It can be difficult to decide wherever you want to have the full intimacy of “just us two” elopement or have your family by your side. Katie & Adrian’s two day Scottish Outdoor Elopement was a perfect mix of both. Celebrating with their family the first day and then hiking to a remote valley and crossing a river on a rope bridge the day after.
Intimate Elopement in the Scottish Highlands
Katie & Adrian never really thought about getting married in all those 10 years together, but then the spring Coronavirus Lockdown came… Fast forward couple spontaneous decisions and a bit of stress about the plans going ahead with another Lockdown in sight, but here we were in the wonderful Scottish Highlands, all ready for their Scottish outdoor elopement. The morning was foggy with Ben Nevis, usually visible from the porch of their Airbnb, hiding in the clouds as Katie & Adrian were getting ready. Angus the Poodle running around, enjoying the wide open space, quite different from his usual London life.
Elopement Location
Sometimes my couples struggle to find the perfect location for their elopement, as there are just so many beautiful places to elope at in Scotland, but it wasn’t the case this time. The location was clear from the beginning as this place plays such an important part in Katie & Adrian’s story. Achnacarry is nested between Loch Lochy and Loch Arkaig, not far away from Spean Bridge and Glen Nevis, but hidden slightly off the main tourist routes. It’s well known for its history as a place where British Commandos trained during the Second World War and a place of Military training until now. It is a place dear to the couple as it’s here where they discovered they’re falling in love with each other after their service in Army and where their story really began.
Humanist Ceremony at a Waterfall
It was pretty nerve wracking with all the restrictions constantly changing but having intimate outdoor elopements was a definitely the best decision made. The socially distanced humanist ceremony took place at a gorgeous waterfall. Witnessed by their parents and officiated by the wonderful local Humanist Celebrant from Fort William Alyson Stewart. Afterwards we explored Achnacarry area a bit before we get all drenched from the continuous rain. And we said our goodbyes in front of the Spean Bridge station, replicating the photo of the couple from 10 years ago. We were supposed to hike in the evening, but we ditched the idea as I couldn’t imagine getting out there again after being cosy and cared for in the Station Restaurant. Instead we scheduled to meet up for some more exploring of Glen Nevis the next morning!
Fort William Wedding Suppliers
Photography: Ceranna Photography | Humanist Celebrant: Alyson Stewart | Restaurant: Old Station Restaurant, Spean Bridge | Elopement Accommodation near Glen Nevis: Frances Sketch Pad at Inverskilavulin Lodges
Adventurous Elopement in Glen Nevis
We met up early in the morning and headed for a hike in Glen Nevis to a stunning Steal Waterfall, along with their Poodle Angus. The hike itself is not too difficult, although there are some slippery rocks and exposed parts.
Rope Bridge Hike in Wedding Dress
The most fun section of the hike was definitely getting across the rope bridge in a full wedding attire! And Angus the Poodle had to swim across the river to join us! 🙂 It was a great adventurous finish of their elopement and amazing activity to start off their first day as a new husband and wife! Katie may have worn the wedding dress for the rest of the day and you could tell as she’s not much into dresses usually, she really enjoyed having a wedding gown on and attracting all the lovely compliments from the passers by! She even came up with a wonderful life hack for how to hike with a wedding dress on – simply using her old belt to attach the dress higher up. Have to say it was really handy as the paths were still muddy after the previous day full of rain.
Ceranna Photography is European Adventure Wedding Photographer available for booking for Scottish outdoor elopement.
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