Glencoe Elopement Planning Guide – 11 Epic Glencoe Elopement Locations
GLENCOE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE – EPIC GLENCOE ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS
Glencoe is one of the most frequently chosen locations for elopement by couples from all over the world. I’m not surprised! Majestic mountains, often bathed in clouds. The wind playing with the layers of the dress, ribbons from bouquets, hair, suits. Deers that, if you are lucky, can be the witnesses of your elopement from a short distance. P.s. remember not to scare them away. They are beautiful but wild animals.
Glencoe looks magnificent at any time. But for me, the most mysteriously in autumn and winter. This is when they take on warm shades of brown, orange, grey. The colours change in spring. Heathers become greener, ferns also change colour. Leaf shoots appear on the trees. In summer, this place is dominated by the colours of darker green, purple heather flowers, yellow gorse bushes.
Late fall, winter and early spring are the times when Glencoe is still not too crowded with tourists. It is also a time when the most popular and picturesque places are not too crowded. And the midges known to you from many stories still sleep well in their winter sleep.
EPIC GLENCOE ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS
GLENCOE LOCHAN
Glencoe Lochan is located on the north of Glencoe. This charming place is surrounded by tall deciduous and coniferous trees. In windless weather, the surface of the loch forms a mirror in which the Sgorr on Ciche. It is a wonderful hidden gem that has a romantic history behind it. This place was created in the 19th century by Lord Strathcon for his wife who missed her homeland, Canada very much. It takes only around 15 minutes to get there from the car park. After the elopement ceremony, you can explore woodland trails around the loch.
LOCH ACHTRIOCHTAN
Loch Achtriochtan is located very close to the main road. There is a car park nearby as well. Imagine you standing on the shore of the loch with Aonach Eagach Ridge in the background. In windless weather, the nearby peaks will be beautifully reflected in the loch’s surface. When it is cloudy, you will see clouds surrounding the peaks of the Glencoe Valley mountains.
THREE SISTERS
Three Sisters (Aonach Dubh, Beinn Fhada and Gearr Aonach), also known as the Bidean Nam Bian mountain range in the Scottish Highlands is one of breathtaking Glencoe elopement locations. Beautiful at any time of the year. In spring and summer, it sparkles with different shades of green, in autumn and winter, orange, brown and grey. Straight after the ceremony, you can go on a little adventure to the Lost Valley or follow the path towards Glencoe and reach the wooden bridge over the mountain stream.
There are two large car parks are located just off the main road, which might be very busy during the summertime. This place is very popular among tourists, so keep that in mind choosing this location for your elopement in Glencoe.
THE PASS OF GLENCOE (THE STUDY)
One of my favourite spots in Glencoe Valley. And one of the most secluded Glencoe elopement locations. I was looking for it for almost three years (I didn’t try very hard at the beginning, because when I knew that I had to find it, I did it on the second try. Yes, second haha). And when we found it, we spend there around one hour just sitting and admiring the view over the Glencoe Valley and Three Sisters. I do know two places to get there – one more adventurous across the river (no problem when the water level is not high). The second – a normal one, walking down the path from the parking lot.
To reach the flat rocky ledge you have to climb about 200m. So yes, comfortable climbing boots will be necessary.
LOST VALLEY
I discovered Lost Valley by accident during a couples photo session in 2020. A tourist came up to me and asked if I knew which path to Lost Valley leads. It intrigued me so much that on the same day, right after the session, completely wet, with a camera in my hand and one oatmeal bar, I set off down the path that several people were walking. I still remember the wooden bridge above the mountains stream and the willow forest. I didn’t go any further that day, but I added that place to my bucket list and the next week I went there with Pawel. This time with proper equipment.
The path takes at least 1 hour to get to the valley but before you’ll need to pass the gorge, River Coe and a rocky wall. It’s not a location for people who have the fear of heights. Hiking boots are necessary.
KINGSHOUSE HOTEL
Perfect place for a romantic elopement in Glencoe. A view of the majestic Buachaille Etive Mòr, close to the River Etive and a small coniferous forest – can you imagine a more romantic backdrop? It is the perfect place for late autumn and winter elopement or an elopement with your dearest and nearest. Many paths also start from Kingshouse Hotel, so if you are interested in an elopement in the mountains this could be a great place to consider.
GLENCOE MOUNTAIN RESORT
A gondola ride to the top and the elopement ceremony at the top of Meall a ‘Bhùiridh for example? Or in the lower party? Doesn’t that sound like a great adventurous elopement in Glencoe? And then, if you still have enough strength, you can go on a mountain trail of your choice.
WHITE COTTAGE ON THE BOTTOM OF BUACHAILLE ETIVE MÒR
One of my favourite Glencoe elopement locations. In season, this place is very crowded, so choose it for late autumn, winter or early spring elopement. The nearby River Coupall adds a magical charm to this place.
WATERFALL NEAR BUACHAILLE ETIVE MÒR
Another isolated Glencoe elopement location. Even during the season, it is relatively quiet here. Perhaps only from time to time, you will find a couple watching your ceremony from a distance. Without disturbing you. A stunning location for a romantic Glencoe elopement with a view over Buachaille Etive Mòr, on the shore of a mountain stream. The only downside to this place is that it is very boggy especially after rain. Hiking boots or wellies are the best choices.
GLEN ETIVE
If you are a James Bond and “Skyfall” fan this is the Glencoe elopement location for you. The single, narrow road track with passing places leads to Loch Etive. There aren’t a lot of parking places. On the way, you will pass many stunning places where the ceremony can take place. Starting from the coniferous forest, through the banks of the River Etive, the shore of Loch Etive or Lochan Urr or the famous James Bond spot.
LOCH ETIVE
Loch Etive is approximately 35 minutes from the main road. On the way, you will pass a place famous for the James Bond movie. At the very end, there is a small car park and a small beach. It’s the perfect Glencoe elopement location if you are dreaming of an elopement on the shore of a loch surrounded by mountains in a secluded area.
