Elope to the Highlands

A bride and groom stand on a hillside in Glencoe, kissing.

A Glencoe wedding | Image: John Paul at Abrightside Photography

We’ve put together a helpful guide about eloping to Glencoe NNR.

Glencoe is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountains and picturesque valleys, making it an ideal location for an intimate elopement ceremony away from it all. Eloping to Glencoe is a magical and romantic way to celebrate your marriage amidst the stunning Scottish Highlands.

We’ve put together a list of some of our top tips for couples planning to elope.

Top tips

1. Plan your elopement date
Choose a date that works well for both of you and consider the likely weather conditions in Glencoe at that time. We can provide umbrellas, just in case!

2. Legal requirements
You and your partner will each need to submit your wedding paperwork to the local registry office; for Glencoe, the local registry office is in Fort William.
It’s important to note that the earliest that you can submit your paperwork is 3 months in advance, and the latest that you can submit your paperwork is 29 days before the date of your wedding.
You can submit your marriage paperwork to the Fort William registry office by post; you don’t need to attend the office in person. However, you will need to collect your marriage schedule (the document that you sign at your wedding ceremony) from the Fort William registry office IN PERSON before your wedding day. Remember to factor this into your pre-wedding travel plans.

A bride and groom stand at the edge of a loch, with cloud-covered mountains rising behind them. They hold a large umbrella over them.

We can provide umbrellas, just in case!

3. Find accommodation
Look for accommodation options in Glencoe or nearby areas that suit your preferences and budget. There are various hotels, inns and guesthouses available in the region.

4. Choose a ceremony location
Glencoe offers numerous stunning outdoor locations for your elopement ceremony, such as scenic viewpoints, lochsides or secluded glens. Research potential spots and talk to the team at Glencoe for advice.

A bride and groom walk holding hands across a hillside, with bright purple heather in the foreground.

Choose your favourite spot to exchange your wedding vows.

5. Hire a photographer/videographer
Depending on your preferences and budget, you may want to hire a photographer and/or videographer to capture your special day. It’s really important for you to communicate your vision and expectations in advance, to ensure they understand your needs.

6. Hire a registered celebrant
Did you know that you can legally get married almost anywhere you like in Scotland, as long as your ceremony is conducted by a registered celebrant?
Take some time when choosing your celebrant: their personality and approach will inform the atmosphere of your wedding ceremony. Your elopement is unique and special to you, so make sure you find a celebrant that you connect with.
You can also take part in Scottish traditions during your ceremony, like drinking from the quaich, hand fasting, ring blessing and tying the knot.

The Humanist Society Scotland has a wide selection of registered (non-religious) celebrants, covering all parts of Scotland.

A close-up of a wedding couple holding a silver quaich and pouring a drink into it from a miniature drinks bottle. The bride is wearing cream hand warmers and a tartan shawl.

Drinking from the quaich

7. Plan additional activities
You might want to explore the surrounding area and make the most of your time here. There are various hiking trails, scenic drives and attractions nearby that you can incorporate into your elopement experience.

8. And last but not least, wear sensible shoes!

A close-up of a bride and groom's feet. Both are wearing Converse-style trainers. They are standing on a hillside. The bride's dress is a little muddy at the bottom.

Wear sensible shoes! | Image credit: John Paul, Abrightside Photography

Glencoe elopement package

For £1,500*, we can help you elope in Glencoe, and your ceremony will help us protect places like Glencoe for future generations.

What’s included?

A wild wedding in a truly iconic Scottish location
Ranger-driven Land Rover as your wedding car
Bouquet and buttonhole from a local florist
Bottle of prosecco for the wedding couple
Personalised prosecco flutes
Picnic hamper for two, filled with a selection of the finest local Scottish produce
A personalised quaich to share a wee dram, as per Scottish tradition
Maximum of six people

*Price for 2024 weddings; 2025 package price: £1,800

Quote

“Rain, shine, storm or snow, the glen (and I) have witnessed many weddings. I love this part of my job the most. I spend a lot of time shaping and organising the couple’s day in the run-up and get so invested in it!

The package is designed to give them mementos of the day to take with them to their new life together, and creates a connection with us for the future too with a membership. By getting married with us, you will help us to care for and protect this incredible nature reserve. I am so proud to be part of this ... and still message a lot of my couples years later!”

Christina Smith

Property Administrator, Glencoe Visitor Centre