Scottish elopement photography at the Spittal of Glenshee
Spittal of Glenshee in the Scottish Highlands is simply magical for elopements. The rolling hills and lush greenery create a natural cathedral that makes traditional venues pale in comparison. Recently, I followed a couple there as they escaped the traditional wedding path for something more intimate and true to themselves. The way they moved through this landscape – sometimes dwarfed by the mountains, sometimes silhouetted against the sky – created moments a studio could never replicate.
The couple walked hand-in-hand along winding paths, pausing occasionally to take in views that seemed to stretch forever. When they exchanged vows, it was just them, the mountains, and my camera capturing it all. No audience, no pressure – just raw emotions and honest words. Their voices sometimes carried on the breeze and sometimes were whispered just for each other. This is what makes Highland elopements so special – they strip away everything but the commitment itself.
What I love about shooting elopements is capturing those unplanned moments – a sudden laugh when the wind catches her dress, the way his eyes crinkled when she finished her vows, their shared glance when a distant stag appeared on a ridge. You can’t choreograph these things. In traditional weddings, I’m often working around a schedule. Here, we simply followed their emotions and the good light. We chased golden hour across the hills and waited while clouds created dramatic shadows across the landscape.
For couples considering this path, embrace what Scotland offers rather than fighting it. Let the Highland winds become part of your story rather than an inconvenience. Bring walking boots alongside fancy shoes, and definitely pack layers – even summer days can turn brisk suddenly.
