The most romantic Scottish elopement and micro-wedding locations

We say it all the time but we really are lucky to live in such a beautiful country.

It’s no wonder couples flock from all around the world to tie the knot here.

The fact that our marriage laws make it possible to wed anywhere your celebrant deems suitable means the location list is virtually limitless.

Want to marry by a loch? No problem. Up a mountain? Why not? Or in an intimate but uber-cool city centre location. Perfect.

We’ve asked wedding celebrants and photographers to choose just a few of their favourite elopement and micro-wedding spots to help narrow down your search…

In ruins

Paula and Damian were the first couple humanist celebrant Tim Maguire married at the ruin of St Anthony’s Chapel on the side of Arthur’s Seat and he’s been back recently for a vow renewal.

“One of the attractions – apart from the incredible view of the city – if that you don’t have to pay to be there,” says Tim.

“You just have to tell Historic Scotland and keep your wedding party small – so that’s an easy requirement to meet right now.”

Mountain high

“Mountains are obvious choices for get away from it all ceremonies,” says Tim.

One of his favourite venues is the summit of Buachaille Etive Mhor in Glencoe – “definitely one for the intrepid couples among us.”

Stately setting

For an indoor location Tim loves the rooms at Prestonfield House, including the Leather Room, the walls of which are panelled with 17th century Cordoba leather.

“It’s the perfect size for a two + two + me,” he says.

Prestonfield House’s Stuart Room is also perfect for elopements and micro-weddings and it’s where Tim married Sally and Iain.

In the hills

Lesley Anderson from Independent Humanist Ceremonies married Gary and Jenn in an intimate elopement at Pitlochry last July.

She loved the location coupled with the flexibility elopements afford.

“Being part of such a small, intimate wedding is such a privilege and so exciting,” says Lesley.

“These small weddings really get to the heart of what a wedding is; intimate, romantic and completely focused on the love between two people.”

Capital choice

“I’ve chosen Auld Reekie itself,” says Fuze Ceremonies celebrant Mo Ackroyd.

“Even though it has the hustle and bustle of a busy city it is also steeped in history and romance and where the Luckenbooth Brooch was born, a Scottish heart-shaped brooch … often given by a groom to his bride as a sign of their love and marriage.”

Sitting on the outskirts of Edinburgh is Carberry Tower, the historic stately home with royal connections.

Mo married American couple Allen and Laura in a romantic and intimate elopement ceremony under a 300-year-old tree in the grounds.

“You couldn’t help but get caught up in the romance of it all,” remembers Mo.

“From the autumnal colours in the bride’s floral crown and bouquet to the groom’s matching buttonhole and the colours of the handfasting ribbons.

“They warmed the cockles of their hearts as they drank Scottish whisky from a wooden quaich, as a symbol of their union as husband and wife.”

The couple finished off their romantic elopement with dinner in the capital’s iconic The Witchery restaurant on the Royal Mile.

Regency vibes

Lex and Dan’s Edinburgh ceremony location could have been a perfect set for Bridgerton, with all it regency style.

The couple got married at the Georgian House, a luxurious Robert Adam townhouse in the city’s New Town, before heading to the Royal Botanic Gardens for their gorgeous couple’s photoshoot.

Their wedding photographer Robbie from Duke Wedding Photography says, “What I loved about Lex and Dan’s plan was to have a low-key ceremony in Charlotte Square, within a beautiful historic venue that I’ve walked past many times but never been inside before.

“Then to be driven down towards the Royal Botanic Gardens, to spend around 40 minutes exploring the best locations we could find in what was a fairly short amount of time.”

And for just the cost of access, the Botanic Gardens provided them with a friendly guide to show them around.

“I thought this was a nice touch and made the walk round feel really personalised,” remembers Robbie.

“It’s great to see that even having a micro-wedding or elopement, regardless of where you choose your ceremony venue, you can still include an iconic part of Edinburgh without having to spend a fortune.

“The variation of spaces within a short walk was brilliant for use as backdrops, and although a public space – it felt very private compared to somewhere like Calton Hill or the Royal Mile.”

Go west

“Our favourite micro-wedding or elopement spot would definitely be the west coast of Scotland, like Portavadie Marina or Castle Lachlan,” says photographer Chantal from The Gibsons.

“I love the sunsets that we get treated to if the weather is playing ball.

“The views, the amazing locations for photos from rocky outcrops to the beach or green and vibrant landscapes and forests.

“There are so many options and it’s always new and exciting every time!”

King (or queen) of the castle

Caroline Pearson, a celebrant with Humanist Society Scotland, married Tasha and Paul who had travelled many miles to elope to a Scottish castle.

“When their date was cancelled at the eleventh hour, (as the hotel had to close for lockdown) Dalhousie Castle’s team went the extra mile to make sure they could still get married,” says Caroline.

“It’s a stunning, very cool venue with loads of romance and history and always a very warm welcome – even in Scottish midwinter and a global pandemic!”

We’re used to seeing Dundas Castle near Edinburgh play host to huge glamorous weddings but Rachel and Garret proved it can also provide a surprisingly cosy and homely setting for a micro-wedding.

The couple travelled from the USA with around 20 guests and Robbie from Duke Wedding Photography says it was amazing to see the castle work so well for a smaller party.

“While very grand on arrival, Dundas Castle’s interior spaces are more like a cosy home, albeit steeped in history and a very fancy home at that,” he says.

“The main drawing room is a fantastic space for the groomsmen to lounge in, for the bridal party to have elegant photographs taken and really suits group shots of around five to 10 people.

“The castle also has an amazing rooftop that looks fantastic for photographs with just the couple, expansive views over the Firth of Forth or even back towards Edinburgh.”

Garden gatherings

“The Hidden Gardens was the most gorgeous backdrop for a marriage,” says celebrant Ronit Quale of Humanist Society Scotland, remembering Beth and Jamie’s cool micro-wedding.

“It’s in the heart of Glasgow but feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere.

“Cooried in under a blanket, in the November drizzle just made the whole things so intimate and romantic.”

And it’s not just public gardens and spaces that make ideal elopement locations.

Ronit has conducted lots of ceremonies in people’s own gardens, including Leigh and Fraser’s in Fraser’s dad’s garden.

“It was beautiful and perfect,” says Ronit.

“Who says you need a fancy venue? Nine guests and the person you love – plus the best outfits.

“Leigh and Fraser nailed it.”

Did you choose an unusual location for your elopement?

Let us know and contact Katie