Eloping in Glencoe – best romantic locations

Best Glencoe locations to elope or adventure in | Scotland photography

Oh my heart! There are few places in Scotland that truly capture the essence of Scotland’s beauty and old wild soul as much as Glencoe. Although I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Glencoe, there’s always something new to uncover. Even to this day I still feel like I need to spend a week there to truly appreciate all her beauty spots. It’s absolutely no surprise to me that so many couples choose to adventure or elope there.

Whether you’re new or an old friend of Glencoe – you are bound to captivated by any of the following spots over and over again. Any one of these would the perfect backdrop for those life-changing vows if you’re eloping or making a commitment to each other. I’ve added a couple of tips to help you if you’re still in the decision-making process for where you’d like to visit or elope.

If you haven’t already… check out this detailed guide about eloping in Glencoe for the full skinny on what to expect and consider when eloping there.

Glencoe valley view by Lagangarbh Hut

One of my favourite spots – I can’t get enough of that view over the valleys. This location is also home to the iconic ‘wee white cottage’ which has a gorgeous pebble river running alongside. It’s a versatile place with lots of different views but it can be a little boggy underfoot!

Parking + accessibility

In terms of parking, there is a bit of parking in a parking layby on the roadside but you do have to cross the main road to get to the location. Some people bravely park in entrance to the path but I can say from experience that you don’t want to park there unless you’re willing to risk your undercarriage (you can swim in the potholes!) and getting in some sticky situations with being blocked in.

The Three Sisters and the Lost Valley Trail

Bidean nam Bian mountain range is home to the famous Three Sisters (Gearr Aonach (Short Ridge), Aonach Dubh (Black Ridge) and Beinn Fhada (Long Hill)). There are some beautiful spots a couple of mins walk from the car park for photos but this is the most popular stop for tourists who tend to hang about within close range of the car park (making it a less than an ideal ceremony spot if privacy is key!). However, if you are feeling a little more adventurous you can enjoy the 3-hour circuit trail for the Lost Valley.

The walking trail takes you past the Three Sisters into the Lost Valley but on the way there (about 5-10 mins walk from the large car park) there are plenty of spots that might suit for an elopement, proposal, commitment ceremony, handfasting or other ritual! As long as you don’t mind some hikers passing by then you can enjoy the incredible views in this spot with convenient parking and an easy trail.

Parking + accessibility

One of the biggest but also busiest car parks in Glencoe – can be a little trickier to get a space in the height of summer. The paths from the car park is well trodden but still quite narrow and overgown in parts.

View over the western valleys

Ascend a reasonably easy hill for 5-10 minutes to reach views over the valleys and mountains. Whilst this is a popular stopping place, people don’t linger too long here and you can have a little more privacy. This spot gives you views that are a little less well-documented but equally picture-worthy.

Parking + accessibility

Park up by the mid-sized parking lay-by before the waterfalls – the car park is one of the largest along the Glencoe pass. The path is easy to follow but is loose scree for most of it so can be a little tricky underfoot, good ankle-protecting waterproof footwear essential.

Buachaille Etive Mor

On the road to Glen Etive lies the best views of Scotland’s most photographed mountain, Buachaille Etive Mor. The ground is particularly boggy and the area is particularly popular with tripod-wielding landscape photographers but it may just be worth it for that unrivalled mountain backdrop.

Parking + accessibility

Parking is minimal (3-4 spaces max) but at least worth a stop if going to Glen Etive or visiting Kingshouse Hotel. Whilst there is a vague trodden path, it is usually very muddy. The ground in the area is often very boggy with lots of heather and is very uneven so good waterproof footwear is a must.

Glen Etive

Just before Glencoe lies Glen Etive – which has as much reverence at Glencoe itself. A backdrop in the James Bond film Skyfall, the single track road follows the river path through some rather epic scenery. You don’t see too many people out and about but you will pass a fair few cars (playing the passing place chicken game). Glen Etive is a great spot for feeling right in the heart of a valley, whilst being close to water. There is Loch Etive and Lochan Urr in the glen if bodies are water are something you gravitate towards!

Parking + accessibility

There are limited places you can park so this is best suited for small parties with a couple of cars maximum but the area is gorgeous. There is a car park if you make your way down to the top of Loch Etive (right to the end of the track). There aren’t many proper walking trails and getting away from the road usually involves a bit of gentle tramping through heather/ferns/mud.

The Study

Located above the Three Sisters in Glencoe is a place that goes by different names – including The Study. It has unparalleled high-vantage views over Glencoe and the Three Sisters. But it is supremely set up for being an elopement or ceremony space with some flat rock standing areas.

Parking + accessibility

Parking is extremely limited and available near the waterfalls. If the usual spot is full then this location requires about 5 minutes of busy roadside walking and then a bit of an ascent to get to the perfect viewing spot. The walk up isn’t too challenging but if you wish to get to the highest point then this can involve a bit of very light scrambling.

Glencoe Lochan

Situated on the edge of Glencoe village, take a short 5 minute stroll to find Glencoe Lochan. On a still day you can see the reflection of the mountains and trees in the water which is spectacular. The Lochan is a circuit walk taking about 25-30 mins but you can enjoy picturesque views without doing the full circuit. There are beautiful trees around the Lochan which make for a beautiful ceremony spot away from the well-used path of the circuit trail. If you choose to elope by the Lochan’s edge then just be aware that you’ll very likely have quite a few people passing by during your ceremony.

Parking + accessibility

Good amount of parking at the car park. And the trail is very accessible.

Loch Achtriochtan

Easily confused with the Lagangarbh Hut location as there is another similar wee white cottage visible from the roadside. The loch is pretty close to the roadside but on a clear still day you’ll get the most incredible mountain reflection in the water. And you can take a walk up past the cottage to get up close to the amazing crevice that often has a waterfall present.

Parking + accessibility

Good amount of parking at the car park. And the path is well maintained. It’s also closest to the Clachaig Inn – one of the few amenties in the valley itself – where you can find toilets and stop for a drink/snack.

Hopefully these locations have you as awe-struck as I feel when I photograph here – it’s such a privilege to be able to visit places like this easily. Glencoe has so many more places to explore- some a bit more adventurous, such as the Devil’s Staircase or taking the chairlift up the Glencoe Mountain Resort. Chat to me about your Glencoe elopement or adventure session for more information about the best Glencoe locations.