Lovers' Escapes

Our ancient landscapes, folklore and quiet corners have become the world's most enchanting elopement backdrop

- ALI GRAVES

FROM coastlines to castles, Scotland provides the perfect places to say “I do” — but what is it that keeps couples coming here year after year?

The beautiful history, rugged coastline, island archipelagos, open landscapes and centuries-old magic in the air cement Scotland as one of the most captivating elopement locations in the world.

Running away into the wilds is adventurous, romantic and avoids the cliché, complexity and expense of a conventional wedding. You can begin your life together in the most exciting way — little decoration required.

With flexible marriage laws, you can have a legal ceremony almost anywhere with the right officiant, giving couples a unique, personal experience.

Scotland offers freedom and intimacy for couples wanting to bring marriage back to its root: love.

Rebecca Sloan, business development manager at the National Trust for Scotland, agrees.

“Scotland is popular for elopement weddings due to its beautiful and dramatic scenery, and we find many couples also have ancestral connections. We get lots of elopement weddings at the National Trust for Scotland with Glencoe, Crathes Castle, Craigievar Castle, Culzean Castle and the Hermitage all being popular locations.” Couples travel from all over the world for a romantic experience. Nicola Meekin, owner of Stormhouse, a stunning luxury couples' retreat in Appin, Argyll, has elopers stay from as far as Australia and America and says that the magic comes from escaping reality for a little.

"It's easy to feel a bit disconnected with the pressures of modern living, and I think people are yearning for more intimate, meaningful experiences in life," she says.