Scotland Elopement Packages

Scotland is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and enchanting castles, making it a dream destination for couples.  From rugged highlands to serene lochs, Scotland offers a variety of stunning locations for your special day. This is not only a top place to elope, but it’s also a perfect place for couples looking to elope at a remote location to have a “just us” wedding day. It’s also a top honeymoon spot too!

This guide will help you plan your perfect Scotland elopement, from our inclusive, featured elopement packages covering the best places to elope, the ideal time to elope, marriage license requirements for U.S. citizens, and more.

Scotland Elopement Packages

To help you plan your dream day, we’ve curated our top Scotland elopement packages from our featured elopement photographers. These packages are designed to capture the essence of Scotland’s beauty while offering you a seamless and personalized experience.

Whether you’re envisioning a romantic ceremony by a misty loch, a windswept elopement in the Highlands, or a fairytale moment at an ancient castle, our talented photographers will ensure your special day is beautifully documented and tailored to your vision.

To get started and book a package, simply press “contact vendor”. 

Places to Elope in Scotland

Photo by The Sassenachs

There are multiple places you can visit to plan your elopement. While we are going to mention a few popular areas, it’s important to note that we recommend teaming up with a vendor who specializes in the area to discuss hidden spots a lot of tourists don’t know about!

Isle of Skye

Location Map

The Isle of Skye is known for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, and the Fairy Pools. Its rugged beauty, mystical atmosphere, and breathtaking views make it one of the most popular elopement destinations in Scotland.

Best Spots: Quiraing for panoramic views, Neist Point for stunning cliffside vistas, and the Fairy Glen for a magical, otherworldly setting.

Many couples who want to elope in Scotland, usually opt for a location within Isle of Skye. This popularity can lead to trouble finding accommodations during busy months in Summer.

Check out this Enchanted Fairy Glen Elopement in the Isle of Sky.

Trossachs National Park

Location Map

Near Edinburgh and Glasgow, you will find the gorgeous Trossachs National Park. This park in Scotland is filled with beautiful mountain views. You will also enjoy lochs (lakes or sea inlets), rolling hills, and forests.

Best Spots: Loch Lomond and the panoramic summit of Ben A’an, are perfect for couples seeking dramatic views. Bracklinn Falls has a gorgeous backdrop with cascading waterfalls. Duke’s Pass and the Three Lochs Forest Drive feature scenic lookouts.

Glencoe

Location Map

If you’re looking for a romantic destination, then Glencoe is a great place to consider eloping. This landscape is filled with mountain views, lochs, waterfalls, and so much more. This is also a perfect destination for couples looking for a moody and dramatic ceremony destination.

Glencoe is a glacial valley known for its majestic mountains, deep valleys, and tranquil lochs. The area’s dramatic scenery provides a perfect backdrop for a romantic and intimate elopement.

Best Spots: The Three Sisters for a mountainous backdrop, Loch Achtriochtan for a serene lakeside setting, and the Glencoe Pass for breathtaking views.

Edinburgh

Location Map

For couples who want a mix of history and urban charm, Edinburgh offers a stunning cityscape with iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Royal Mile. The city’s historic architecture and vibrant culture make it a versatile elopement destination.

Best Spots: Edinburgh Castle for a grand, historical setting, Arthur’s Seat for panoramic city views, and Calton Hill for iconic skyline shots.

Cairngorms National Park

Location Map

Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK, offering diverse landscapes from ancient forests and rolling hills to pristine rivers and towering mountains. It’s perfect for nature-loving couples seeking solitude and scenic beauty.

Best Spots: Loch an Eilein for a romantic lakeside ceremony, the Rothiemurchus Forest for a woodland backdrop, and the Cairngorm Mountains for epic mountain views.

Eilean Donan Castle

Location Map

Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, set on a small island where three lochs meet. The castle’s fairytale appearance and stunning surroundings make it an ideal location for a traditional Scottish elopement.

Best Spots: The castle itself for a historic and romantic ceremony, the bridge leading to the castle for scenic photos, and the surrounding lochs for tranquil, reflective shots.

Outer Hebrides

Location Map

The Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides is a unique landscape known for its beaches and interconnected islands. This is the perfect spot if you want a stunning view on a beach.

This area is perfect for a more relaxing elopement experience, although there’s plenty of hiking and wildlife to enjoy here as well.

Best Spots: Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris, known for its pristine white sands and turquoise waters, and the ancient Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis, providing a mystical, historic backdrop. Horgabost Beach, also on Harris, offers seclusion with golden sands and clear waters.

When to Elope in Scotland

Photo by The Caryls Photography

Scotland is gorgeous year-round with unique qualities to appreciate. It all depends on what type of elopement you both are aiming for. Spring, Autumn, and Winter can give you gorgeous lighting, but winter months are also wetter months in Scotland.

Summer is beautiful, but the weather conditions are harsher, and you should consider a sunrise or sunset ceremony during this time to avoid harsh lighting. Summer is also the busiest time to visit Scotland.

If rain is a big concern for you, then we definitely recommend eloping in Scotland from April to May.

Spring (March to May)

Average temperatures: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)

Pros:

• Mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and beautiful spring blooms
• Ideal for outdoor elopements in scenic locations like gardens, parks, and the countryside

Cons:

• Variable weather, with occasional rain and chilly winds

Summer (June to August)

Average temperatures: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

Pros:

• Days are long, with up to 18 hours of daylight
• Warmer temperatures, and vibrant landscapes
• Ideal for elopements in outdoor locations like beaches, mountains, and lochs

Cons:

• The busiest tourist season
• May result in crowded locations and higher accommodation costs.

Autumn (September to November)

Average temperatures: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)

Pros:

• Beautiful autumn colors
• Fewer tourists
• Cooler, comfortable weather
• Perfect for elopements in woodlands, parks, and historic sites

Cons:

• Shorter days
• Occasional rain and early frosts

Winter (December to February)

Average temperatures: 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F)

Snow is common in the highlands and mountainous areas.

Pros:

• Snow-covered landscapes create a magical, fairytale atmosphere
• Ideal for elopements in castles, historic sites, and snowy highlands

Cons:

• Cold temperatures
• Shorter daylight hours
• Potential travel disruptions and restrictions due to snow and ice

Scotland Marriage License

Photo by Oli and Steph Photography

Can Americans get legally married in Scotland? YES!

Foreigners are not required to have legal residency to get married in Scotland. All you need is the appropriate paperwork including your passport, birth certificate, a notice form, and two witnesses.

If you aren’t traveling with family and friends, then talk to your elopement vendors, who will more than gladly act as your witnesses!

Another important thing to consider if you want to legally get married in Scotland is submitting your marriage notice at least 3 months before your wedding day to avoid any complications.

Once your marriage has been approved, you will receive a marriage schedule, which should be taken with you to your wedding ceremony. You will also receive this paperwork 7 days before your wedding day.

After your ceremony, you need to submit your marriage schedule to the registrar’s office within 3 days of your ceremony. If you don’t turn this document in time, then your marriage will not be legalized!

If all this is too overwhelming for you, then you can absolutely opt to legalize your marriage at home and hold a symbolic ceremony in beautiful Scotland.

Check out this website for all the marriage documents needed for a Scotland elopement.

Scotland Elopement Permits

Photo by Marijane Soilis Photography

• National Parks and Protected Areas: If you plan to elope in one of Scotland’s national parks, such as Cairngorms or Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, you may need a permit for certain locations, especially if you plan to set up any structures (e.g., an arch) or have a professional photoshoot. Contact the local park authority for specific permit requirements.
• Historic Sites and Castles: Some historic sites, castles, and private estates may require permission or a permit for elopements or photoshoots. It’s essential to check with the venue in advance and secure any necessary permissions.
• Public Land: For small, informal ceremonies on public land, permits are generally not required. However, it’s courteous to inform the local council or landowner, especially if you expect a larger group or have specific requirements.

Places to Stay in Scotland

Scotland offers a diverse range of accommodations that perfectly complement its stunning landscapes, whether you’re seeking a luxurious castle stay, a cozy countryside inn, or a secluded cottage by the loch. From the historic charm of Edinburgh to the rugged beauty of the Highlands and islands, there’s something for every couple.

Check out some of our favorite places to stay:

Check out this cottage by Isle of Skye. 

Check out this 4 bedroom home. 

Check out this Glencoe home. 

Check out this chalet by Cairngorms National Park.

Check out this apartment near Edinburgh. 

Elopement Vendors for Your Scotland Elopement Package

Now that you know how to plan a Scotland elopement, let’s talk about teaming up with the perfect elopement vendors to build your Scotland elopement package.

Check out our members who specialize in Scotland elopements: