Let's elope!

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR COUPLES ELOPING TO SKYE

ISLE OF SKYE ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS - OUTDOOR

LET'S ELOPE TO THE ISLE OF SKYE!

Run away together and marry under the shadow of the Cuillins.  Lose your heart all over again to the magic of the Fairy Glen. 

Whether you're seeking the tranquillity of Loch Coruisk, enchanted by the sweeping Quiraing or energized by crashing waterfalls, Skye's breath-taking beauty makes a perfect backdrop as you and the one you love make your vows.

This is the biggest adventure of your life - and you get to share it with your best friend.

As there will be two of us photographing your elopement, we would be thrilled to also act as your witnesses!

Since many of our eloping couples come to Skye from abroad, we have put together a list of wedding venues, wedding professionals and legal information we hope will be useful for you!  

We are so excited about your elopement!  The adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you and we'd love to hear all your plans!

Norma & Sean

QUIRAING - an extraordinary landscape for an extraordinary occasion! 

You can find the Quiraing after around a 35-minute drive from the town of Portree.  At the top of a winding road, there is a car park, enabling you to walk just a few feet off the road and have the Quiraing as your background, surrounded by stunningly dramatic scenery.

LOCH CORUISK - there's something romantic about a location that is only practically accessible by boat.  Surrounded by Skye's jagged mountain range, The Cuillins, the loch is often wreathed with atmospheric mist.  There is a strong possibility that you will see seals and, occasionally, dolphins on the journey – making this wedding location a favourite for couples with children.

Boat trips leave from Elgol, which is located approximately a 30-minute drive from the town of Broadford.  Once there, the terrain is fairly easy to walk, but sturdy boots are recommended as the path can be muddy.  

To book your boat trip, you can contact Misty Isle Boat Trips or Bella Jane Boat Trips.

THE OLD MAN OF STORR - an intriguing rock-pinnacle, formed by part of the Trotternish landslip. 

Having your wedding at the foot of the Old Man of Storr would take around a 45-minute long walk up hill, on a track.  It can get muddy and boggy in places, and so sensible footwear is advised.  Alternatively, the Old Man provides a backdrop to your wedding photographs, for example, from the Bride’s Veil Waterfall or the Storr Lochs, without any long walk.

ELGOL - with jaw-dropping views of the Cuillins and a sheltered cliff, this is an excellent choice or a Plan B in case the boat can't sail to Loch Coruisk.

Where?  Once in Broadford, take the road signposted to Elgol and follow the road until you come to the harbour.  The glowingly sculptured Honeycomb Rock provides shelter in case of wet weather, as it overhangs with more than enough space to conduct a wedding ceremony.

FAIRY POOLS - magical, intensely-coloured pools with a backdrop of jagged Cuillins add drama to your wedding day.. 

Located close to the Talisker Distillery, the Fairy Pools are around a 35-minute drive from the town of Portree and can be found in Glenbrittle.  Getting to the Fairy Pools will require a 20-minute walk both ways -  so you might want to wear boots and carry your wedding shoes for this one!  There is a path to walk on, which has an uneven surface and can be extremely muddy in places.  Also, there is a stream to ford via large stepping stones.   Different pools, where you could have your ceremony, are arranged in “tiers” along with several stunning waterfalls between "tiers."

There is paid car-parking nearby which can often become congested.  Parking outwith this can be penalised.  The increasing popularity of this location has made it less appealing for an intimate, romantic, elopement but please get in touch with us, after booking, for advice on avoiding the crowds.

NEIST POINT LIGHTHOUSE - iconic, delightful and surrounded by beautiful views, this is an unusual and dramatic location for wedding photography. 

The Lighthouse can be found near Glendale.  If you park in the car park and walk along the coastline, with the Lighthouse as a backdrop, there are amazingly impressive views.  It is an exposed location and generally, there will be a breeze.

FAIRY GLEN - atmospheric, wind-sculpted green hills, still, reflective pools and an abundant variety of beauty, all within easy walking distance,  makes this one of Euphoria's top elopement spots. 

It is located very close to Uig, where the ferry goes to the Outer Hebrides.  In winter, the road can become slippery with ice.    

SLIGACHAN - stunning scenery close to the Cuillin mountain range and with the option to have your wedding ceremony on the ancient bridge, makes Sligachan a terrific wedding location.   After parking and crossing the road, you are there!  It is situated in the middle of Skye, an easy distance from Portree. 

STAFFIN BAY - crashing waves, silver sands and peaceful scenery combine to create a stretch of beautiful coastline. 

Staffin Bay is near the Quiraing, Duntulm Castle and the Old Man of Storr and is around 17 miles north of Portree.  The beach is easily reached from the road.

DUNSCAITH CASTLE - a crumbling ruined castle atop a majestic Skye cliff.

Heading from Broadford, take the turning for Armadale.  Follow the road until you see a sign post for Ord on your right.  Take the winding single-track road until it curves down, past a beach and up a hill.  Dunscaith Castle is to your right and requires an short walk across a rough path.

ARMADALE CASTLE & GARDENS - romantic, gothic-style ruin, which is located in south Skye, amongst mature trees and garden walks.  It is a truly atmospheric location for inspirational photography, requiring only a gentle walk through the gardens to the castle..  Couples should contact the castle directly regarding their plans for further information.  Armadale castle offers gorgeous accommodation, which is also wonderful for photography.

DUNTULM  CASTLE - a ruined castle, perched on the edge of a cliff, almost 100 feet above the surging waves of the northern Skye shores.

Although access into the castle is now restricted by fencing, its towering backdrop, together with the dramatic coastline, make this an ideal elopement location.

DUNVEGAN CASTLE -  grand seat of the Clan Macleod, which towers over Loch Dunvegan, boasting romantic turrets, magnificent staircase, and stone passages.

The castle can be hired for weddings and elopements inside.  For couples wishing to be photographed within the beautiful gardens, arrangements should be made directly with the castle staff.   (You can also see more of Euphoria's images on this link.)

EILEAN DONAN CASTLE - you are right, it's not quite on Skye.  With its sturdy lines, this castle clings to a small, rocky island.  

In the background, over the sea, are the mountains of Skye.  There is a feeling of power and enduring stability associated with this location.  The reflections echo this further.  It has been featured in films and on television and is a truly iconic symbol of Scotland.

Arrangements and any payments must be made with the castle staff before being photographed within the castle grounds or carpark.  (Photographing from an alternative carpark, no charge is incurred.) 

TALISKER BAY - a gorgeous Skye beach with shining sands. 

Talisker Bay is close to Glenbrittle Bay and the Fairy Pools, in the west of Skye.  The walk will take you along fairly easy terrain on a road that fades into a dirt track.  It should take around 20 minutes each way.  Nearby Glenbrittle Beach is easily accessed from the carpark and can be added as a second location (or your sole location) with Talisker beach.

CORAL BEACH - dazzling creamy-white and beautifully windswept, this "beach" is one of Skye's top beauty spots. 

The Coral Beach car park located at Claigan, around a 10 minute drive from Dunvegan Castle.  The walk is along easy terrain and takes around 25 minutes each way.

ISLE OF SKYE ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS - INDOOR

The following indoor locations also have gorgeous gardens for outdoor elopement photography:

FLODIGARRY HOTEL - located in ancient woodlands in north-east Skye, this is a hotel with a romantic Jacobite past.  As a wedding venue, it boasts spectacular sea views and was where KT Tunstall chose to have her wedding ceremony.  It is located in the north of Skye, close to the iconic Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, Staffin Bay and Duntulm Castle. 

EILEAN DONAN CASTLE - this one isn't on Skye, of course!  

It's very close though, and is a spectacular, sumptuous, and stunning wedding venue.  Just off Skye, the castle can be found in Dornie.  The castle also offers nearby accommodation for the couple and guests.

CUILLIN HILLS HOTEL - luxurious interior combined with superb catering make this hotel one of Euphoria's favourite wedding locations!  Located in Portree, the Hotel has a stunning view of Portree Harbour and the Cuillins and colourful gardens.

DUISDALE HOUSE HOTEL - we can't enthuse enough about Duisdale!  Beautiful inside and out, with professional, welcoming staff and excellent surroundings, including access to a very private beach, this is a perfect wedding venue!  Duisdale is based in south Skye.

DUNVEGAN CASTLE - there's something romantic about getting married in a castle and sumptious Dunvegan Castle is just extraordinary.  Around a mile-and-a-half out of Dunvegan, stands the castle.  Combining history with beauty, it makes a stunning backdrop for wedding photographs and a truly memorable location for your wedding day.   The castle's outstanding team can provide a delicious buffet for the wedding party.  The castle has the option of nearby accommodation too.

SKEABOST COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL - set amid beautiful scenery and on the edge of the loch, this hotel is a fabulous wedding venue.  Weddings are usually held in the conservatory but can also be held in the billiard room and the hotel's own former chapel.  The hotel is located about a 10-minute drive from Portree. 

SCONSER LODGE HOTEL - this hotel is welcoming inside and out - with many opportunities for creative photographs!  Stunning views to Raasay, coupled with a welcoming interior, make this a favourite indoor Skye wedding venue.  It is located in Sconser, a fairly short drive from Portree. 

KINLOCH LODGE - beautiful grounds and a lavish interior make this venue a superb choice for your south Skye wedding.  The world-famous lodge can be found on the road to Sleat, takes around a 13-minute drive from Broadford and is only a short drive from Armadale Castle.

KEY SKYE WEDDING SERVICES

ISLE OF SKYE WEDDING FLOWERS::

Carole's Florist - Carole takes great pride in her work and the results are stunning.  She kindly allowed Euphoria Photography to interview her to get more details about her work.  Carole is located in Portree

Loch Duich Plants - Donald creates gorgeous, floral works of art.  He is located close to Eilean Donan Castle.

ISLE OF SKYE HAIR & MAKEUP:

Bee Bonnie - Heather Campbell will travel around the island and is supremely talented in styling both hair and makeup. 

Skye Beauty - Lynn is a fully qualified beauty therapist and will ensure you look radiant on your wedding day.  Lynn has a salon in Kyle, just off the Isle of Skye. 

ISLE OF SKYE ELOPEMENT & WEDDING TRANSPORT:

Misty Isle Boat Trips - some locations, such as Loch Coruisk, are only accessible by boat.  The professional team at Misty Isle Boat Trips take a personal interest in each couple's day.

Bella Jane Boat Trips - the fabulous team at Bella Jane have their own canopy.  So, you could even hold your wedding on the boat if the weather is too rough to head out.

Studlearoyal Horse Drawn Carriage or Mcindoe Horse Drawn Carriages - it sounds like something out of a fairy-tale: "The bride arrived in her horse-drawn carriage!"  The beautifully presented horse and carriages are available for weddings and special occasions throughout Scotland.

ISLE OF SKYE ELOPEMENT & WEDDING CAKES:

Cakes By Fiona MacKinnon - Fiona puts her heart and soul into creating delicious bespoke wedding cakes.  We can personally testify to the fact that these cakes are just gorgeous.

Creatures of Habit Cakery - Laura has been lovingly and proudly creating amazingly-designed cakes since 2018.  She offers delicious gluten-free options too!

ISLE OF SKYE WEDDING RINGS:

Love from Skye - design and create handmade Celtic and contemporary wedding rings, including the Cuillin-mountain-range wedding rings.  You can discuss you needs before arriving on the island or visit their shop in Broadford for inspiration.

SKYE MUSICIANS:

Skye piper Ally K - Ally exudes warmth and enthusiasm as he proudly pipes for your wedding.  

Piper on Parade - Dougie, dressed in full regalia, pipes throughout Skye and the HIghlands.

Alan Mackenzie - while everyone tried to shelter in the rain, Isle of Skye Pipe Major, Alan, braved the elements and continued piping - a true star!

Lea MacLeod - Lea enjoys piping throughout the Isle of Skye and at Eilean Donan Castle.

KILT HIRE:

Celtic Clothing - this company makes beautiful kilts in a variety of tartans, including the unique Isle of Skye tartan, which echoes the hues of lochs, mountains and heather.

LEGALLY MARRYING IN SCOTLAND

LEGALLY MARRYING ON THE ISLE OF SKYE:  

Some eloping couples opt to be married in the registry office by one of the experienced registrars there.   However, we find many couples love to be married out of doors, in one of Skye's scenic locations.

For a legal marriage, it is important to contact the registry office nearest your ceremony location.  Click on the links in the Registrars' section below, for the Portree and Raasay Service Point, Broadford Service Point and Kyle Service Point.  There you will find details of all the necessary documents you must provide, including extra documentation required if you are not a U.K. national.

Contact the service point in good time, but no later than 29 days before your wedding date, to apply for your marriage schedule via M10 form and fill out details of your two witnesses.  As there are two of us, we would also be delighted to act as your witnesses for the wedding ceremony if you are planning on a truly intimate elopement.

The marriage schedule must be collected in person within three days before the wedding and brought with you on the day of the wedding. 

REGISTRARS & CELEBRANTS:

REGISTRARS:

Marriage Registrars, on the Isle of Skye are  warm-hearted, friendly and tirelessly helpful.  The registrars will guide you through the entire process of marrying.  They also offer the option to have your own personal inclusions (for example poetry, readings, hand-fasting and music.)

As well as performing indoor marriages at their offices, they can travel to your chosen location, within the island and, as far as Eilean Donan Castle.

It is important to contact the appropriate service point depending on your location-choice.

Portree Service Point - for north Skye and as far south as Sligachan and the Isle of Raasay.

Broadford Service Point - for South Skye.

Kyle Service Point - for areas south of Skye.

CELEBRANTS:

Davina McCluskie - we have worked with Davina so many times and she is positive, outgoing person, who can incorporate all sorts of features within your wedding ceremony, including hand-fasting and the Quaich ritual.

Neil Lynch - is a humanist celebrant, based in Elgin.  We have worked with Neil regularly as he travels all over Skye to perform elopement ceremonies.

Ally MacPherson - Skye's own, home-grown celebrant is dedicated to crafting meaningful ceremonies with his warm enthusiasm and passionate commitment.

Francesca Leigh - Francesa is a humanist celebrant, who offers a bespoke service, bringing her own sweet and outgoing personality to her ceremonies.

Whatever and wherever you decide to elope to, we can't wait to hear all your plans!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SOME FAVOURITE SKYE ELOPEMENTS

DREAM ELOPEMENT AT THE QUIRAING WITH A ROMANCE-NOVEL FEEL

Tom and Megan chose September for their romantic elopement.  They opted to stay at the warm and welcoming Flodigarry Hotel.

Although, originally, they had not engaged a piper, one of the staff kindly volunteered his services, donned his regalia, and piped the couple to the spot for their ceremony, which was conducted by Davina McLusky.  It included traditional Scottish hand-fasting and Quaich ritual.

Flying seemed appropriate for this elopement and Megan's gorgeous gown, created and designed in the U.S.A., billowed and flowed softly in the breeze, making her a true-life Romance heroine!

FAIRY-TALE ROMANCE AT DUNSCAITH CASTLE & THE QUIRAING

Andrew and Tammy flew from the U.S. to Scotland to elope in May.  They chose two beautiful locations for their wedding photographs - Quiraing and Dunscaith.  We worked for the afternoon and into the evening at Dunscaith, where the light quality was softening into blue tones.  Here are some highlights from their amazing day.

Tammy's hair design was wonderfully crafted by Lynn of Skye Beauty.

Floral artistly by Donald of Loch Duich Plants. 

ELOPEMENT SHOOT AT THE INCREDIBLE FAIRY POOLS

Angelina and Vlad wanted to have a special, post-ceremony, elopement shoot at the Fairy Pools.

We considered timing carefully, so that we could have the quietest possible conditions, with just the couple themselves in the amazing scenery and the glowing natural light, which flattered their skin tones and Angelina's elegant gown.

INTIMATE CARBOST & SLIGACHAN ELOPEMENT

Andrew and Tracey had their marriage ceremony at their fascinating accommodation - a former chapel of ease.  The ceremony was warmly conducted by Davina McLuskey (more on Davina in the Registrars & Celebrants section above.)

The couple had selected Sligachan for creative outdoor photography and we all had fun photographing there as you can see!

BICYCLE-THEMED ELOPEMENT ON THE ISLE OF SKYE

John and Melanie flew all the way from Canada to make their wedding vows on the Isle of Skye.  The couple had spent some time cycling in the Canadian Arctic.  So, bicycles featured in their elopement too, including Melanie's bicycle-shaped earrings, tattoo and the bikes themselves! 

The wedding was held outside and inside the Flodigarry Hotel and their happiness was simply radiant.