9 reasons you should elope in Scotland in the winter

For couples craving a bit of an off-the-beaten-path adventure, a winter elopement in Scotland might be just the thing you’re craving. I say off-the-beaten-path not in terms of location, or which treks you might include in your elopement, but because many couples often don’t even consider eloping in Scotland in the winter – and I’m here to change that! Fair warning, though: you may be a wee bit surprised by the end of this about how much you’re dreaming of eloping in the chilly temps of our Scottish winters 😉

What is Scotland like in the Winter?

Shall we set the scene a tad first? The weather in Scotland is notorious for being unpredictable all year-round, whether it’s the middle of July or deep in the wettest part of the winter – you’ll never know what to expect on a given day. Or even a given hour, as Mother Nature sometimes likes to surprise us with a wee bit of each of the 4 seasons all in one day. My guess is that if you’re planning an adventure elopement, that’s not something that’ll scare you away!

Scotland has what’s called a temperate oceanic climate, essentially meaning that it’s cool and wet a good chunk of the time. Instead of having a wet and a dry season like many other regions, we pretty much get rain throughout the entire year, and you can always expect to get that moody, gloomy, ever-so-magical atmosphere that I’ve fallen in love with. (though I may be biased just because my name is Raini!)

Although that portion of our climate is fairly consistent, every season does offer its own unique conditions, and its own one-of-a-kind beauty. Just as every region of Scotland is also a wee bit different through each season!

Here’s what you can expect to find in Scotland in the winter months (December-February). . .

• Rain! (shocker)
• Average daytime temps between 1-7°C
• Frosty landscapes & snowy vistas
• Crisp, cool air
• Enchanting scenery
• Holiday festivals & fun
• Yummy seasonal food
• Occasional snow & ice
• Few crowds & tourists
• Muted Autumn-esque colours

January tends to be the most dreary of the Winter months in my opinion, but that might be the post-Christmas slump talking! If you’re feeling a tad antsy about the possibility of rain on your wedding day, pop on over to this guide for a bit of reassurance that it’ll be beautiful no matter what.

9 reasons to elope in Scotland in the Winter

Scotland has a certain magic in the winter, just before spring comes around… here are all the reasons why it’s well worth braving the cooler temperatures and eloping in Scotland in the winter.

1. You won’t find too much snow

You may be surprised to hear that, despite the amount of precipitation we get in the form of rain, we don’t often get huge amounts of snow in November or December. Usually the worst of it is in February, and even then, it’s not a lot compared to most snowy countries. In the Highlands there are snow gates, which can be closed to prevent people from using certain roads when the snow is really bad, but otherwise a majority of locations are still accessible through the winter months.

That said, it’s not uncommon to see snow-capped mountain peaks throughout Winter which are just a wee bit romantic!

Now if you do envision snowy adventures when you think about your elopement, you might consider checking out one of Scotland’s five ski centres to experience some of the best snowsports in Europe – but only if there is indeed enough snow, of course!

2. The whimsical snowdrops

Have you ever heard of the Scottish Snowdrop Festival? If not, you’re in for a wee treat because it’s one of the best events to check out in the winter. Swathes of beautiful snowdrops can be found growing all across Scotland between January-March (though peak bloom is typically in Feb), including locations such as House of Dun and Crathes Castle. Woodland and garden areas are rich with these little beauties, abounding in white bell-shaped flowers that are often the first bulbs of the season to bloom. 

P.S. Snowdrops are known to be symbols of hope and rebirth, tied to the Greek myth of Persephone’s return from the underworld – take that to mean what you will for your ceremony. After all, who doesn’t love a romantic story of rebirth and renewal when two become one? 🙂

For additional ways to bring meaning into your Scottish elopement ceremony and to embrace the Celtic spirit, give our guide to Celtic traditions a read.

3. Coorie in for all those moody cosy vibes

// Coorie // – Scots for ‘to snuggle/nestle’

Who doesn’t looove all the snuggles that come with a chilly winter’s day? Cosied up on the couch in a warm home, with a hot toddy in hand and my husband by my side… undoubtedly one of my favourite places to be when the skies are grey, gloomy, and dramatic. Good thing I live in Scotland, seeing that we get many days exactly like this year-round 😉

The warm, sunny days of Scottish summer have their own beauty to offer, but there is something so enchanting about these winter days that encourage you to slow down, be present, and admire the quiet beauty around you. Maybe that means you spend more time in the woodland cabin you rented, enjoying time warming up by the fire with a cuppa, more than anything else – or maybe that means you bundle up and embrace the magical winter scenery, listening to the faint sounds of birds chirping and the frosty landscapes thawing around you. Getting in nice and snuggly together makes for easy-peasy photos on my end!

Plus, no matter how much time you spend outdoors during your winter elopement in Scotland… be sure to take advantage of the yummy, hearty seasonal food. We’ve no shortage of haggis, soups, and porridges to warm you up.

4. Cheaper accommodations and travel fares

With the busyness of Scottish summers comes prices that are significantly higher. So by eloping in the winter instead, you’ll be able to take advantage of cheaper accommodation and travel fares – including airfare, transportation, cottages, etc. This may not be the case everywhere, but most often companies will lower fares during non-peak season due to lower demand. Can never hurt to save a wee bit of dough, can it?

5. More availability

In addition to the lower fares for accommodations, you’ll generally find more availability for accommodations, as well as activities and excursions due to fewer crowds. But keep in mind that in rural places, some amenities shut down in winter, such as certain restaurants on Skye. Do your best to research what’s available beforehand so you’re not surprised by a closed restaurant or location you wanted to visit!

6. Stunning sunsets + shorter days

Many couples might assume that longer days + more daylight are best for outdoor adventures… and while that is certainly the case for some, I actually believe that shorter days are grand for elopements. Fewer hours of light mean you can sometimes combine sunrise and sunset into your elopement without turning it into a hard, long day where you’re just waiting around for the sun to go down (and having to wake up in the wee hours of the morning). We just so happen to get glorious sunsets in the winter as well, with dramatic, glowing skies and gorgeous colours – so don’t fret about summer being your only opportunity to witness a magical evening sky in Scotland.

7. Dramatic light + quiet conditions

February is one of my two favourite months in Scotland because of the dramatic light, quiet conditions, and soft winter glow that make for epic, ethereal imagery. Bright sunshine makes for a bold, bright atmosphere, while the gloomy skies and grey clouds of winter offer soft light and gentle conditions, which are just beautiful for outdoor elopements. The clear skies, long nights, and minimal light pollution in more remote locations also mean you get spectacular views of the starry night skies – I can envision the two of you roaming around beautiful landscapes, beneath only the light of the stars as you reflect on the magic of your day. Goosebumps just thinking about it!

8. No midges!

Midges are the mortal enemy of every Scot, coming out in swarms in the damp, marshy Highlands every summer. These nasty, biting creatures are actually the reason we don’t recommend eloping in the summer at all—you’ll thank us when you’re able to enjoy your elopement without drenching yourselves in bug spray.

9. The ultimate adrenaline high

This one’s for the adrenaline junkies: why not take a dip in the North Sea in winter for the ultimate adrenaline high? Or maybe combine a cold plunge with the newly popular sauna boxes popping up all over for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. I won’t go in with ya, but you bet I’ll have my cameras out to capture your adventure in the wild waters!

Tips for your Winter elopement from a local Scottish photographer

Before you get to planning your very own enchanting winter elopement in Scotland, I wanted to toss a few final tips your way to make sure your day is the most magical (and stress-free) it can be!

1. Always make backup plans. Especially in the Highlands where there are snow gates, which can close off roads when the snow is heavy, you always need to have a plan B going into your elopement. This way nothing is ruined by a change in weather, and you’re able to move on like nothing went wrong!
2. Monitor road conditions & gritters ahead of time. Paying attention to road/trail conditions before your elopement, as well as tracking gritters when snow is around, will ensure you’re up to date on the most recent conditions and know exactly what to expect. (Our gritters have the BEST names!)
3. There’s no bad weather—only bad clothing! A Scots mantra. If you come prepared for rain and the worst of the worst weather conditions, then you’ll be ready to tackle anything that comes your way. Bring layers and prepare for quick-changing weather, and you’ll be ready to roll with the punches.
4. Avoid eloping close to Hogmanay. December is busy in Edinburgh with the Christmas Market and then Hogmanay Celebrations, so you’d do well to avoid eloping too close to Hogmanay as the prices skyrocket across Scotland.
5. The islands are a bit riskier in Winter because the boats can be more regularly affected by the weather, so keep that in mind if you’re considering tying the knot on Skye, etc. They may also have a reduced sailing timetable over the Winter.
6. Some public toilets close after October till March/April, so it’s important to be prepared for no toilet availability if you elope in a remote location. Be sure to read up on how to Leave No Trace when disposing of waste outdoors, for situations like this.
7. Don’t ignore indoor ceremony locations—there are plenty of gorgeous indoor options if you’d like to escape the cold and wet weather, and exchange your vows indoors. Take a peek at this romantic winter library elopement in Edinburgh to see for yourself. Or I’ve got a full Edinburgh elopement guide where I’ve included multiple indoor elopement locations around the city!

Scottish Winter Elopement Photographer

No matter the season you choose to elope in Scotland, what matters most is that you’re able to experience the moment exactly how you crave; in exactly the way your heart feels called to. If privacy, cosiness, and ethereal beauty are what you crave, and take the top of your list of priorities, then I’d say a winter elopement in Scotland may just be the perfect match for you. I’ll support you in exploring all the wondrous nooks and crannies available to us in the winter months, and guide you in crafting the best timeline for your dream adventure. Get in touch to start planning now—you won’t be alone in the process any longer.

Still searching for the best place to elope in Scotland? We’ve gathered a few of our favourites into a guide for you to uncover the perfect location for your romantic day. Take a wee look here!