Sunset LGBTQ Holyrood Park elopement in Scotland

This sunset outdoor elopement in Edinburgh was not only beautiful and peaceful, but also adventurous. These two wonderful girls travelled all the way from Canada for their LGBTQ e to exchange vows in the great outdoors of Scottish capital.

I met with Chloe and Kate in the late afternoon at the Vennel Steps for some wedding photos in the Old town. After the photoshoot, we took an Uber to Holyrood Park where we met with their wonderful celebrant – Lizzie Edgerton.

Humanist celebrant: Lizzie Edgerton

Flowers: Rose & Ammi

Kate’s wedding dress: Office Seven

Sunset same-sex Edinburgh elopement with Arthur’s Seat hike

When I asked Kate and Chloe about why decided to elope, they said:

We are both people pleasers and the thought of trying to coordinate a traditional wedding while keeping everyone else happy felt stressful, and left little room to do things how we wanted. Eloping was our perfect solution to celebrate our love and to make sure that we were doing what was best for us.

Their ceremony, conducted by Lizzie, was so beautiful and emotional that even her and I shed some tears. And all of that surrounded by the most magical scenery – green hills of Holyrood Park, vivid yellows of wild gorse, and of course Dunsapie Loch in the background. But also swans and wee ducks which came to witness their ceremony.

The day ended with a sunset hike up Arthur’s Seat, which was a wonderful opportunity for a champagne pop and to be able to admire gorgeous city views. And as much as the sun disappeared behind clouds when we reached the top, both Kate and Chloe loved the experience.

Finally, the last thing on the agenda was an Uber that took us to the Raging Bull, where Kate and Chloe shared their first pint as a married couple.

Scotland is a wonderful place for an LGBTQ elopement and it’s not just about the scenery. Same-sex couples have equal rights in Scotland since 2014 which is one of the reasons why so many queer brides and queer grooms have since decided to choose this gorgeous country for the most meaningful moment of their lives.

If you’re planning your own LGBTQ wedding and looking for inspiration, check out some more beautiful moments I photographer for my wonderful couples:

Same-sex micro-wedding at Royal College of Physicians

Rainy lesbian City Chambers elopement

And if you’d like to exchange ideas and are looking for a photographer, please get in touch.