5 Questions with an Elopement Photographer in Scotland: Harper Scott Photography

Carol-Ann at Harper Scott Photography is one of our favourite vendors for capturing Scottish Elopements all over the country, including Edinburgh, Glencoe and the Highlands. We sent her 5 questions about being an Elopement photographer to better understand what she loves about her work and how her experience makes her an expert in Elopement photography.

What makes Scotland a special destination for elopement weddings?

That's easy. Scotland offers eloping couples an incredible range of locations. From bustling cities to remote mountainous terrain, couples are utterly spoilt for choice. Let’s not forget our Scottish castles, lochs, forests and beaches. The options are, quite literally, endless. Now for the really exciting part. Really exciting. Eloping to Scotland means couples are free to marry outdoors so there is almost limitless freedom when it comes to the where part of the elopement. Fancy a remote forest? We have loads. Mountain top? Get the boots dusted off. Beach? We have impressive shorelines with beautiful sandy beaches.

Where has been your favourite location to photograph in Scotland so far and where is on your bucket list?

That's a tough question! Perhaps I could give you my top 3 plus one from my bucket list:

1. Edinburgh - I just love the energy and dynamism of our capital city. Couples eloping to Edinburgh are usually keen for their photography to take in the urban environment. It's really interesting to see how that translates into an intimate elopement setting. The Old Town is endlessly fascinating with its impressive architecture and secret nooks and crannies. However, there's the contrast with the generous green space within and around Edinburgh itself. Depending on how long a couple has booked me for, it's not difficult to incorporate elements of lovely Scottish nature into the day.

2. St Andrews - Another city for all of the same reasons above with a couple of differences: St Andrews is smaller and, by definition, less busy therefore it feels more intimate and slower paced than Edinburgh. The other key difference is there's a super beach and coast line.

3. Glencoe - for archetypal Scotland with epic mountains, Glencoe is a fabulous option. It's more easily accessed than some of the remote parts of our country. Because no two days are the same weather-wise, Glencoe is ever changing each day to the next.

Now for the Bucket List. I'd love to shoot an elopement in Crear. My friends in the photography community rave about it.

What are the differences between photographing a traditional wedding and photographing an elopement wedding?

I work exclusively with couples who are arranging alternative weddings so the traditional wedding isn't one I'm overly familiar with. I suppose the key difference between a larger wedding and an elopement is that elopements are far more relaxed. They move at a slower pace. There's more opportunity to immerse fully in the moment. Beyond that, eloping couples are more able to invest in the aspects they value because they cost less than a grander affair with lots of guests.

Do you have some practical advice for outdoor wedding in Scotland?

Folks eloping to Scotland need to prepare for all eventualities when it comes to the weather! Best to consider the well-known adage: there's no such thing as bad weather, just poor choice of clothing. There may be rain. In fact, there’s a high chance of this. Don’t be put off. Rainy elopements feel indescribably romantic. Just grab a brolly and make sure you have an extra layer (or two). There may be wind. Again, don’t be put off. Wind means movement. In terms of elopement photography, this is guarantees your photos will be even more impactful and, most importantly, memorable. There may even be sun. Scotland looks hauntingly beautiful in the rain, so imagine how incredible it is when the clouds part and the sun comes out. Bring your sunglasses and sunscreen just incase. Another point to note is that it’s not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day. There can be rain, hail, wind and sun in the height of summer. Similarly, there can be calm blue skies in winter. Plan for all weather conditions when eloping to Scotland.

What questions should couples ask their elopement photographer before they book? 

1. Does the photographer have any suggestions for the running of the day? You'll likely find your photographer will have ideas for things you can do to create a sense of narrative and sense of context.

2. Are there suppliers your photographer works particularly well with? This is especially when it comes to film.

3. Are there additional travel + accommodation costs associated with their elopement plans. Some couples don't appreciate the Scottish geography. Whilst a location may seem close on the map, the road and weather conditions may require a night's (or more) accommodation