Isle of Skye Elopement Guide

The Isle of Skye has to be the most magical place to elope in mystical Scotland. Oli and Steph, photographers, give us an inside scoop of what couples need to know when planning their epic Scotland elopement adventure. We’ll break down some of the best places to elope at Isle of Skye and additional tips and tricks to take with you on your journey.

Are you hyped to elope in Scotland but not sure if the Isle of Skye is right for you? Luckily for you, we have an in-depth Scotland elopement package with featured elopement vendors and other top places to elope in Scotland.

Vendors For Your Isle of Skye Elopement Package

Photography by Oli and Steph Photography

The best way to plan your Isle of Skye elopement is to team up with an experienced elopement vendor. When you’re thinking about how much your Isle of Skye elopement will cost, you’ll want to budget based on your vendors! Check out our members who specialize in Isle of Skye elopement and micro weddings below.

Best Places to Elope in the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is probably one of the most beautiful elopement destinations in the world! While we are going to mention some of our favorite places to elope, it’s always smart to team up with an elopement vendor to discuss your elopement vision. They are also amazing at teaming up and suggesting more remote locations, that not many other people know about.

Fairy Glen

Photography by Oli and Steph Photography

Location Map

If you’re looking for a literal fairytale vibe for your elopement, then Fairy Glen is our top pick. Surrounded by greenery, rolling hills, and sparkling waters, this is a great spot to exchange your vows together. You’ll also see some of the most magical views from the top of the hill. This spot is pretty popular with tourists, so plan an early morning elopement ceremony or plan your elopement during the week.

A Beach

Photography by Oli and Steph Photography

There are a few beaches where you can either plan your ceremony or portraits within Skye. Beach elopements tend to be pretty popular for a lot of couples, especially if it’s a black sand beach. We definitely recommend picking a second spot to explore if you’re interested in having a beach ceremony, so you can get two completely different looks for your wedding photos.

Quiraing

Photography by Oli and Steph Photography

Location Map

The Ouiraing is an iconic place to elope on the Isle of Skye with dramatic views and gorgeous spots to have your ceremony. This is the site of an ancient landslip that has created a mystical landscape of rolling hills and cliffs. The Quiraing has often been the place for many moody and rainy elopements we have featured. For really adventurous couples, take the hike to the top, which will take you about 2 hours.

Old Man of Storr

Location Map

Just north of Skye, you’ll find the picturesque Old Man of Storr. This location is a 45-minute hike up to the huge rock pinnacles with views out over the ocean. If you’re looking for something dramatic and different for your Isle of Skye wedding, then definitely consider this spot. A pro tip is to bring some rain gear for this location since the weather in this location can be a bit wet.

Elgol

Location Map

Are you looking for mountain views? Elgol is tucked away in the town of Broadford, and you’ll be able to enjoy views of the Cullin mountains and water here. We love this location because there’s an iconic honeycomb rock where many couples and their loved ones gather to have their wedding ceremony. This area is also less touristy than many of the other spots we mentioned.

Loch Coruisk

Location Map

Loch Coruisk is an elopement experience to remember. You’ll need a private boat to visit this location, which is in the heart of the Cullin mountains. Another option you have is to plan your elopement overlooking the ocean at the ruins of Duntulm or Dunscaith Castle. The one thing to keep in mind if you want to elope somewhere within the Loch Coruisk area is the boat schedule and the weather. Boats to this area run from March to October, but if the weather is bad for whatever reason, then no boats will take you there. Talk to your elopement team about alternative elopement locations if the weather does not cooperate.

The Fairy Pools

Location Map

The best thing about Scotland is the diversity you’ll see, especially in the Isle of Skye area. The Fairy Pools is a great idea for couples who want to incorporate the movement of water, without going to a nearby beach. The area around the Fairy Pool can take about 3 hours to explore, so this is a unique spot to either have your ceremony or take your wedding portraits.

When to Elope at the Isle of Skye in Scotland

Photography by Oli and Steph Photography

The Isle of Skye can have a pretty rainy and unpredictable climate. This rainy season is what gives so many Scotland elopements that moody feel.

We personally recommend eloping in the Isle of Skye during May, August, or September. If you’re planning outside of those months, that’s ok too! Just ask your elopement vendor for any advice. If you’re planning during cooler months, then pack in layers underneath your wedding attire to help keep warm.

Here’s a breakdown of what each season offers to help you decide when to elope on the Isle of Skye:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is an ideal time for an Isle of Skye elopement. The island begins to come alive with lush greenery, blooming wildflowers, and longer daylight hours. Although the weather can still be unpredictable with occasional rain and chilly winds, the natural beauty of Skye starts to shine through.

• Advantages: Fewer tourists, vibrant landscapes, and clear views of the famous Cuillin mountains.
• Temperatures: Expect average temperatures between 45°F (7°C) and 55°F (13°C).
• What to Consider: Early spring can still be chilly, so bring layers. However, mid-to-late spring offers a good balance between mild weather and blooming scenery.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the most popular time to elope on the Isle of Skye, thanks to the warmer temperatures and long daylight hours (up to 18 hours of daylight!). This season offers the best chance for clear skies and epic views of the island’s dramatic landscapes.

• Advantages: Long days for extended photo sessions, warm weather, and the chance to explore more remote locations.
• Temperatures: Daytime temperatures range between 55°F (13°C) and 65°F (18°C).
• What to Consider: Summer also brings more tourists, especially in July and August. Booking accommodations and permits early is essential to avoid crowds. Also, the infamous Scottish midges (tiny biting insects) can be a nuisance, so bring insect repellent.

Fall (September to November)

Fall on the Isle of Skye offers a magical, moody atmosphere, with golden foliage and mist-covered mountains. The island’s rugged beauty is especially striking during this time, and the weather is often more stable than in spring.

• Advantages: Fewer crowds, stunning autumnal colors, and dramatic skies for photography.
• Temperatures: Expect temperatures between 45°F (7°C) and 55°F (13°C).
• What to Consider: Rain is more frequent in the fall, so be prepared for wet weather. However, the occasional mist and rain can add to the ethereal beauty of your elopement photos.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the most peaceful time to elope on the Isle of Skye. While the weather can be harsh, with short daylight hours and cold temperatures, the winter landscape is truly magical. Snow-dusted mountains, quiet roads, and dramatic skies make for a strikingly romantic setting.

• Advantages: Absolute seclusion, stunning winter scenery, and a truly intimate elopement experience.
• Temperatures: Expect colder weather, with temperatures ranging from 35°F (2°C) to 45°F (7°C).
• What to Consider: Winter days are much shorter, with only 6-7 hours of daylight. Weather conditions can also be unpredictable, so it’s essential to have a flexible plan and warm clothing.

Isle of Skye Wedding License and Permits

Photography by Oli and Steph Photography

How Can I Get Married on the Isle of Skye?

In Scotland, there are no residence requirements for couples who want to get married. So this means you can be a citizen of any country and can marry in any district of Scotland. In Scotland, you can have a humanist, religious, or registrar to make your ceremony legal.

If you want to get legally married here, then you’ll need to give the district registrar notice (complete a Marriage Notice Form (M10) which costs about $96 ) in the area where you want to marry. For eloping on Skye, you will want to get in touch with the Portree & Raasay Office. You must give proper notice at least 30 days before your wedding ceremony. Remember to submit this completed form no later than 3 days after your ceremony.

The only other thing you need to keep in mind is you must have two witnesses, but talk to your elopement team if you’re struggling with this requirement.

Should I Worry About Permits in the Isle of Skye?

You can actually hold your ceremony anywhere on the Isle of Skye! This allows so much creative freedom for couples. Just keep in mind to get your elopement ceremony location approved by your elopement team and make sure your location is not on private property (there will be a fee for these types of locations).

Planning a Micro Wedding in Big Isle of Skye Versus an Intimate Elopement

Places to Stay in Isle of Skye

When planning your elopement on the Isle of Skye, choosing the perfect place to stay is essential to enhance the magic of your experience. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage nestled in the hills, a luxury hotel with stunning views of the rugged coastline, or a charming bed and breakfast surrounded by natural beauty, Skye offers a variety of accommodations that cater to every style and preference. From tranquil retreats to adventure-filled locations, the Isle of Skye provides the perfect backdrop to relax and celebrate your special day in one of Scotland’s most breathtaking destinations.

Check out this eco home. 

Check out this cottage by the beach.

Check out this home.

Check out this cottage with sea views.

Let’s keep planning your flights and stay in the Isle of Skye.

Top Tips For Your Isle of Skye Elopement

Photography by Oli and Steph Photography

We want to thank Oli and Steph for helping us put this amazing resource together. We asked them what their top tips were when eloping at this epic area in Scotland. Here’s what they had to say:

1. Embrace the weather

“One question that almost all couples ask us is ‘What if it rains, can we still have an outdoor ceremony?’ The answer is a massive yes! We’ve never had a couple not go ahead with their ceremony due to the weather. Sometimes we may switch the location to reduce the amount of hiking involved, but you are coming to Skye for the epic scenery and we make sure that is what you get. From the point of view of the photography, the rain with the swirling mist we often get on Skye gives so much mood and depth to images, and the raw emotions of the day really shine through when you are out in the elements.” [Oli and Steph Photography]

2. Book your accommodation early

The Isle of Skye is a really popular location and to ensure that you get a place to stay that you absolutely love, we recommend booking your hotel or cute Airbnb as far in advance as you can.

“For an easy elopement experience the three things you need to book as soon as you can are; your photographers, your accommodation, and your celebrant to marry you. Once you have those three things set you can relax and take your time to book your other vendors and to decide on your timeline, which your photographers should help you with.” [Oli and Steph Photography]

3. Choose a sunrise/sunset ceremony

In the summer months, the Isle of Skye can be busy so if you want one of the more iconic locations for your ceremony we recommend going either early or late to avoid any crowds, and also to get the best light so your photos will look even more amazing.

4. We recommend that you come to Skye for at least one week

There is so much to explore and do here, from eating local cuisine at Michelin-star restaurants to hiking to whisky tasting, and have at least two days on the island before your elopement to relax and get over any jet lag.

Elopement Ideas For Your Isle of Skye Elopement

So what can you do during your Isle of Skye elopement adventure? Oli and Steph give couples some awesome ideas:

Hiking and Mult-Day Elopements

Photography by Oli and Steph Photography

“For couples that enjoy hiking, we love overnight camping elopements way up in the mountains. Multi-day elopements give you the chance to really explore Skye and to get photos at sunset and sunrise in the most epic locations on the island. We work with some amazing mountain guides that can get you safely up into the world-famous Cuillin mountains and you could even do some abseiling and scrambling. For a less extreme version, we can stay in one of Skye’s bothy’s – mountain huts that are free for anyone to stay in, and are located in some of the most beautiful spots.” [Oli and Steph Photography]

Picnics

Photography by Oli and Steph Photography

“Picnics! We have some amazing suppliers on Skye that can create you the most beautiful styled picnic complete with a bell tent to enjoy after your ceremony. You could have your picnic on a black sand beach, by a river, or at a castle.” [Oli and Steph Photography]

Planning a Fun Activity

Photography by Oli and Steph Photography

“Doing an activity on the morning of your elopement. Skye is the perfect place for paddle boarding and kayaking; imagine spending your wedding morning floating on the water watching the local seals and dolphins swim by, and seeing eagles overhead. If you don’t fancy paddling yourself, you could go on a morning boat trip to spot wildlife and you might even see a whale.” [Oli and Steph Photography]

Are you ready to elope at the Isle of Skye?

Photography by Oli and Steph Photography