Elopements In Glencoe: Tips From Scottish Wedding Photographers
Image by Lyndsey Anne Photography
Image by Andy Hamilton Photography
Glencoe is fast becoming one of the most desirable outdoor spots for elopement weddings and shoots in the world. This perfect scottish backdrop provides an enviable backdrop for weddings and engagement shoots.That said, despite being one of the most romantic places for an outdoor wedding in Scotland, Glencoe is remotely located and there are some practicalities to consider before you commit to making the journey.
We reached out to some of the most experienced elopement photographers in Scotland and asked them what advice they give to their couples who are planning their elopement, vow renewal or engagement shoot in Glencoe and here is what they said.
Glencoe Weddings - What to wear
Firstly, it is important to highlight that if you are planning an elopement in Glencoe, there are no rules about what you should or shouldn’t be wearing “You’re a bit different from the crowd and that is awesome. So you do you.” says Andy Hamilton of Andy Hamilton Photography “However, let’s chat footwear. Your feet will thank you if you make wise footwear decisions. You won’t necessarily be walking a million miles on the day you elope but it’s always great to go off the beaten track just a little!”.
Lyndsey Anne of Lyndsey Anne Photography says “Wear appropriate shoes! Many times it's boggy and/or cold and it's better to wear durable shoes to protect your feet. I would recommend brides just stay in hiking boots, wellies, or doc martins throughout the day because their dress will most likely cover their feet.”When it comes to the gents “They should bring an extra pair of shoes to change into once they get to their elopement spot.”
Lyndsey also advises that you should bring plenty of layers for the day so that you can add and remove depending on the Scottish weather so that you can be prepared and go with the flow.
Image by Lyndsey Anne Photography
Glencoe Weddings - Meeting the local wildlife
Many of the most popular and loved images of couples in Glencoe feature some of the antler bearing locals, the beautiful deer.
To make sure you are ready to make the best of this, Lyndsey Anne tells us “If you are to get married in autumn or winter make sure to stop by The Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum to not only fill up on gas, get snacks, but also carrots!! This time of year the deer come down from the hills and love to congregate by The Kingshouse Hotel and you can feed them!”
Glencoe Weddings - Where to eat, drink and stay
While Glencoe is a remote spot, there are some pretty awesome places for you to visit and enjoy as a part of your elopement, vow renewal or engagement shoot nearby.
Image by Andy Hamilton Photography
Firstly, you can make a trip to the mountain resort, bring your own hip flask with a dram or two of whisky inside (to keep you warm!) and hop on the chairlift to the top of the mountain to take in the views. Buy your photographer a seat behind you and prepare for more epic photos! Reminiscing about his experiences at the Mountain resort, Andy Hamilton told us “I took a couple on the ski lift at the Glencoe Mountain Resort. It’s a great experience. There’s enough distance between the chairs that the couple can have a quiet moment after their elopement and I can capture that but also not too much room that I can’t give a few suggestive prompts. On this occasion, we got to the top, took a few photos and the rain started. We decided it was time to head back down the ski lift. The couple were pretty cosy, snuggling under the umbrella.”
As for quaint and quirky places to stay and visit “The Kingshouse Hotel is pretty epic. It’s rather Scottish. You’d be well served with a dram and welcomed warmly after your elopement. It has huge windows with a stunning vista of the aforementioned mountains, glens, and hills.” says Andy Hamilton.
Or, if you’d prefer to snuggle down in cosy pub setting, Lyndsey Anne suggests “Go the Clachaig Inn and walk around the back of the building they offer a true, cozy Scottish pub experience. It is tucked away so most tourists don't know about it which is to your advantage! Have a pint or two. Sit by the fire. And take in a more local Scottish experience.”