Scotland Pre Wedding Adventure Photography UK

Planning a Destination Pre Wedding Photoshoot or Engagement Photography in the Scottish Highlands

Scotland is one of the most beautiful locations in the UK for a pre wedding photography shoot, and the landscape provides the most fantastic backdrop for a unique elopement and destination pre wedding photoshoot or engagement shoot.

If you are thinking about taking your destination shoot in Scotland or the Scottish Highlands, then take a look at some of the best locations for a Scotland pre wedding photography shoot in the UK as well as some tips and advice on planning your trip to Scotland. You can look through some ideas to get the best out of your time in the Highlands as well as sample shoots from this stunning country.

The best locations in Scotland for a pre wedding photoshoot include:

1. Glencoe

2. Eilean Donan Castle

3. Isle of Skye

4. Fort William

5. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

6. Cairngorms National Park

7. Edinburgh

Glencoe Pre Wedding Photography

Glencoe is my number one suggestion for the most incredible pre wedding photographs, and it is easy to see why. The scenery here is dramatic, and there are so many places to visit and take pictures at all within a short space which makes it the perfect setting for photography.

The backdrop of Glens, mountains and rivers help create images that are truly unique and makes Glencoe one of the most popular locations for couples planning a Scotland pre wedding shoot.

The top 10 locations for pre wedding photographs in Glencoe include:

1. Glencoe Viewpoint

2. Lochan Trail

3. Glen Etive

4. Three Sisters Viewpoint

5. Rannoch Moor

6. Stob Dearg

7. Loch Tulla Viewpoint

8. Buachaille Etive Mor

9. Glencoe valley and Glencoe White House

10. Meeting of Three Waters

All of these locations are in close proximity to each other and can easily be achieved in a one day shoot along with a few other great locations that I always recommend including in any itinerary.

Accessing Glencoe is reasonably straightforward. Fort William provides the best location for a base as it is the nearest major town to Glencoe with lots of lovely hotels and places to eat. Fort William also works well as a base to explore many of Scotlands other beautiful locations and most couples I work with choose to combine Glencoe with a few different areas to give a variety of settings for their photoshoot over a 2-3 day pre wedding shoot.

Check out a pre wedding photography shoot in Glencoe here.

Eilean Donan Castle Pre Wedding Photography

If you are planning a pre wedding photoshoot in the Scottish Highlands then having an incredible castle backdrop is usually high on most couples lists. Eilean Donan Castle in Dornie, Kyle is one of the most iconic castles in the Highlands.

This 13th-century picturesque castle is set on the small tidal island of Eilean Donan. It is met by sea lochs that create the most incredible setting. The castle is famous for appearing in films, television and countless photographs and the reflections of the castle from the banks of the loch is one of the best pre wedding photography locations in the UK for engagement photoshoots.

Eilean Donan Castle is located on the route to the Isle of Skye and is a natural stopping off point when planning a pre wedding photography road trip that includes the Isle of Skye which is next on this list.

Isle of Skye Pre Wedding Photographs

If your heart is set on adventure and you are looking for one of the most remote and dramatic settings in Scotland for your destination pre wedding photography shoot then the Isle of Skye is hard to beat.

The island is connected to the Northwest coast of Scotland by a bridge. It is famous for the rugged landscapes, beautiful fishing villages and historic castles which all make the Isle of Skye one of the most unique locations in the world for pre wedding photography.

The top 10 locations for pre wedding photographs in the Isle of Skye include:

• The Fairy Pools

• Cuillin Mountains

• Dunvegan Castle

• Old Man of Storr

• Brothers Point

• Quiraing

• Fairy Glen

• Elgol

• Talisker Bay

• Sligachan

Take a look at a pre wedding adventure shoot in Skye here. Accessing the Isle of Skye is easy by car, although the area is quite remote and driving times can take quite a bit longer than you think. The island can be visited in a single day from places like Fort William and Inverness although to get the most out of this incredible setting then I usually recommend at least a one night stay on the island so that we can take advantage of some of the more remote locations in Skye.

Check out a pre wedding photography shoot in the Isle of Skye and Glencoe here

Fort William Pre Wedding Shoot

The perfect base for exploring many of the breathtaking locations in the Scottish Highlands, Fort William is an incredible location in its own right and deserves a spot on this list. For most pre wedding shoots in Scotland, I usually recommend staying in Fort William, visiting other locations and also shooting in and around Fort William itself.

Some of the best spots in and around Fort William include the Fort William Castle Ruins, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Eli, Neptunes Staircase and the Glenfinnan Monument.

Take a look at a pre wedding photography shoot in Fort William and Glencoe here.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Pre Wedding

This national park is located in the southern highlands and is a beautiful setting for pre wedding photographs although from experience the best locations are less accessible than Glencoe and the Isle of Skye and so this can make it a little more challenging to get a good variety with your images.

I would always recommend choosing Glencoe over Loch Lomond for your pre wedding shoot although this can be a good location for an additional stop off at if you are planning more of a road trip style of pre wedding shoot that includes multiple locations.

Cairngorms National Park Pre Weddings

The Cairngorms is a national park in the highlands of Scotland which is made up of a beautiful mountain range that is a lovely pre wedding photography backdrop. The location between Edinburgh and Inverness makes this a great stopping point for a pre wedding road trip. As a standalone location, Cairngorms National Park is not as accessible as Glencoe or the Isle of Skye as many of the best spots require a fair bit of hiking. Still, it is definitely worth stopping here for some pre wedding photography if your itinerary puts you nearby.

Edinburgh Pre Wedding Photography Shoots

If you are looking for city-based pre wedding photographs to combine with some of the dramatic Scottish scenery for your pre wedding shoot, then Edinburgh has to be the best location in Scotland for this. There are some great locations for photography here and a good variety of settings to give a nice mix of backdrops.

The best locations in Edinburgh for pre wedding Photography include:

• Princess Street

• Edinburgh Castle

• Pentland Hills Regional Park

• Calton Hill

Calton Hill, in particular, offers stunning sunset views over Edinburgh and is a very popular location for engagement photography in the city. I usually recommend around 3-4 hours for city-based pre wedding shoots and combining this with many of the other places that Scotland has to offer. Calton Hill is a perfect location to end an Edinburgh pre wedding shoot and if you are lucky enough to get a great sunset then this location cannot be beat for amazing city views.

Edinburgh is quite far from many of the other locations in Scotland that I recommend so I usually suggest only including this as a location for multiple-day pre wedding adventure shoots where we are doing a pre wedding road trip and using this the start or endpoint to the trip.

Check out this Edinburgh pre wedding photography shoot here.

Sunset Pre Wedding Photographs in Scotland

Taking a multi-day pre wedding shoot in Scotland gives you multiple chances to get some incredible sunset images and there are so many stunning locations that work really well for sunset images in Glencoe and the Scottish highlands.

Sunset images are always a high priority for me when exploring these amazing locations and the mountain and lake backdrops always work well for gorgeous sunset images

Night Pre Wedding Photographs in Scotland

Night pre-wedding photographs in Scotland can be a stunning way to capture the romance and beauty of the Scottish landscape. Scotland provides a breathtaking backdrop for a night pre-wedding photoshoot with a variety of stunning backgrounds. Adding some additional time to capture a few night photographs can give you something special to add to your pre wedding or elopement shoot.

Getting to Scotland

Many couples that I work with for pre wedding photography in Scotland are travelling internationally from Hong Kong, Singapore and other parts of Asia and Scotland is well served by many direct flights into international airports such as Edinburgh and Glasgow. Regional airports such as Inverness and Aberdeen are easily accessible via London, Manchester and many other parts of Europe. 

Trains run directly from London and many other UK cities to Glasgow and Edinburgh and most parts of Scotland are easily accessed by train and coach. 

Car is the easiest way to access all of the remote locations in Scotland and car hire is relatively inexpensive and easy from all of Scotlands airports, major rail stations and city centre locations.

Getting around Scotland

Car is the best choice of transport for getting around Scotland as it offers the freedom to explore all of the beautiful locations at your own pace. A road trip pre wedding shoot is the perfect way to explore Scotland and the Scottish Highlands and I regularly put together pre wedding itineraries with couples that are looking to include multiple locations in Scotland and beyond for their pre wedding photography shoots. I can provide transport for these types of shoots and put together an itinerary that includes picking you up at your hotel or airpot and spending multiple days with you exploring Scotland and visiting multiple locations for your pre wedding photo shoot. Just let me know any ideas you have and I can include these when working with you to come up with the perfect itinerary for your adventure.

Hair and Makeup

I have several trusted hair and makeup artists and salons that I can recommend. Once we have a rough itinerary and dates put together, then I can suggest the best options for you based on the locations we will be visiting and staying at.

Where to Stay

This will vary depending on the locations that we are going to shoot at as well as the length of the shoot. For single or two-day shoots I usually recommend Fort William as a base for the shoot. Fort William offers easy access to many of the great places in Scotland such as Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle and Isle of Skye. For Multi-day shoots where we take a road trip to lots of different locations then I will put together a list of suggestions for you to choose from once we have an itinerary in place.

Road Trip and Adventure Pre Wedding Photography Shoots in Scotland.

This is the best way to explore Scotland and take your pre wedding photographs in as many unique places as possible. Road trip pre wedding shoots can range from a couple of days up to a week. This will allow us to drive between locations and stay overnight along the way at different settings in Scotland. All transport is included for the duration of the shoot and I will drive you back to either your starting point or your location for onward travel once the shoot is complete. We will spend time exploring, finding amazing places and having lots of fun along the way.

Pre Wedding Dress Hire

Although there are lots of places in the cities and towns to hire kilts in Scotland, the hire of wedding dresses and gowns is not easy, and I always recommend bringing gowns with you. That way, you have time to try them on, get them adjusted and accessorised before the shoot.

Itinerary Ideas for a Scotland Pre Wedding Photo Shoot

A 2-3 day shoot is recommended to make the most of Scotlands incredible scenery and will allow for a great variety of locations for any destination pre wedding session. Itineraries can be customised for any length of trip so whether you are planning a short 1-day shoot or a more adventurous multi-day visit then get in touch and I will work together with you to come up with the perfect plan.

A few ideas about what is possible for different lengths of visits include:

1 Day Pre Wedding Photography Shoot in Scotland

With one day available, I would suggest focusing on Glencoe and the surrounding area. This will give you the greatest variety in the shortest time and will include some of the incredible landscapes of Glencoe as well as some of the surrounding area. This could incorporate some of the beautiful Lochs around Fort William and is all achievable within a single day.

2 Day Pre Wedding Photography Shoot in Scotland

With two days available then you can spend a full day around Glencoe and the surrounding area and combine this with a visit to somewhere a little further afield. Eilean Donan Castle is located a couple of hours from Glencoe, and the drive is a beautiful one with lots of places to stop for photographs along the way. It is also possible to combine Glencoe with The Isle of Skye for a 2-day pre wedding photography shoot. While it is possible to visit as a day trip from Fort William, if you really want to make the most of the Isle of Skye for a pre wedding shoot, then I would highly recommend doing this over two days in just the Isle of Sky. Alternatively, extending your pre wedding photography shoot over three days would allow one full day in Glencoe and two days in the Isle of Skye.

3 Day Pre Wedding Photography Shoot in Scotland

With three days to spare, there are several options for your Scotland pre wedding itinerary and a full day in and around Glencoe would be my number one recommendation. I would also suggest driving the route to the Isle of Skye stopping at Eilean Donan Castle and many other incredible locations along the way. Some of these locations would include the Fort William Castle Ruins, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Eil, Neptunes Staircase and the Glenfinnan Monument.

Spending the remaining 1-2 days in the stunning Isle of Sky would give you a chance to explore many of the incredible locations on the Island. These include The Fairy Pools, Cuillin Mountains, Old Man of Storr, Fairy Glen, Dunvegan Castle and many more. An alternative option would be to drive from Glencoe to Edinburgh for photographs in this historic city with its beautiful architecture.

4 and 5 Day Pre Wedding Photography Shoot in Scotland

With 4 or 5 days available for your pre wedding shoot, then the possibilities for adventure are endless. I would highly recommend an adventure road trip and exploring some of the hidden gems of the Scottish Highlands. With this amount of time, it is possible to complete a stunning road trip around the northern part of Scotland going from Glencoe, to the Isle of Sky and then on to Invergarry, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and finishing at Edinburgh. Lots more itinerary options can be combined to create the perfect destination pre wedding shoot.

Sample Scotland Pre Wedding Itinerary and Timings

There are so many incredible locations in Scotland but I get asked a lot about what the best possible itinerary is. There really is no right answer and the perfect itinerary will depend very much on how long you have as well as the locations you are interested in. I love customising specific schedules to make the most of your time in Scotland. Here are a few examples of how a rough 2, 3 or 4 day itinerary might look:

2-4 day pre wedding itinerary using Fort William as a base to explore Glencoe, Fort William and the surrounding area plus additional days exploring Isle of Skye and Edinburgh

Day 1: Glencoe and Loch Eli

• 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM Hair and makeup

• 10:00 AM: Pickup at your Fort William accommodation

• 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Travel to and explore Glencoe Valley and Three Sisters

• 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM: Lunch break in Glencoe Village

• 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM: Glen Etive

• 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM: Explore Rannoch Moor, Loch Achtriochtan, Buachaille Etive Mòr

• 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM: Loch Eil sunset shoot

• 06:00 PM: Drop off at your Fort William accommodation

Day 2: Fort William and Glenfinnan

• 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM Hair and makeup

• 10:00 AM: Pickup at your Fort William accommodation

• 10:30 AM - 11:30 PM: Neptune's Staircase

• 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Explore Old Inverlochy Castle

• 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM: Lunch break in Fort William

• 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM: Travel to and explore Glenfinnan Viaduct

• 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM: Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel

• 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM: Sunset shoot at Loch Shiel

• 07:00 PM: Drop off at your Fort William accommodation or Travel to Skye for the following day

Day 3: Isle of Skye

• 07:30 AM - 09:30 AM Hair and makeup

• 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Travel to the Isle of Skye stopping along the way for photographs or start in Skye

• 11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Explore Sligachan’s dramatic landscapes

• 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM: Lunch break on the Isle of Skye

• 01:30 PM - 05:30 PM: Explore Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr or Kilt Rock

• 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM: Eilean Donan Castle sunset shoot

• 08:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Travel back to Fort William and night photographs along the way

• 10:00 PM: Drop off at your Fort William accommodation

Day 3 or Day 4: Edinburgh

• 10:00 AM: Pickup at your Fort William accommodation and leave for Edinburgh

• 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Stop for photographs at the Black Mount viewpoint

• 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM: Stop at the Kelpies in Falkirk for photographs

• 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM: Continue driving to Edinburgh

• 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM: Princes Street Gardens photos

• 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM: Photographs at the Vennel with views of Edinburgh Castle

• 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM: Victoria Street, a colorful and iconic street in Edinburgh

• 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM: Photoshoot at Circus Lane, a charming cobblestone street with beautiful architecture

• 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM: Break and travel to Calton Hill

• 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM: Calton Hill sunset shoot with views over Edinburgh

• 08:00 PM: Drop off at your Edinburgh accommodation

This is a rough idea of what might be possible and start and end times will very much depend on the time of year as the sunset time varies dramatically throughout the year. Standard full day shoots are for 8 hours but extended days shoots of up to 12 hours are available in the summer months (May-Sep) and itineraries are always customised for the time of year we are shooting.

Additional Locations and Combination Pre Wedding Shoots

A Scotland pre wedding shoot can be combined with other locations in the UK, Europe and around the world to give you a unique combination of images. Some of the locations that I have combines Scotland and UK pre wedding photography with include:

• Lake District

• Peak District

• Iceland

• Paris

• Hong Kong

• Venice

• Singapore

• Canada

• London

If you are thinking about combining a Scotland photoshoot with an additional location then you can take a look at some ideas and planning advice for a London pre wedding shoot here or the best locations for Peak District pre wedding photography here.

Get in touch with any ideas you have and I can come up with some suggestions for a multi-location pre wedding shoot.

When to Visit Scotland for Pre Wedding Photography

Scotland is a breathtaking destination year-round, but the best time to visit for pre wedding photography is between May and September when the weather is generally milder and more predictable. However, each season has its unique charm and beauty, making any time of the year suitable for stunning photos. Here is a brief overview of what you can expect during each season:

Spring (March-May): Springtime in Scotland is a lovely time for pre wedding photography. With blossoming trees, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant flowers, it's an ideal setting for photos. The weather during spring is generally mild, making it comfortable for outdoor shoots.

Summer (June-August): Scotland truly shines during summer. With long, bright days and lush landscapes, it's an excellent time for pre wedding photography although some areas can get a little busy.

Autumn (September-November): Autumn in Scotland is a magical time, with the landscapes adorned in a rich palette of red, orange, and gold hues. This season provides a stunning backdrop for your pre wedding shoot, and the crisp air and stunning foliage create a truly unforgettable setting.

Winter (December-February): Winter in Scotland offers a unique opportunity for pre wedding photography with a touch of magic. The dramatic landscapes and mountains are often blanketed with snow, providing a serene and magical backdrop for your photos. The cooler temperatures and fewer visitors make for a more intimate and peaceful experience but you will need to be brave to make the most of things in the colder weather. Take as look at this stunning winter pre wedding shoot in Scotland for some winter inspiration.

I recommend scheduling your shoot on a weekday and outside of the UK school holidays to avoid crowds, as weekends tend to be busier with tourists and visitors.

Getting Started

If you are interested in working with me for a pre wedding shoot in Scotland or anywhere else then get in touch with an idea of where and when you are thinking of, and we can start to plan your adventure.

Get in Touch

Drop me a quick message and let me know when and where you are thinking of taking your pre wedding shoot and I will send through some details and pricing information as well as some ideas to start planning your itinarary. You can also reach me on WhatsApp on +447515876975

FAQs on Scotland Pre Wedding Photography

1. How long does it take to travel between locations in Scotland? Scotland is reasonably vast with varying travel times between areas. Popular pre wedding photography spots, especially in the Highlands, may require longer travel times. However, many incredible locations can be found within a short space in areas such as Glencoe, Skye and Edinburgh. I will work with you to create an itinerary that maximises your time and gives you the best variety. Keep in mind that even if we are travelling to locations that are far from each other, there will be other locations on the route that we can stop at for additional photographs.

2. Are there any permits required for pre wedding photography in Scotland? Permits may be required for photography at specific locations in Scotland, and I can advise on this as we plan the itinerary. 

3. What is the best time of year for a Scotland pre wedding shoot? Scotland is stunning year-round, but the ideal time for a pre wedding shoot is between late spring and early autumn when the weather is generally milder, and the landscapes are lush. May to September are particularly popular months for pre wedding photography. However, the information above provides more details on what to expect in each season and even winter shoots can be incredible and give you truly unique images.

4. What should we wear for our Scotland pre wedding shoot? Wedding attire looks fantastic against the dramatic landscapes of Scotland. Choose additional outfits that either complement or contrast the natural beauty and color palette of the countryside. Wear comfortable shoes or boots if your dress hides your feet, as some locations may require walking on uneven terrain and mud.

5. How can we make the most of our Scotland pre wedding shoot? To maximise your pre wedding photography session in Scotland, I will help plan your itinerary well in advance, ideally visiting multiple locations for diverse backdrops. Be prepared to be flexible with your schedule, as the weather can be unpredictable in this region. A backup date or buffer time is advisable in adverse weather.

6. Do you have any recommendations for hair and makeup artists in Scotland? Yes, absolutely. I have several trusted hair and makeup artists I can recommend for your pre wedding shoot in Scotland. Once we have your itinerary in place, I can suggest options based on the duration and locations of your shoot.

7. What if it rains on the day of our Scotland pre wedding shoot? I always check the forecast a few days before to ensure that things will be dry. If we have a backup date and the forecast is very wet, we might move to the backup date. Otherwise, we can continue in any weather if you wish. Although the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, don't worry if it rains a little on the day of your shoot, as I can capture beautiful images even in less-than-perfect conditions.

8. How long should we plan for our Scotland pre wedding shoot? The duration of your pre wedding shoot in Scotland depends on the number of locations you wish to visit and the variety of images you want to capture. At minimum, a full day is needed with a 2-3 day shoot recommended to make the most of Scotland's breathtaking scenery and diverse backdrops.

9. Is it possible to combine our Scotland pre wedding shoot with other locations? Yes, and this is highly recommended if you can do this. You can combine your Scotland pre wedding shoot with other locations in the UK or even Europe. Popular nearby options include the Lake District, the Cotswolds, London, or Peak District. European destinations like Paris, Venice, or Santorini can be easily reached from the UK if you want something extraordinary. You can view sample shoots from all over the country and world on my blog to get inspiration or get in touch, and I can suggest some great options.

10. Do we need to provide our own transportation during the Scotland pre wedding shoot? While some couples prefer to rent a car or use their own vehicle, I do offer transportation services as part of your pre wedding photography packages. Depending on your itinerary, I can arrange to meet you at your hotel, a location of your choosing, or even the airport.

11. Can we have a sunset or sunrise pre wedding shoot in Scotland? Yes, capturing your pre wedding photos during the golden hour at sunset is always high on my priority list, and I will build this into the itinerary. It can be challenging to arrange hair and makeup appointments early enough for sunrise images, so sunset shoots are always easier.

12. What are some popular locations for a pre wedding shoot in Scotland? Scotland offers a wide variety of stunning locations for pre wedding shoots. Some popular options include Edinburgh's historic Old Town, the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, the Isle of Skye with its dramatic landscapes, Glencoe's rugged beauty, and Fort William. Additionally, the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Lomond, and Glenfinnan are also good choices.

13. How far in advance should we book our Scotland pre wedding shoot? It's recommended to book your pre wedding shoot at least a few months in advance, especially if you're planning to visit during the peak season or want to secure specific locations. This will allow time to plan your itinerary, obtain necessary permits, and coordinate with hair and makeup artists.

14. Do you provide props or accessories for our Scotland pre wedding shoot? While I do not typically provide props or accessories, I am more than happy to offer suggestions and guidance on what items may enhance your photos. Feel free to bring any personal items or props that are meaningful to you as a couple or that complement your chosen locations.

15. Can we rent a kilt in Scotland? Yes, There are many places in Scotland where you can rent a kilt for your pre wedding shoot. Here are three places to look at:

    1. The Kilt Hire Co. - The Kilt Hire Co. has several locations throughout Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness. They offer a wide range of kilts, jackets, and accessories to rent for your pre wedding session.

    2. MacGregor and MacDuff - MacGregor and MacDuff is a well-known kilt maker in Scotland, and they also offer kilt rental services. They have several locations throughout Scotland, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London.

    3. Slanj Kilts - Slanj Kilts is a Scottish-based kilt maker and retailer that also offers kilt rental services. They have several locations throughout Scotland, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen

16. Where are the best locations in Scotland for pre wedding photography. There are so many incredible locations in Scotland for a pre wedding photo shoot but my favourite spots are around Glencoe and Fort William as these are some of the most accessible and breathtaking locations in the UK and it is very easy to get amazing images in these locations.

View some more pre wedding photography shoots from Scotland