2-Week Scotland Elopement & Honeymoon Itinerary: From a Photographer

This spring, my husband and I spent two weeks traveling through Scotland, and it quickly became clear why it works so well for couples planning an Scotland elopement and honeymoon together. Scotland offers a practical balance of intimacy, accessibility, and variety, making it a great option for couples who want their wedding day and travel experience to feel connected rather than separate. As an Alaska wedding and elopement photographer, I’m always paying attention to how places function for real experiences, and this 14-day Scotland itinerary reflects what actually felt worth the time, especially for couples considering eloping in Scotland or planning an extended honeymoon!

This guide breaks down where we went, where we stayed, and how to structure a two-week trip in a way that feels intentional and not rushed. If you’re planning a destination elopement and want a wedding and honeymoon that flow together naturally, this itinerary is a really solid starting point. I’m definitely stoked to share what we learned along the way, and for sure happy to document a Scotland elopement experience for couples who value adventure, legacy, and honest storytelling. At the end, I also share what I think are the Top Places to Elope in Scotland!

Old Mann of Storr in Isle of Skye
All Photos by Sarah French Photo


Why Choose Scotland for Your Elopement or Honeymoon

Scotland works really well for couples who want a private, meaningful ceremony paired with a travel experience that feels intentional. Whether you’re exchanging vows at a castle or on a quiet mountaintop, I’ll be there to capture the moments that actually matter, like smiles, laughter, and genuine connection, without getting in the way.

As an Alaska travel and Scotland elopement photographer, I specialize in documenting couples who value adventure, authenticity, and legacy. My approach goes beyond taking photos. I provide a friendly, reliable presence and a personalized experience that helps your memories feel fully preserved. My Scotland elopement packages include photography plus guidance through the areas we explore, helping you make the most of your time and discover spots that work best for your day. This isn’t just about capturing pretty images. It’s about creating photographs that you will want to live with and share for years to come.


Bring Your Love Story to Life

If this itinerary feels like it fits your vision, it is time to put it into action. As your Scotland elopement photographer, I’ll document the key moments, from your vows in the Highlands to quiet, everyday interactions on your honeymoon, while staying present and unobtrusive. Whether you are coming from Alaska or elsewhere, Scotland offers experiences and locations that work really well for couples who want something different from a traditional wedding.

Below is a brief overview of the 14-day Scotland itinerary we followed so you can see the flow and get a sense of what your trip could look like. The rest of the blog includes more detailed explanations, photos, links, and practical recommendations to help you plan your own adventure. Be sure to check out this interactive Google Map I created so you can see all the stops we made along the way.

14-Day Scotland Itinerary Overview:

Here is an overview of the itinerary to see what towns you can explore, for how many days, and roughly the distance it takes to travel from town to town. I share what town we stayed in each night as well as if we had a big adventure day or more of a travel day. After many years of international travel, I’ve found that starting multiple nights in each town works the best since it give you time to settle in, explore, and truly immerse into the culture.

 

DAY 1
Travel Day to Scotland

DAY 2
Arrive INVERNESS

  • Explore the city

  • Lodging: Inverness

DAY 3
Travel from INVERNESS to ISLE OF SKYE (Day 1/3)

  • Pick up rental car, 2.5 hours of travel

  • Lodging: Portree

DAY 4

ISLE OF SKYE (Day 2/3)

  • Big adventure day around Skye

  • Lodging: Portree

DAY 5
ISLE OF SKYE (Day 3/3)

  • Another Skye adventure day & explore the town of Portree 

  • Lodging: Portree

DAY 6
Travel to FORT WILLIAM (Day 1/2)

  • 3 hours of travel with big stops along the way

  • Lodging: Fort William

DAY 7
FORT WILLIAM (Day 2/2)

  • Big adventure day: Fort William & Glencoe Valley

  • Lodging: Fort William

DAY 8
Travel to OBAN (Day 1/2)

  • 1.5 hours of travel and time to explore Oban

  • Lodging: Oban

DAY 9
OBAN (Day 2/2)

  • Full excursion day to the Island of Mull

  • Lodging: Oban

DAY 10
Drive to LOCH LOMOND (Day 1/2)

  • 1.5-2 hours of travel with castles and hiking

  • Lodging: Drymen

DAY 11
LOCH LOMOND (Day 2/2)

  • Explore the area, recovery day

  • Lodging: Drymen

DAY 12
Travel to EDINBURGH (Day 1/3)

  • 1.5 hours of travel, return the rental car, explore the city.

  • Lodging: Edinburgh

DAY 13
EDINBURGH (Day 2/3)

  • Explore the city all day before packing up.

  • Lodging: Edinburgh

DAY 14
Last Day in EDINBURGH before flying home (Day 3/3)

The 14-day roadtrip route along the west coast of Scotland.


Detailed 2-Week Scotland Itinerary

Below is a more in-depth look at the itinerary that includes hikes, restaurants, lodging links, historical sites, and more! I’ll give you some pointers on what I wish we would have known before booking or traveling to certain locations as well. These are my honest opinions on what we enjoyed, what we could have skipped, and ultimately which spots would be great to elope!

Note: All of the photos you see in this blog were taken by yours truly!

Day 1: Fly to Scotland

Our flight from Anchorage to Scotland is long, but traveling internationally is part of the excitement! When we travel, we only bring backpacks and carry-on suitcases. We’ve never checked bags on international trips, and it makes the whole experience so much easier. Keeping everything close means less stress at customs, easier transfers between flights, and quick access to what you need along the way which was great for us. Make sure to load up on books, movies, podcasts, or other ways to pass the time, and try to get some sleep on the plane. Planning ahead for the flight sets you up to start your adventure feeling rested and ready to explore once you land! We also try to do as many day flights as we can so that we’re not roughing it on overnight flights. We’ve found this also helps with us not being as jet-lagged and tired when we arrive since we’ve stayed on the same “day schedule.”

Three Sisters Of Glencoe

Day 2: Arrive in Inverness

After arriving in Inverness, we took a taxi into the city from the airport and took time to unwind, shower, and even managed to get a little nap in at our Airbnb. Then we were ready to explore the city! Inverness offers a great mix of historic charm and modern comforts. Our first stop of course had to be coffee. We tried Perk for coffee and donuts and it was definitely a favorite. For book lovers, Leakey’s Second-hand Bookshop is a must-visit, and if you’re into craft brews, Uilebheist Distillery & Brewery provides a great place to unwind and try local beer. After walking all around Inverness, we finished the day with a delicious pizza on the rooftop at Black Isle Bar & Rooms and hit up some local music at Scotch & Rye before getting a much needed full night of sleep.

Highlights to Explore in Inverness:

  • Leakey’s Second-hand Bookshop: Scotland's largest secondhand bookshop set in a former church.

  • Perk Coffee: A charming spot for coffee and donuts super close to the train station.

  • Uilebheist Distillery & Brewery: Enjoy a pint or a flight and sample their local beers.

  • Scotch & Rye: One of the best Scottish bar and nightlife experiences we had in Scotland!

  • Food Recommendations: The Castle Tavern, The Mustard Seed, Black Isle Bar & Rooms, MacGregor's.

Lodging: Stay overnight in Inverness, just for the evening, to reset before a big day of travel to Isle of Skye.

Day 3: Inverness to Isle of Skye

After picking up our rental car in Inverness, we set off on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the Isle of Skye, with some must-see stops along the way. First, Eilean Donan Castle, an iconic Scottish landmark. While we didn’t go inside, walking the castle grounds and driving up the hill beforehand for a stunning view from above was absolutely worth it! Next, make a quick stop at the Sligachan Old Bridge, where you can take photos with dramatic mountain backdrops. Once we arrived in Portree, we got food to recharge for the evening. But make a reservation in advance because restaurants here are often booked out. We found this out the hard way!

Highlights Along the Way:

  • Eilean Donan Castle: Explore the picturesque grounds and take in a bird’s-eye view from the nearby hill.

  • Sligachan Old Bridge: Snap photos of the historic bridge with the epic mountains and river.

  • Portree: Make dining reservations ahead of time to avoid long waits or not being able to get in.

Lodging: Stay in Portree, the heart of the Isle of Skye, and make it home-base for the next three nights.

Eilean Donan Castle

Sligachan Old Bridge

Day 4: West Isle of Skye Adventures & Photoshoot

We started our your day with a caffeine fix at the infamous Birch Cafe, our new favorite coffee shop from the trip, before heading to the southwest side of the Isle of Skye for a day filled with iconic sights and memorable moments. We drove to the west side of Skye for our adventures: Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, a historic gem surrounded by stunning grounds followed by Neist Point Lighthouse, where we enjoyed a secluded snack or lunch overlooking the lighthouse from above away from the crowds. We had a quick lunch and then went back to Portree to get ready for a photoshoot we had scheduled with a local photographer, Laszlo with Weirdie Grizzly Photography. This was such a special way to commemorate our trip as a photographer but also because Justin and I rarely get professional photos together! We ended the day with dinner reservations at SKYE Restaurant, where we ate fresh, local dishes paired with amazing wine. It was one of the nicest and favorite meals of the trip!

Highlights Along the Way:

  • Birch Cafe: Start your morning with delicious coffee from this charming spot.

  • Dunvegan Castle & Gardens: Explore the historic castle and beautifully manicured gardens.

  • Neist Point Lighthouse: Relax with a snack or lunch while taking in the quiet, scenic views from above.

  • SKYE Restaurant: Savor delicious local cuisine with a stunning ocean backdrop. Make reservations early to catch the daylight.

Lodging: Portree home-base

The town of Portree

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Neist Point Lighthouse

SKYE Restaurant

Day 5: Isle of Skye Hiking Day

We started our day early with a hike to the Old Man of Storr, one of the Isle of Skye’s most famous landmarks and one of our favorite hikes of the trip. It’s honestly the perfect place to elope as well! It’s moderately challenging but absolutely worth it! It’s about 3.8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,150 feet, taking around 2-3 hours to complete depending on your pace. After the hike, we made quick stops at Brother’s Point and Kilt Rock to check those off our list.

Next, we went back to The Quiraing since the weather was much better and we had more time to hike around. We ventured into the less touristy sections of this area, enjoying the peace and breathtaking views all to ourselves on a bright, sunny day. But when we went to the main parking lot at the top afterwards, it was so packed we couldn’t even park. Definitely go early in the morning or later in the evening when there’s less people around. Also a great place to elope since there’s so many different spots to explore! Before heading back, we checked out The Fairy Glen. While it’s a unique spot with quirky hills and adorable sheep, it was much smaller than expected and slightly out of the way. If you’re short on time, this could be a spot to skip.

Wrapping up the day, we wandered the charming streets of Portree and grabbed dinner (with reservatios) at Antlers Bar and Grill, a great spot for delicious local dishes.

Highlights Along the Way:

  • Old Man of Storr: A 3.8-mile round-trip hike with 1,150 feet of elevation gain. Takes 2-3 hours and offers iconic views. Epic place to elope!

  • Brother’s Point/Kilt Rock: Quick stops to enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery.

  • The Quiraing: Explore stunning, peaceful trails with epic views of the unique landscape. Also an epic place to elope!

  • The Fairy Glen: A quirky, whimsical spot but smaller and more out-of-the-way than expected — could skip this.

  • Great Portree Restaurants: Antlers Bar and Grill, Dulse & Brose, Scorrybreac Restaurant, Merchant Bar, Sea Breezes

Lodging: Spent our third and final night in Portree, soaking in the magic of Skye.

Old Man of Storr

Brother’s Point/Kilt Rock

The Quiraing

The Fairy Glen

Day 6: Drive to Fort William

After checking out, we made our way toward Fort William with plenty of time for stops and adventures along the route. Frist stop was the Fairy Pools where you can hike alongside crystal-clear waterfalls and even take a swim — don’t forget your swimsuit and towel! If you didn’t pack those, no worries, we improvised and made it work! Afterward, stop at Café Cùil, a charming countryside cafe with delicious local food, a cozy atmosphere, and a little gift shop to browse. I wish we had more time here because it was a really great spot!

As we continued our 3-hour drive, there were several worthwhile stops to stop. We visited the Clachan Duich Burial Ground, which offered serene views, and explored the historic ruins of Invergarry Castle. Another highlight was the Harry Potter train at Glenfinnan Viaduct. Even though we booked our tickets super far in advance, we couldn’t ride the train due to canceled permits. They actually weren’t able to run the train at all while we were there. But, if you end up riding the train, we hear it’s amazing! Another local tip: park under the viaduct and hike up the hill to the west for an incredible view of the train as it curves across the bridge. Based on the schedule that was supposed to be running at the time, the train’s approximate passing times are 10:58 a.m. and 1:25 p.m. outbound, and 3:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. on its return journey.

After a full day of exploring, enjoy a delicious dinner at Crannog Restaurant in Fort William with reservations and at the best seafood! Highly recommend this restaurant. We stayed in a tiny house just outside the city center in the Lochyside neighborhood and we really enjoyed the location! It was affordable, away from the hustle and bustle, and we were only really there to shower and sleep anyway.

Highlights Along the Way:

  • Fairy Pools: Hike alongside stunning waterfalls and take a dip in the refreshing pools.

  • Café Cùil: A countryside gem serving delicious local food with a cozy gift shop.

  • Clachan Duich Burial Ground: A peaceful stop with beautiful views.

  • Invergarry Castle: Explore the ruins of this historic castle.

  • Glenfinnan Viaduct: Capture the iconic Harry Potter train curving across the viaduct. Park under the viaduct and hike west for the best views if you don’t end up riding it!

  • Great Restaurant Options: Crannog Restaurant,

Lodging: Unfortunately, the place we stayed at is no longer listed on Airbnb for me to link here for you. But Lochyside was a bit more affordable than staying directly in town, and since our itinerary didn’t include spending much time in Fort William itself, it worked perfectly for us.

The Fairy Pools

Clachan Duich Burial Ground

Invergarry Castle

Crannog Restaurant: Fort William

Day 7: Fort William & Glencoe Valley

We started the day with breakfast at The Highland Soap Company Visitor Centre & Larder Cafe, a charming café-shop combination in the heart of the Highlands. With its sunny outdoor seating, it was the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed breakfast and start our day off right. Another gem spot that we would definitely return to!

Next, we drove to Glencoe Valley, just a short drive from Fort William. Be prepared for a busy tourist destination, especially during peak times. If you’re planning a hike, it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds and secure parking. We drove all the way past the River Etive Bridge to take in the stunning views heading southeast and then turned around to explore the valley in the other direction, making several stops along the way to take photos and enjoy the scenery. I’ve listed our favorite places below!

After a full day of exploring, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Silly Goose. The food and wine were exceptional, and our server was so friendly and curious about our Alaska background. It was a lovely way to end the day and chat with a local who was interested in our culture too!

Highlights Along the Way:

  • Buachaille Etive Mór Viewpoint: A peaceful spot offering stunning views, perfect for a leisurely walk, photos, or lunch.

  • Glen Etive Mor Waterfall: A hidden gem where we dipped our feet in the cool waters and enjoyed the tranquility of the falls.

  • Three Sisters: Although we didn’t have time to hike, this is a must-see for those looking to embark on a more strenuous adventure through Glencoe’s iconic peaks. Get there super early for parking to hike.

  • Wee White House Glencoe: A picturesque pull-out spot for photos of the iconic white cabin with a stunning backdrop of mountains and the valley.

  • The Meeting of Three Waters: A secluded area along a hike where we took a dip in the river and relaxed before heading to our next stop.

  • The Clachaig Inn: A great place for a quick cider and appetizer to recharge before continuing our exploration.

  • The Silly Goose: Delicious high end food and wine. Definitely dress a little nicer if going here!

Great Hikes in Glencoe:

  • Glencoe Lochan

  • Lost Valley

  • The Devil’s Staircase

  • Pap of Glencoe

Lodging: We ended our second night in Fort William, once again staying in Lochyside.

Three Sisters

Wee White House Glencoe

The Clachaig Inn

Day 8: Driving to and Exploring Oban

After checking out of your lodging, we went back and took a long morning walk around Three Sister trail, then began our drive to Oban, which took just over an hour. Along the way, make a stop at Castle Stalker View Café & Giftshop for a charming brunch or lunch with views of the stunning little castle.

Once in Oban, we drop off your bags early at your hotel and spent the afternoon exploring the town. We did some shopping and picked up a cozy wool blanket as a souvenir to remember our time in Scotland. There were really great street performers playing the bagpipes and we also go roped into doing an interactive, traditional Scottish dance in the street with a dance group who was performing. Long story short, we didn’t pick it up very fast but we did have a good laugh!

In the late afternoon, we visited the Oban Distillery for a 3:30 p.m. tour (make sure you get tickets in advance). This is one of two distillery tours we did when in Scotland and we loved it! Learning the history and process of making whiskey was fascinating! Here are some fun facts about the distillery that drew us into wanting this to be a major stop on our roadtrip:

  • One of the Oldest Distilleries in Scotland: Founded in 1794, the Oban Distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. It has been producing high-quality whisky for over two centuries, and its location in the heart of Oban, a small coastal town, makes it a historically significant site for whisky lovers.

  • Unique Whisky Style: Oban is known for its distinct whisky, which is often described as a blend of both coastal and Highland influences. The whisky has a smooth yet slightly peaty character with a touch of saltiness, reflecting the distillery’s proximity to the sea. This unique flavor profile is one of the reasons why Oban is so revered in the whisky world.

  • Small and Historic Distillery: Despite its global reputation, Oban Distillery is relatively small compared to other Scottish distilleries. The distillery operates on a traditional, hands-on approach, and its production process still involves a unique mix of copper pot stills, ensuring that each bottle of Oban whisky carries the essence of its centuries-old craftsmanship. The distillery is also one of the few in Scotland still located in the town center, adding to its historical charm.

For an early dinner, we tried the infamous Green Shed, a local seafood spot by the harbor. We enjoyed the fresh seafood right there, standing at a table surrounded by other locals. We finished oour day with drinks at Markie Dans, a cozy pub with a lovely view of the water. We stayed until the live music started inside and it was such a lively atmosphere surrounded by locals!

Highlights Along the Way:

  • Castle Stalker View Café & Giftshop: Enjoy a peaceful stop with a castle view, perfect for brunch or lunch.

  • Oban Distillery: Take a tour of one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, known for its rich whisky history.

  • Green Shed Seafood: A hidden gem offering delicious seafood right by the harbor.

  • Markie Dans: Relax with drinks and live music in a fun, local dive bar.

Lodging: First night of two in Oban. I would definitely recommend staying somewhere in the heart of the town so you can walk places. It’s not too much walking and super convenient not driving everywhere.

Three Sisters valley trail

Castle Stalker

Oban shops

Oban Distillery

The Green Shed

Markie Dans live music

Day 9: Spend the Day on the Isle of Mull

Of course, we had to start our day with some coffee and baked goods from Hinba Speciality Coffee in Oban and before an early morning ferry ride to the Isle of Mull. For this day adventure, be sure to book your tickets well in advance! We recommend securing the earliest departure possible and planning your return for dinnertime or later so you can maximize your time on the island. If you're crafting your itinerary, try to visit Mull on a Friday or Saturday since some shops and restaurants close on Sundays. You can find the ferry schedule and booking information [here].

Once on Mull, there’s plenty to explore! One of our first stops was Duart Castle, a historic gem perched by the sea. We paid for the self-guided tour, which allowed us to explore the castle’s interior, but the real highlight was meeting the current owner, an older gentleman who lives onsite. He was giving impromptu mini-tours, adding a personal touch to the experience.

One stop I was really looking forward to was the Isle of Mull Cheese Farm. We wish we would have started the day here before heading to the castle. The farm offers delicious food and farm items, but we arrived just after their lunch menu ended so we just had pasties and coffee. Just something to note if you’re wanting the full experience!

We decided to explore just the east side of Mull, soaking in the rugged island beauty before arriving in Tobermory, the island’s colorful harbor town. We strolled through charming shops, bought a handmade mug as a keepsake, did a quick tour at the Tobermory Distillery and enjoyed dinner by the water before making our way back to the ferry dock for the return journey.

Taking the ferry and spending a day on Mull was a highlight of our trip! If you love water excursions and unique landscapes, this is a must-do. Our top tip? Book your ferry tickets as soon as you finalize your Scotland travel dates to ensure availability. Be sure that Oban lands on your itinerary over a weekend so all the restaurants and events are happening while you’re there too!

After returning to Oban, we spent our last night driving up to McCaig’s Tower & Battery Hill for sunset. The panoramic views of Oban and the surrounding waters were breathtaking, such a perfect way to reflect on the day.

Highlights Along the Way

  • Ferry to Isle of Mull: Book early to secure the best times for your trip.

  • Duart Castle: Explore this historic site and maybe catch a tour with the owner himself.

  • Isle of Mull Cheese Farm: Delicious food and farm goods—plan to arrive before the lunch menu ends.

  • Tobermory: Wander the colorful harbor town, shop for local crafts, and enjoy dinner by the water. Hit up the Toberymory Distillery for a tour too if you have a chance.

  • McCaig’s Tower & Battery Hill: Stunning sunset views of Oban and the surrounding waters.

Lodging: Last night in Oban.

Duart Castle view from the ferry over to Mull

Isle of Mull Cheese Farm

Tobermory

Returning to Oban

McCaig’s Tower & Battery Hill

Day 10: Drive to Loch Lomond & Hike

This was another town transfer day so we had a 1.5- to 2-hour drive toward Drymen. Like pretty much all of the travel/ transfer days, it was filled with opportunities to explore unique landmarks and enjoy views of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park region. Here are some of the places we hit along the way:

Highlights Along the Way

  • St Conan’s Kirk: A small but fascinating castle-like church worth a visit. Its architecture is both quirky and stunning, making it a hidden gem along your route. I kept telling myself, wow this would be such a gorgeous place to get bridal portraits done. The lighting inside was so magical for elopement photos!

  • Auchentullich Farm Shop: Stop here for a delightful selection of snacks and lunch items. This charming farm shop offers fresh local produce, perfect for a picnic on the go.

  • Conic Hill Hike: Enjoy a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with sweeping views of Loch Lomond. This is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Be sure to have coins for the parking lot! They don’t take card and there is only one store nearby that will give you change. A long hike with a decent amount of elevation gain but definitely worth it!

Drymen is a quaint town with limited dining options since it’s more of the “suburbs”, so planning ahead is essential. You can either stay in a nearby area with more food choices or make a reservation at one of the few restaurants in Drymen.

Lodging: We spent the night in Drymen at Park of Drumquhassle, a charming historical B&B owned by the sweetest older lady. The house has multiple cozy rooms, and she prepares a delicious homemade breakfast each morning. It’s a truly heartwarming stay with a personal touch!

St Conan’s Kirk

Conic Hill

Park of Drumquhassle

Day 11: Explore around Loch Lomond

We started the day with a delicious breakfast at our historic B&B before taking some time to explore the property’s trails. We even stumbled upon a friendly cow while walking around! The country roads were busy with cyclists, and we discovered they were riding along the renowned West Highland Way. This 14.6-mile point-to-point trail stretches from Drymen to Rowardennan and is a popular route for adventurers. You can learn more about this scenic trail here.

We love doing some unique adventures here and there on our trips so we decided to go horseback riding with Loch Lomond Pony Trekking. Our ride was private, led by two fantastic guides who shared fascinating local history and stories as we trotted through the breathtaking landscape. Afterward, we stopped by Loch Lomond Brewery to pick up some craft beer to enjoy later.

For dinner, we made reservations at the Clachan Inn, a must-visit spot as it’s the first and oldest licensed pub in Scotland. The cozy atmosphere and delicious food made it the perfect way to end our day. Be sure to book ahead, as it’s a popular dining spot!

Highlights Along the Way

  • West Highland Way: A famous 14.6-mile trail from Drymen to Rowardennan, perfect for cycling or hiking.

  • Loch Lomond Pony Trekking: Private horseback riding tours with knowledgeable guides sharing local history.

  • Loch Lomond Brewery: Pick up craft beer to enjoy after your adventures.

  • Clachan Inn: Dine at Scotland’s first and oldest licensed pub—reservations recommended!

If you have extra time, here are a few other activities to consider adding to your itinerary:

  • Ben A’an Hike: A rewarding hike with stunning panoramic views.

  • Bracklinn Falls Bridge: A scenic nature spot perfect for photography and exploration.

Lodging: Spent our second night in Drymen at the same charming B&B, soaking in the historic vibes.

Day 12: Travel to Edinburgh & A Little Outlander

This is the last leg of the trip, sadly. We started our journey with a 1.5-hour drive toward Edinburgh, with some stops along the way. Stirling Castle is a renowned historic landmark however, be aware that it gets extremely busy, and parking can be a challenge. If you plan to visit, it’s crucial to make a reservation and prepare for large crowds. We ultimately decided to skip it due to the hustle and bustle and we didn’t have reservations.

Another stop worth considering is Lallybroch, also called Midhope Castle, a filming location for Outlander. I’m obsessed with the show so it would worth the $10 entry cost. Be aware, the visit is self-guided, with no tours available and just a single informational board. While some might call it a tourist trap with a souvenir stand eager to sell you themed merchandise, it’s still a fun stop for fans of the show. You can even enjoy the view from the parking lot for free, making it a budget-friendly option too.

Once we arrived in Edinburgh we returned our rental car before heading into the city. This was a great way to save some money and a headache with parking. Taxis are a convenient way to reach your lodging, especially after navigating rural roads.

After checking into a charming Airbnb off the famous Royal Mile, we took some time to settle in, freshen up, and explore the city on foot. Unfortunately, Edinburgh greeted us with rain, the only bad weather we encountered during our trip. We embraced the cozy vibes with an early dinner, grabbed snacks, and spent the evening staying dry and warm in our adorable Airbnb! I wish I got more photos of it, but I’ve linked it below for you to check out!

For dinner in Edinburgh, reservations are essential—be sure to book popular spots weeks or even months ahead of your trip. We tried booking just 5–7 days in advance and missed out on several places we had hoped to try.

Highlights Along the Way

  • Stirling Castle: Book ahead and prepare for large crowds to experience this historic site.

  • Lallybroch Castle: A must-see for Outlander fans, though the experience is simple and self-guided.

Lodging: We stayed the night in Edinburgh, at this cute and comfortable Airbnb right on the Royal Mile (Lawnmarket St.) and would definitely stay there again. It was a little pricy but we knew we only had a short time there so we wanted to be in the center of everything we wanted to see!

Day 13: Explore Edinburgh

Needing a coffee-run, try The Milkman for some of the best coffee in the city! Even though it was rainy (very typical for Scotland and especially Edinburugh), we put on our rain jackets and explored a little bit of the city by foot. We then made it to Edinburgh Castle where we actually met up with some friends from Alaska that were visiting Scotland at the same time! We purchased tickets in advance, which made entering seamless. Most exhibits and tours are outdoors, so be prepared for the weather! A self-guided tour worked wonderfully for us, allowing plenty of time to explore at our own pace. We honestly wish we just bought an umbrella because we were soaked by the end of the day! If your lodging doesn’t provide umbrellas, plan to buy one—it's an essential investment for this city.

One of our favorite tours of the trip that we didn’t think would be as epic as it was happened to be the Historic Vault Tour of the Blair Street Underground Vaults. We are suckers for history and this was such a cool experience! This is a full guided tour to the underground vaults in Old Town Edinburgh that lasts no more than 1.5 hours. There are many tour companies that run these kinds of tours but we went with Mercat Tours and they were lovely. I would recommend doing at least one short guided tour of the city whether it’s the valuts, city history, or a ghost tour. It’s always great to learn more of the history from experts!

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Edinburgh. Some top recommendations would be:

  • Walk the Royal Mile

  • Grassmarket Street

  • The Cameo Picturehouse

  • Calton Hill

  • Explore Dean’s Village

  • Tour the Palace of Holyrood

  • Holyrood Abbey

  • Scottish National Gallery

  • Saint Anthony’s Chapel Ruins

  • Hike Arthur’s Seat

Whether you choose to dive into history, explore scenic viewpoints, or simply stroll through the charming streets, Edinburgh offers something for everyone.

Highlights Along the Way

  • The Milkman: A cozy spot for excellent coffee to start your day.

  • Scott Monument: A gorgeous piece of architecture worth seeing.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Pre-book tickets and prepare for outdoor exploration.

  • Blair Street Underground Vaults Tour: Definitely a highlight and great for history nerds!

Lodging: We spent our last night in Scotland getting some really good rest before you start your journey back home the next morning!

Day 14: Fly Back Home

After getting to bed early with the majority of our bags packed, we had an early wake-up call to fly back home. We booked a 9:00am departure out of EDI so we had to get up early, make our pre-scheduled taxi pickup, and get to the airport. On our 20-hour journey home to Alaska we reminisced, looked through photos, and took lots of naps! All in all, we pack our trip fill of adventure, site-seeing, hiking, lots of coffee and delicious food, and took some time to relax as well.


Scotland is such a solid choice if you want your elopement and honeymoon to feel like one connected experience. I recommend eloping around day three or four, once you’ve settled in and shaken off the jet lag, then spend the rest of the trip exploring and taking in married life together. If that sounds like your vibe, I hope this itinerary has inspired you and given you a great start to envisioning your wedding day!

I’d be really stoked to be your Scotland wedding and elopement photographer and planner in one, helping you find the right place to elope, great accommodations, trusted vendors, and experiences that actually fit how you want the day to feel! Whether that means something simple or something a little more epic, like staying in a castle or hiking through the Highland, I’m your gal!

 

Top Places to Elope in Scotland

Based on the places I’ve visited so dar in Scotland, here are the top places I would recommend couples using as their elopement location in Scotland as well as for other portrait and adventures throughout the day(s)!

Old Man of Storr

The Quiraing

The Fairy Pools

Glencoe Valley 

Isle of Mull

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

St. Conan’s Kirk

Eilean Donan Castle

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Neist Point Lighthouse

Edinburgh (city vibes)


Ready to book your Scotland Elopement?

Whether you’re ready to book or want to learn more details about what your Scotland Elopement could look like, send me an email and we can dream and plan together for your big adventure!

Inquire Here
Sarah French

Alaska-based, wedding and couples photographer capturing the wild, intimate moments of adventure and new beginnings. Available for national and international travel.

https://sarahfrenchphoto.com
Next
Next

Intimate Alaskan Summer Boat Elopement in Resurrection Bay, Seward