The Scottish Highlands are an inherently romantic corner of the world with quiet lochs and beaches, mossy forests and awe-inspiring mountains. Sometimes the hardest part of it all is finding the perfect spot for your romantic Scottish highlands elopement among so many choices. Helen & Aaran’s elopement took us to a remote loch you’d be forgiven for not knowing. The pair cancelled their 150+ guest wedding in the heart of Edinburgh to elope here – and it was the best decision they ever could have made!

What Happens on an Elopement Morning?

Helen and Aaran decided to spend their elopement morning separate, allowing for a little extra magic later in the day. They both got ready alongside friends and family at Pitcalzean House near Tain in the Scottish Highlands.

Aaran got ready with his groomsmen, enjoying a dram – learning the joys of Kilt wearing – and reading a letter written from his wife to be.

Meanwhile Helen got ready with her friends, fellow Nurses and her mother who held her and supported her as she prepared for her next chapter.

Romantic Elopement Ceremony at Loch Migdale

You’d be forgiven for not knowing where Loch Migdale is, even if you’ve lived in Scotland your whole life. Its a very quiet loch tucked away in the North East of the Scottish Highlands. When you arrive, you’ll find a small carpark and a small sign to point you in the right direction. Its roughly one mile from the carpark to the waters edge through a glorious woodland full of Iconic Scots Pine trees.

I had to ask Helen & Aaran how they found this place – they don’t even live in Scotland! Helen told me her top tip for finding secluded romantic spots which was, essentially, to scour google maps for Lochs and then to hop in the car and visit (even all the way from their home in England). After several unfruitful journeys, they visited Loch Migdale and fell in love.

On the day, the groomsmen arrive early and are put to work for the ceremony set up – carrying everything from flowers to the ceremonial arch to the Loch.

What is an Oathing Stone?

In this ritual, a couple holds a stone while saying their marriage vows. Essentially, cementing these vows into stone. This is exactly what Helen & Aaran did, their vows were emotional and heartfelt and set into a stone that they picked up on their first trip here – when they knew it would be their wedding location.

In Scottish folk belief, stones are the oldest spirits in the world. They are revered as ‘the ancient ones’. Us Scots believe that in Oathing Stone rituals the couple cast their own spirits into the stone to become something sacred, part of the earth and eternal.

What is the Quaich?

A QUAICH IS A SCOTTISH TWO HANDLED CUP USUALLY FILLED WITH WHISKY. IN ANCIENT TIMES IT WAS USED AS A SYMBOL OF TRUST BETWEEN CLAN LEADERS WHO WOULD EACH SHARE A DRINK OUT OF THE QUAICH TO FOSTER BONDS AND LOYALTIES – ESSENTIALLY SHOWING THAT NEITHER HAD TRIED TO POISON THE OTHER.

TODAY, IT IS USED IN MANY MARRIAGE CEREMONIES IN SCOTLAND WITH EACH PARTNER TAKING A DRINK FROM THE CUP TO SHOW THEIR TRUST & BOND. THOUGH WHISKY IS STILL TRADITIONALLY USED, YOU CAN FEEL FREE TO USE ANY DRINK YOU LIKE OR EVEN SOME REFRESHING SCOTTISH WATER (UISGE).

Helen & Aaran opted for traditional whisky with a splash of water. Their mums and siblings assisted with teh cups preparation – it’s a great way to include loved ones in your ceremony too.

Celebrating Your Elopement

We find that most of our couples who elope with family and friends really enjoy carving out some time post-ceremony to celebrate with them. Helen & Aaran were no different, lots of hugs and kisses were shared. Mums and Dads were very teary eyed and the boys all shared a dram from the quaich to celebrate their friendship too. Afterwards, socks and shoes were torn off as they rushed to celebrate further in the cold early May water!

Romantic Newlywed Adventure

When the knot was tied and confetti thrown, everyone made their way from the loch and back to their cars. However, Helen & Aaran stayed back to enjoy their first married moments together among the trees, soft moss underfoot and lots of tender moments.

Back at Pitcalzean House

Awaiting at the house were a few other friends and loved ones to share a few drams of whisky and a lively ceilidh.

Making Your Elopement Your Own

Helen & Aaran’s elopement was a masterclass in making a day your own. From making the huge decision to cancel their 150 guest wedding in Edinburgh and to take just a few loved ones into the remote wilds of the highlands – they put themselves and what they enjoy at the heart of their day. Helen & Aaran are also self-confessed geeks – we can totally relate! They sprinkled in some of their favourite things from their golden snitch ring holder, to lightsabers and a surprise lego set that Helen gifted to Aaran. This is why elopements are so so special – no need to be anything but yourself.

The Tranter’s Strike Back

Suppliers for this elopement:

Dress: Magnolia Lane Bridal Aberdeen, dress is Herves Paris

Veil: The Wedding Veil Shop

Kilts: Slaters

Wedding rings: Astella Jewellery & Wedding Rings Direct

Hair: Amy Cumming

Make up: Rebecca Marie

Venue: Pitcalzean House

Cake: Blackbird Bakery

Videographer: Tewnion-Brown Productions

Props: The Cheeky Hound