Scotland elopement inspiration in epic Glen Etive

James Bond is a man of famously excellent taste, so there’s a reason that Glen Etive was chosen as the backdrop to Skyfall! It’s a beautiful single track road that weaves through the Scottish Highlands, providing the world’s most stunning backdrops as far as the eye can see. Plus, it’s usually not too busy, which is why it’s one of my favourite Scottish elopement destinations…

Why choose to elope in Glen Etive?

It’s often easy enough to find a private spot for a ceremony or a dance, which is what I wanted to showcase with this Glen Etive elopement shoot. The sunset isn’t till quite late that far north, so Marta, Connor and I came over in the early evening to catch the last of the rays before the sun fell behind the hills. It’s a stunning location in the sun, as you can see here, but it’s also stunning in mistier, wetter conditions – such is the beauty of the Scottish scenery!

The term ‘elopement’ no longer solely means a runaway ceremony to marry in secret; more recently, it’s come to mean a small, intimate ceremony where you’re choosing connection over expectation to marry in a vulnerable, meaningful way (I talk more about what elopements are here). This means you can take all the time in the world with your loved one and make it an adventure too; Marta and Connor rambled over the hills and splashed about in the rivers to truly take in all of Glen Etive as an elopement setting.

Glen Etive also neighbours onto the equal stunning, but busier, Glencoe (with one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains between them – Buachaille Etive Mor). So it’s a perfect spot for adventurers who might want to spend a couple of days exploring the area – you won’t be short of places to visit! Whether it’s hiking the Lost Valley or cuddling up by the fire at my favourite wee pub gem, the Clachaig Inn.

Relaxed Scottish elopement styling

Marta’s dress was from ASOS for a slightly more casual (but no less gorgeous) bridal look. We teamed this with chunky boots to ensure she could go climbing at the same time (bonus points for it looking cool AF). Connor dressed similarly smart-casually in black jeans and an open white shirt which we’d hung in the car on the way over. Later, they huddled under tartan blankets from The Tartan Blanket Co as the temperature started to drop (and to defend themselves from the midges). Glen Etive is one of my top Scottish elopement destinations and I want to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. So real talk: there’s a lot of midges, and in the summer months you need to come prepared!

If you’re looking to book a photographer for your Glen Etive elopement, please head to my contact page to drop me a message – I can’t wait to hear your story, and hopefully shoot the next part of it!