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Maria & Carlos met while studying in England and one of their favourite holidays together during that time was to Edinburgh, Scotland. Now they are living back in Spain, but they wanted to mark their love by returning to Edinburgh and The Scottish Highlands for their elopement.
Why Did the Couple Choose Scotland for Their Elopement?
Maria & Carlos: It is a city that we love and brings back fond memories of our first days together. We decided to elope because it is what is right for us. We didn’t see ourselves having a big wedding where we would be the centre of attention or where the spotlight would be on us. We just wanted to celebrate each other, enjoy each other and travel to a place we adore.
What Makes Edinburgh Special for Elopements?
Sam, the photographer: Edinburgh is a stunning historical city with so many cool areas to explore, places to eat and drink and a real romance to it. Glen Coe is an incredible wild mountainous area but with relatively easy access – it has a road running right through the middle of it but within twenty minutes of walking you can reach isolated valleys with views all down Glen Coe and the high mountains all around. The Scottish weather just adds to the atmosphere!
Can You Get Legally Married in Scotland?
Maria and Carlos opted for a symbolic ceremony.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Scotland During the month of June?
Maria & Carlos: We totally recommend it. The weather was wonderful and the light was beautiful.
Sam, the photographer: The best time of year to get married in Scotland is late Spring to early Autumn (May to September). Unless you want to try and do a snowy version, in which case you’d want to go in January-March.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Edinburgh?
Maria & Carlos: Surrounding yourself with the best suppliers and not getting frustrated when things don’t go as planned, it’s part of the magic of this type of wedding.
Sam, the photographer: For the part in Edinburgh, accommodation can be quite expensive, it’s best to book well in advance. The really good places to eat are also often full, so it’s worth doing a bit of research and reserving a couple of places that look good. Scottish people are super friendly so it’s always worth stopping for a chat and asking for recommendations as well.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Maria & Carlos: It was personal enough just because of the background where we were. Everything around us was shouting our names. We also wrote vows to each other that we both read by ourselves.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Scotland, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Maria & Carlos: At first our idea was to get legally married there. We were overwhelmed by the amount of bureaucracy involved and had to change the plan. It was sad but I guess it saved us a lot of headaches pre and post wedding.
What Advice Would You Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Scotland?
Maria & Carlos: Plan ahead, so you won’t be so overwhelmed with paperwork. Consider renting a car and getting around to different places, not just the city centre. Don’t be afraid to drive on the right. Enjoy it, it goes by too fast and then you just want to go back to that day.
Sam, the photographer: For the part in the city, it’s very easy to find amazing spots to photograph, you can just get lost wandering around the beautiful, cobbled streets and finding cool spots to photograph. There are quite a lot of hills though so it’s good to have a basic level of fitness and take some comfy shoes, even if they’re hidden in the photographer’s bag for most of the shoot!
For the section in the mountains, you’d definitely want to go with someone who knows the area and is comfortable in mountainous terrain. I spent most of my 20s climbing in the area so know the best spots and, as a former climbing/mountaineering instructor, I’m comfortable keeping people safe in that kind of environment. Although it’s close to the road, it’s still a high mountain environment and needs to be treated with respect.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Maria & Carlos: It was intimate, quiet and we were able to enjoy every moment. In the end it was one of the things that we appreciated the most about those days, we had a great time and we were ourselves.
Why Is Scotland One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Maria & Carlos: It’s the best place in the world if you ask us.
