When you decide to elope in Scotland, you think of lochs, mountains and ancient woodlands. Glencoe Lochan ticks all those boxes and is a really special place to consider for your scottish elopement.

M&S knew that a typical wedding day was not for them from the beginning. They both love the outdoors and create art themselves as Photographers and Illustrators and so a Glencoe Lochan Elopement was the plan!

They settled on a location very special to their hearts, Glencoe. A place they often visit to explore and make art. M’s family flew all the way over from Australia to join them in the woodland beside the lochan.

Planning the elopement

We supported Mietta and Stuart through elopement planning – suggesting some of our favourite spots to photograph in Glencoe. M&S also shared a place that was so special to them, the sacred mountain of Buachaille Etive Mòr which dominates the landscape of Glencoe. We made sure they had plenty of time to spend roaming the surrounding moors and waterfalls.

Navigating some hiccups

Glencoe lochan stands as a sparkling oasis amongst the Glencoe Forest. Though in June 2023, after a blockage issue the lochan was completely drained with only small puddles left. Initially, M&S planned to elope on the shore of the Lochan with water lapping at their feet and dramtic refelctions of the surrounding mountain range. After discovering the news, we had to come up with plan B.

We retreated into the surrounding forest for a secluded ceremony location. Trading lapping water for birdsong and the smell woodland after rain. Not bad for a backup plan.

The Ceremony

To help celebrate their love and perform their wedding ceremony, M&S opted for Paul Browett, The Scottish Celebrant. Paul led a very Scottish ceremony with a handfasting, exchanging of rings and a beautiful story of Mietta & Stuarts relationship. The ceremony concluded with the two families showering the newlyweds with confetti and well wishes.

What is a Handfasting?

Handfasting is an ancient Scottish tradition. To learn more about handfasting…

Including Your Family in Your Elopement

Post-Ceremony, Mietta & Stuart dedicated some time to their families who had travelled from both near and far to celebrate with them. They shared cake & ‘something blue’ macaroons. Mietta’s sister prepared a heartfelt speech with one line bringing everyone to tears when she said she understood why her sister had fallen in love with Scotland after seeing the beauty of the landscape and in meeting her new brother-in-law Stuart.

Adventure and intimacy was always a driving force in Mietta & Stuarts desicion to elope but they balanced this and showing love for their families perfectly. In this hour post-ceremony, to share hugs kisses and cakes, they had a chance to be surrounded by love and loved ones before heading onto their next adventure.

Running to the Mountains

Mietta & Stuart left the cover of the forest to roam the wilds of Glencoe. Spending time amongst the Heather & in the shaddow of their beloved mountains.

Suppliers for this Elopement:

Groom’s Kilt : McCalls Highland Wear
Bride’s Veil : Richard Designs
Celebrant : Paul Browett
Bagpiper : Robin Hay
Rings : Make Your Own Wedding Rings / Donna Barry
Cake : 3DCakes Edinburgh
Cake Toppers : rosiescaketoppers