Scotland wedding and couple photoshoot ideas

It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning an engagement, secret proposal, elopement or a wedding photoshoot in Scotland. It’s never a bad idea to add some creative elements to it to make it more unique. Or to capture the true essence of Scotland in your photos.

Wouldn’t it be an unforgettable memory?

Ok, so you booked your photoshoot or elopement in Scotland. But you want it to be more than just walking around the place and having your photos taken. So what now? Now it’s the time to explore Scotland photoshoot ideas.

As Scotland elopement photographer my head is always full of ideas. It has to be, as I’m the creator who wants to leave you with beautiful images and memorable moments. And I can’t wait to share some of them with you in this article! So let’s explore original, unusual and extraordinary Scotland photoshoot ideas. Point by point.

With your dog

Although it’s not always possible to have your dog with you, whether at a wedding or a photoshoot. But if you can and want to do it – you should do it. Of course not every dog will be a suitable model, especially anxious dogs.

But if your dog is happy to be around people, and well-trained – you should definitely consider its presence. Aren’t they such important members of the family?

At a castle

Did you know that Scotland has around 3000 castles? So there are endless opportunities for engagement or wedding photos at a Scottish castle!

One of my favourite Edinburgh photoshoot locations are the Vennel Steps with fantastic view at Edinburgh Castle. It’s a viewpoint that you won’t let you forget the stunning view, truly. And – you don’t have to be inside the castle to have an incredible photos with the castle.

But if you’d like to explore areas outside of the Scottish capital, I’d love to tell you more about my favourite castles in Scotland.

My top 3 include Eilean Donan close to Isle of Skye, Kilchurn Castle at Loch Awe and Dunottar Castle in Stonehaven. Did you know you can get married at any of them?

Under umbrellas in the rain

Unfortunately I can’t promise you rain on your wedding or photoshoot day. But – if it does rain I’ll ask you to get some nice transparent umbrellas, and have some fun with it!

There is no reason to be scared of the rain. It’s Scotland after all – it rains a lot, but the country gets more of its dark, charming magic when it does. So if you like dark academia vibes, get out there in the rain and let’s explore!

Petting highland cows

Believe it or not, photos with highland cows are probably the most popular request! In particular, it’s a popular request among my clients from abroad.

Personally, I love taking photos of highland coos. They’re a fluffy, hairy, ginger symbol of Scotland. And the calves are so cute!

However, getting a photo with a highland cow is more difficult than you may imagine. As unfortunately they don’t like to hang out in the same places at all times waiting to be photographed. Which is a shame! I often drove for miles to certain areas as they were listed online as places where highland coos can be found. Yet, I often didn’t get to see any.

Nevertheless, there are places where you can be sure to find them. One of them is Carlowrie Castle in Edinburgh area. Other locations include the banks of Loch Awe at Kilchurn Castle and High Airyolland farm.

If you’d like to explore what other locations can present an opportunity to say hi to a highland cow, take a look at this VisitScotland article.

On a bike

Ok, arriving to your wedding venue on a bike can be tricky. So why not do it the way Hannah and John did?

They arrived at Edinburgh City Chambers on a trishaw! With their cute dog Pippa.

If you’re an avid cyclist and love the idea – why not chat to Lissa from Joyrides Edinburgh to make it happen?

With a piper

Surely there aren’t many more Scottish things in this country than bagpipes. I can promise you that the bagpipes music will follow you around the Edinburgh Old Town wherever you go.

But there are two ways you can go about it. First option – if you’re eloping in Edinburgh or somewhere in the highlands, why not book a piper to accompany you at the ceremony? They can pipe you in and lead you to the ceremony spot like in the photo above. And play some great Scottish tunes before and after.

Alternatively, if you’re getting married in Edinburgh, I’ll be excited to take you to one of the pipers on Royal Mile for a photo. Just remember to have a tenner or £20 in your pocket to leave them as a thank you!

Celebrating with a pint (or a dram) in a pub

To celebrate your marriage, engagement or first visit to Scotland, who not head to a cosy pub for a drink?

In Scotland we call a glass of whisky a dram. It’s an unofficial measurement unit used only to describe whisky and no other alcohol.

Getting a nice drink in a Scottish pub can make for some epic photos, so why not consider it? I have a whole list of nice pubs that will make it a great experience and a nice photo opportunity.

Spring wedding photos under wisteria

Wisteria season in Edinburgh really doesn’t last long, unfortunately. You won’t come across any wisteria arches in the highlands of Scotland, but if you’re marrying in Edinburgh it’s absolutely possible.

The challenging bit is to shoot for the right timing, which is usually at the very beginning of May. Best place for wisteria wedding photos in Edinburgh? Definitely Circus Lane in Stockbridge!