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thinking of eloping? reasons to choose scotland

If you’ve already read “how to elope in Scotland”, you’ll know there are options galore on where you can get hitched in this beautiful country! But, you might still be on the fence about the “why”. And if the image above hasn’t already sealed the deal, here are a few more reasons for why eloping, especially in Scotland, can be truly magical.

location

Scotland is BEAUTIFUL. There are so many choices for location in this relatively small country that there is sure to be somewhere suitable for any couple. Are you looking for dramatic mountains? No problem! Glencoe, the Isle of Skye and Assynt are just a few of the places that offer some truly breath-taking peaks.

If beaches are more your style, then Scotland has those too – even if the water is a tad chilly! Places like Durness, Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull and Arisaig have beaches that would convince many you had eloped to the Caribbean. Gorgeous white sand with aqua blue water makes for a stunning backdrop to your special day.

Another thing that Scotland is famed for is its castles, and boy are there a lot of them! You’ll find them country wide, some balanced precariously on cliffs near the sea, and others nestled into wooded glens. You might think that castles are more of a “big wedding” sort of venue, but having something so grand in the background can be a wonderful way to add a bit of spectacle to your photos. Dunnotter Castle just south of Stonehaven and Moy Castle on the Isle of Mull are just 2 such ruins that still have enough structure to identify as castles, but have taken on a unique character that makes them a photographers dream. For more castle inspiration, check out our Pinterest here!

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Lynne Kennedy Photography

atmosphere

I promise you, the sun does often shine in Scotland. It might not always bring the heat with it, but a cold, crisp autumnal day would make for fantastic elopement weather. Even on it’s worst days, Scotland’s moody mountains and stormy seas cast an enchanting atmosphere. The changeable nature of the country’s climate is actually a huge benefit to your day. It means that no location will ever look quite the same, and ensures a certain uniqueness to the look and feel of your elopement. It can add a dash of drama and exhilaration, which may be required if you’ve travelled any distance and need a quick energizer!

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Lynne Kennedy Photography

freeedoooommm *a la braveheart!*

Scotland is one of those rare places where you can get married just about anywhere. As long as the place your choosing is open to the public, or it’s your own private land like a back garden, then the chances are very high that you’ll be able to have your ceremony there.

As well as having the freedom to pick your location, you can also get married at any time! Be that midnight or midday, seven days a week, the choice is yours.

Couples from anywhere around the world are able to get married in Scotland provided there are no legal barriers (ie you’re already married!). For more details on eloping in Scotland, pop over to my last blog, “how to elope in Scotland”.

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Charlotte Kinsella Photography

keeping it intimate

With so many people having to switch to smaller weddings in the wake of the pandemic, there have been plenty of couples worried about losing out by scaling down. But the overwhelming consensus in the stories being told throughout the wedding industry is that these micro weddings have been incredibly beautiful and intimate. Having a smaller ceremony enables the couple, and the few invited attendees, to really focus in on the importance of the day. This isn’t to say that large weddings aren’t equally as amazing, but just to reassure couples that small doesn’t mean less.

Eloping means you can keep your guest list to your absolute core family and friends, and allows you to spend more time with each and every one of them, creating happy memories to treasure forever.

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saving money by keeping it small

It’s a very British thing not to want to mention the money side of it all, but it’s a real benefit of eloping. Less people means fewer mouths to feed, and likely a smaller venue to hire for overnight stays or a reception. Of course, it’s not all about that, but it’s a handy perk worth mentioning!

take the pressure off

Eloping really takes a lot of the pressure out of the day. If you’re only telling a small number of people what you’re about to do, the build up isn’t filled with questions from outside parties about where, when and how you’re going to do things. With fewer eyes on the occasion you won’t be fielding suggestions for where you should go or what you should wear, and you’re able to relax a bit and actually enjoy the planning.

Firefly & Embers Photography

dress to impress… yourself!

Many couples choose to still have the traditional wedding wear that you would expect at a larger ceremony, but some take the opportunity to completely switch things up! All options are equally wonderful, but it’s great to have the choice. Hiking boots instead of heels? Cosy but stylish outerwear to keep the cold out? Count me in!

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Weddings by Hayley & Craig

industry specialists

You might be concerned that opting for an elopement means you have to do a lot more of the organising yourself, and that sourcing suppliers in far-flung places could be difficult. Fear

not! There are planners, photographers, caterers and musicians out there that all either specialise in or are more suited to elopements. (Hello – it’s us!)

Imagine a solo bagpiper leading you up the glen to your Scottish mountain elopement? Or a beautifully decorated table for two, personalised to your exact tastes serving you and your partners favourite food. An elopement planner could help you with all of this! Elopement photography has also really taken off recently, with many offering specialised packages to ensure you get all the shots you need with a photographer that’s willing to trek through mud and snow to make it happen!

Convinced yet? Yes? Hit us up and let’s see what magical Scottish elopement plans we can create together!

For more Scottish elopement inspiration, head over to the Coorie Pinterest page.

Eleanor Fyfe for Coorie 

Images courtesy of Emma Lawson Photography unless otherwise specified

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