Beth and Johnny had already danced themselves sore at a Yorkshire barn reception the night before, but the celebration wasn’t finished. At sunrise they swapped brogues and lace pumps for hiking boots, pointed the car north, and traded confetti for mist: a post-wedding adventure session in Glencoe—just the two of them, a flask of hot coffee and miles of raw Highland air.
Chapter 1 – Sunrise ponds at the Kingshouse Hotel
16:00 We met outside the Kingshouse Hotel, where twin mirror-still ponds sit like gateways to Glen Coe. With Buachaille Etive Mòr glowing pink behind them, Beth’s satin skirt reflected in the water like a second bride. Johnny carried her bouquet one-handed and a thermos in the other; steam curled into the cold as they practised a first-dance twirl for the camera—no guests, no timeline, just mountain silence.
Insider tip: The ponds are steps from the hotel car park, perfect for warming up with coffee or a snack from hotel pub between frames.
Chapter 2 – hike to The Study & Three Sisters Viewpoint
08 : 00 Hiking poles clicked as we started the zig-zag path up to The Study—the shoulder that looks straight down the valley to the Three Sisters. It’s a 25-minute climb if you’re not carrying a dress train, but Beth hit the top with laughter still in her lungs. Below us, ribbons of mist floated between ridges; every ten minutes the sun peeled back another layer, revealing russet bracken and gold larches.
| Quick Logistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Ascent time | 20–25 min; easy, rocky underfoot |
| Best light | Between afternoon and sunset |
| Parking | Lay-by close to the Old Military Road |
| Essential kit | Waterproof boots, windbreaker, umbrellas, and head-torch if you’re planning to stay past sunset |
There were no vows this time; they’d said those already. Instead, Johnny whispered a line of their first-dance lyrics, wind stealing half of it, and that was enough.
Chapter 3 – rain-kissed portraits on Rannoch Moor
19 : 00 Clouds thickened as we drove south to the vast peatlands of Rannoch Moor. By the time we stepped out at the unmarked lay-by, fat drops streaked the windscreen – perfect, moody Highland weather. Clear umbrellas turned into makeshift light-diffusers; rain spots on Beth’s train looked like sequins as headlights from the occasional passing van lit us up.
We shot fast: wide-angle frames of the couple walking the endless single-track road, close-ups of raindrops hanging from bouquet eucalyptus, one epic backlit kiss against a wall of grey cloud. Ten minutes later the downpour passed, leaving steam rising from peat pools like breath from a sleeping dragon.
“Our wedding felt like a party,” Beth said, “but this feels like us.”
What to plan for before your own day-after adventure
- Leave breathing room. I reminded the couple that if at some point they’re soaking wet and shivering – we can go back to the car, warm up and wait it out – this way rain never derailed the plan.
- Embrace bad weather. Mist and drizzle created the cinematic mood you can’t fake in sunshine.
- Pack fuel. Bacon rolls from the breakfast buffet beat hunger better than granola bars.
If you’re craving a similar wild-heart session, my Glencoe Elopement & Adventure Guide breaks down permits, parking spots, and best seasons – so you can focus on the fun stuff: hiking, holding hands and maybe sharing a nip of whisky when the rain rolls in.
FAQ
Is a permit required for photos on The Study?
No – you are free to roam, but always stick to worn paths to protect vegetation.
How long does the whole loop take?
We covered Kingshouse ponds → The Study → Rannoch Moor in about four hours, including drive time.
What if the fog never lifts?
Then that’s even better – it creates unparalleled mood in photos.
Beth and Johnny’s feedback was wonderful after they’ve received their final gallery:
Oh my GOODNESS NATALIA!!!! I swear I’ve only just stopped crying after looking through our photos again and again. You’ve reminded us of so many beautiful moments from our day. And we couldn’t be more grateful that we picked you to be our wedding photographer. Honestly the photos are an ABSOLUTE dream.
Ready to plan your own “day-after” adventure? I take on a limited number of post-wedding sessions each season so every couple gets my full creative energy. If Glencoe’s misty peaks (or any other wild Scottish backdrop) are calling your name, send me a message through my contact form and let’s start sketching a route that feels 100 % you.
Edinburgh wedding photographer
Just said YES or already on your elopement planning journey?
I choose to capture a limited number of elopements & weddings each year to give each experience my all. Keen to get your date in my diary? Contact me by clicking on the button below and fill in the enquiry form.
I can't wait to hear all about your dream elopement day!
I can't wait to hear all about your dream elopement day!