Autumnal woodland camping elopement in Scotland

An elopement in Scotland doesn’t often conjure up images of camping out by the fire… but I’ve often thought that Scotland is a wonderful place for an adventure camping elopement.

Scottish adventure camping elopement inspiration

Alongside a fantastic team of suppliers, headed up by Victoria at The Wandering Event Company, we created an editorial shoot to showcase an autumnal Scottish camping elopement in a beautiful woodland near Edinburgh. Nick and Rachel, our lovely real couple, enjoyed a traditional Scottish Celtic wedding ceremony followed by exploring in the local woodlands before sitting down to a harvest feast. They finished off their evening with marshmallow toasting, first dance and of course, popping a bottle of champagne to toast their celebration.

When to camp in Scotland for your elopement

Whilst Summer might seem like the obvious camping choice, my absolute favourite time of year to camp is in Autumn. Autumn is a wonderful time to camp in Scotland for a variety of reasons…

• Last of the summer warmth – quite often we get a burst of late summer warmth before the winter cold starts to creep in
• Colours – how can you not fall in love with those beautiful orange leaves?
• Less people – camping in popular amongst Scottish families so camp out of seasons to feel like you have the place to yourself
• Foraging – Autumn is the best time of year to forage for some of nature’s delights to add to your meal – mushrooms, brambles, etc.

How to organise a camping elopement in Scotland

1. Hire a camping/glamping expert like Wandering Events to help with set up and styling
2. Choose your location – double check if there are any permits required or fire restrictions
3. Hire a celebrant and get your legal paperwork sorted
4. Get your outfits and equipment needed
5. Hire any additional suppliers (i.e. florists, make-up etc.)
6. Get MARRIED!

More about how to elope in Scotland

What to wear for your adventure camping elopement in Scotland

Camping doesn’t have to mean you’ll rough it. You can still be as well-dressed as you would for any elopement or wedding. There are a few things to consider…

Elopement dress

Wear a dress which is light enough to move around in easily. You’ll want to avoid long heavy trains and overly structured dresses. The nature of a camping elopement means you’ll be moving around a lot – standing up and sitting down so make sure you’re comfy in it. Be mindful of buying a dress that can stand up to being folded (when taking it off in the tent).

It’s important to have warm accessories for later on in the elopement – cute cosy jumper, blanket shawl, knitted handwarmers, tights to pop on under your dress. etc.

Suits/kilts

Choosing a warm material that can be layered up or down (i.e. with a waistcoat) is a good idea for Scottish elopements – especially in the autumn. You’ll want to be comfortable in the day and evening. The tailoring should allow you to move freely and comfortably.

Shoes

For both of you – ensure you have sturdy warm waterproof shoes. Wet feet are sad feet.

If you choose a camping elopement, I’ll be there to help you with decisions and advice about how to make sure you have a stunning and comfortable elopement.

Elopement editorial dream team

Styling and food: The Wandering Event Company

Dress: Unbridaled Boutique

Kilt: Kilts4u

Flowers: Flowers Kilmarnock

Hair: Andi Kelly Hair Studio

Stationery and handfasting cord: Raini Rowell (me!)

Her boots: Earth Spirit

Ancient Celtic elopement ceremony in Scotland

The ceremony was held in an old ruin buried deep in the Scottish woodlands – an incredibly romantic and fairytale-like location. It was beautifully decorated in by Victoria at the Wandering Event Company.

Cleansing the space – burning sage (also known as ‘smudging’) is said to cleanse a space and prep it for a ceremony or ritual. Rachel and Nick took turns to cleanse the space.

Vows – using handcrafted vow scrolls, they exchanged their vows.

Handfasting – literally ‘tying the knot’ using a handfasting cord. This binds two people together and one of our oldest rituals

Quaich – the friendship cup (or loving cup). It’s a two-handled cup which represents the joining of families.

See more about these beautiful elopement ceremony traditions.

Camping elopement harvest feast

If you’re a regular camper then you’ll recognise the slight awkwardness of trying to figure what to eat when camping. If you’re eloping in the warmer parts of the year then put down the worries about what to cook on the tiny stove and consider getting a grazing platter. For this elopement, we wanted to show you how food whilst camping can be luxurious – a grazing platter is a wonderful way to do this. Filled with harvest-themed foods and treats, this platter was more than your average picnic. Definitely special enough for an elopement dinner. It could be easily paired with hot soup or hot mulled wine if the thought of a cold dinner on its own sounds less appealing.

Fireside fun whilst camping in Scotland

People often think an elopement is done when the sun goes down… For camping elopements especially, this isn’t the case. Setting up a fire is a fun way to extend the celebrations of your outdoor elopement.

Here are some ideas for things to do at night on your camping elopement:

• Cook a nice meal
• Set up a fire
• Enjoy some sparklers together
• Do you spin fire poi?
• First dance by the fire
• Drink some champagne or mulled wine
• Play music round the fire
• Read letters from friends and family by the fire
• Stargazing
• Share memories of your favourite times together
• Fireside snuggles
• Toast marshmallows or make roasted chocolate bananas

Are you considering a camping elopement in Scotland I’d love to chat to you and hear more about your ideas! Get in touch here