Emotive Glen Etive elopement

Ingredients for an emotive Glen Etive elopement

Two things Marleen and Steffen knew for sure: they wanted a remote Scottish elopement in Glen Etive, and they had to have cake (lots of cake)!

They had travelled from Germany to Glencoe before, had their hearts stolen, and knew they wanted to be nearby for their elopement.

Not every couple dreams of a meticulously planned elopement with a jam-packed schedule. Some couples, like Marleen and Steffen, want to avoid a rigid schedule and checklist and instead go with the flow and see where the day takes them.

But they definitely had a vision of having a relaxed and unhurried day where they could hike, explore, and let the day unfold naturally. And when the chill of the Scottish weather started to set in, they wanted to retreat to a cosy cottage, sip some tea by the fire and enjoy the peace of landscape around them – and that’s exactly what they did!

What unfolded was a spontaneous elopement day with no checklist in sight!

Having found a cosy wee cottage hidden in a nearby valley guarded by a significant herd of Highland coos, the couple spent the morning getting ready together and writing their vows.

We had such a brilliant, exciting day as we danced excitedly under the stormy looming sky, barely feeling a drop of rain. The sun poked through at their loch-side ceremony but then hidden away for their special private vows by the water. It was such a wonderfully emotional ceremony and handfasting!

Obviously, we had to include a little German ritual called ‘kaffee und kuchen’ to celebrate after such a beautiful ceremony!

After they said their vows, we enjoyed some of Marleen and Steffen’s favourite treats — cake and Irn Bru — in the warmth of their cottage. This was a lovely way to warm up and refuel before an equally exciting afternoon of adventuring.

Cinematic late Autumn light for dreamy enchanting portraits

But it wasn’t long before the beautiful autumnal light of the afternoon had us back outside chasing light shafts, clambering rocks, and bog tramping. Not to mention shoo-ing the coos by their cottage (my favourite job!).

It felt like another day with old friends as we all marvelled at the sights. Marleen, with her landscape photography skills, was sitting with us, feeling the itch of creativity that Scotland evokes. On our final elopement of our season, we photographed into the dusk, embracing the last embers of light. This included a final little boogie in front of the car headlights as we welcomed in dusk.

When we returned to the cottage, we popped on the fire (and the kettle!) and captured M&S as they opened letters and gifts from family and friends. Drinking a well-earned cup of hot chocolate, they were touched and emotional over the outpouring of lovely thoughtful gestures their loved ones had sent with me. It was the perfect way to round off a perfect day!

Envisioning your emotive Glen Etive elopement?

If a remote Scottish elopement surrounded by Highland coos, gorgeous rolling hills and valleys sounds like your idea of an ideal wedding day then get in touch to start planning now. I’ll be there to help you figure out the best time of year, ceremony location, timeline for the day, local suppliers as well as lots of advice on how to elope in Scotland.