. It’s one of the most famous locations in the world and it’s not hard to see why.  If I could describe this beautiful place in 1 word it would be ‘dramatic’! It’s one of the best places to elope in Scotland, if not the world!

During summer it’s a popular spot for mountain hikers and wildlife watchers. Deer, highland cows, seals, otters, whales, dolphins are just some of the wildlife you can spot while you’re there. 
 
It has a rich history of clans, castles and whisky so there is no shortage of history and interesting stuff to see and do. 
 
The two main towns on the island are Broadford and Portree. Both of which have restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and great 4G signal. 

.

Where are the best places to elope on Skye?

The Fairy Glen is known for its unique landscape formations, luscious ferns and you can’t help but feel you’re in a fantasy novel or movie.  It can get busy during the daytime however if you plan your elopement for the evening you can beat the crowds.

 
Another beautiful location is Loch Coruisk. Nestled within the Cuillin Mountains, it’s primarily accessed by a small boat (around a 40 minute boat trip) so it’s very private over there.  Definitely book a private charter with the team at Misty Isles Boat Trips for an unforgettable experience. 

.

About 25 minutes from the Fairy Glen is the Quiraing which is a sight that has to be seen to be believed.  The main lookout can be busy but there are hidden locations that offer the same backdrops without a soul in sight. 
 

Lastly, there is the iconic Old Man Of Storr and it’s other-worldly formations.  If you fancy a bit of a hike on your elopement day then look no further. It’s a popular attraction so a late evening ceremony is recommended if you want the place all to yourself.

.

How to get to Isle of Skye?

Skye is located on the west coast of Scotland and is accessible by bridge so driving is the easiest way.  There is also a ferry to Skye which departs from Mallaig at regular intervals. 
 
Skye is approximately 5.5 hours to from Edinburgh airport and 3 hours from Inverness airport. The roads on Skye can get busy and take care when driving as cows and sheep can roam freely.  Check out this guide here for some helpful tips on driving on Skye.

Accomodation on Isle of Skye

Good accommodation can book up really quickly so I can definitely book as early as possible.  Check out Airbnb and Visit Scotland for some accommodation ideas. 

If you’re eloping at Loch Coruisk and staying at Elgol, consider Coruisk House. Their food is amazing too.

Where to eat on Isle of Skye? 

If you fancy treating yourselves to a fancy meal then look no further than Three Chimneys restaurant. It’s highly regarded.
If you’re in the mood for some traditional Scottish pub food then The Old Inn is a top pick. Not too far away is The Oyster Shed which does great, you guessed it… oysters (and other seafood too)! 

.
.

3. Edinburgh Elopement 

One of the best places to elope in Scotland, or should I say best cities!
We’ve been lucky to call Edinburgh our home for 11 years now and we can honestly say that it is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities we’ve ever experienced.  From cobble-stoned alleyways, to wide open nature and epic views overlooking the city, it has all.  It’s absolutely bursting with culture and history! 

One of the most beautiful elopement locations is Calton Hill.  During the evening you can watch the sun go down and witness some of the most breath-taking views of the city. 

Another top spot is Holyrood Park.  With is wide open landscape it’s easy to feel like you’re in the middle of the Scottish highlands when in actual fact you’re just a few minutes walk away from the Royal Mile. 
 
Speaking of the Royal Mile, one can easily get lost in the cobble-stoned streets, old steps and nooks and crannies of the Old Town and it’s a must see if you’re eloping in Edinburgh. There’s also a great choice of coffee shops, pubs and places to grab a bite to eat while you’re out exploring the city on your elopement day.

.

Accommodation in Edinburgh

Finding accommodation is really easy.  There are plenty of stylish apartments right in the city centre available on Airbnb.
The most ideal base is near the Royal Mile / Old Town (close to restaurants, shops and main attractions). 

.

How to get to Edinburgh city centre from the Airport

Edinburgh airport is situated about 30 minutes outside of the city centre.  If you’re planning leaving the city then car hire is available at the airport. Otherwise there is a tram and airport bus that runs 24/7 to and from the city centre.  

.
.

4. Cairngorms Elopement 

The Cairngorms is the UK’s biggest national park, located in the northeast of Scotland.  It’s well-known for it’s mountains, forests, lochs, rivers, whisky distilleries and if you’re lucky you might even see reindeer!
 
If you’re wondering where to elope in Scotland then definitely add Loch An Eilein and the surrounding area to your list.   
Loch An Eilein is surrounded by miles of luscious forest and of course the loch which is absolutely stunning. A fee and permit for an elopement ceremony will be needed and you can find out about that here. 

.

How to get to the Cairngorms?

The Cairngorms national park is approximately a 2.5 hour drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow via the A9 highway. 

.
.

5. Loch Garten Elopement

A hidden gem of the Scottish Highlands! Loch Garten features very similar vibes to Loch An Eilein but can usually be a bit quieter so if you’re after ultimate privacy then maybe Loch Garten is the perfect place to elope for you! 
 
The nearest towns are Boat of Garten and Nethy Bridge.  Check out some of the cozy accommodation options over at https://www.lazyduck.co.uk. 

.

How to get to Loch Garten Nature Reserve

Loch Garten is approximately a 3 hour drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow via the A9 highway. 

.

So there they are, our top picks for the best places to elope in Scotland.  Of course there is so much more that Scotland has to offer and I could write forever so if you’re interested in a totally different Scottish location just let me know. I’ve travelled and photographed elopements all around Scotland over the years so I have whole list of new locations that are waiting to be discovered! 

.

.

Check out our ‘How To Elope In Scotland’ wedding guide:

.