The 10 best places to elope in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland – a stunning place with charming cobblestone streets, a vibrant culture, and plenty to explore. But, for couples looking to tie the knot surrounded by nature, Edinburgh also has tons of natural beauty just outside of the hustle and bustle! If you’re looking for places to elope in Edinburgh, but want to leave the city skyline behind in exchange for some natural landscapes, this guide is for you – we’ll talk about the best places to tie the knot!
The Best Time to Elope in Edinburgh
While choosing your elopement location is a big part of planning your day, you’ll also need to decide on a date for your ceremony! You can get married in Edinburgh any time of year – but, each season brings a new feeling, so it’s important to consider the weather before you put a date in your calendar. Here’s what you can expect, and what you need to know about the best time to elope in Edinburgh.
Winter in Edinburgh
Winter isn’t most travelers’ favorite time to visit Edinburgh – it’s cold, and it rains pretty often! But, there is also plenty to love about Edinburgh in the winter. There will be way fewer people around, so you’ll have an easier time finding some privacy when you exchange vows! There are also lots of holiday celebrations in December, which can be a fun experience for your elopement.
Spring in Edinburgh
Spring is pretty magical in Edinburgh – flowers bloom, and the hills and meadows around the city are covered in daffodils, then cherry blossoms later in the season. This can be a nice time for hiking as the weather starts to warm up!
Summer in Edinburgh
Summer is the most popular time to visit Edinburgh, and it’s easy to see why! The city seems to come back to life with the warm weather, as pub gardens open, festivals begin, and locals and tourists love spending their days outdoors. This is an amazing time for hiking and for exploring the city, but be prepared to experience more crowds and people out and about!
Fall in Edinburgh
Though summer is most popular, fall is a really amazing time to elope in Edinburgh. The crowds dissipate, and the city feels much calmer and quieter. Temperatures are still pleasant in early fall, so it can be a great time to hike and to see some fall foliage!
The 10 Best Places to Elope in (And Near) Edinburgh
Though there are plenty of stunning locations within the city itself for couples looking for an urban backdrop, there is also tons of nature around Edinburgh for those who want a more outdoorsy vibe! Your elopement location will forever be the place where you exchanged vows and married your best friend – so it should be a reflection of the two of you, and how you want to begin your marriage. To get you inspired, here are a few of the best places to elope in (and near) Edinburgh, Scotland!
Pentland Hills
The Pentland Hills are a range of rolling green hills that run from Edinburgh, southwest towards Biggar. It’s a gorgeous place with plenty of hiking trails, and you can see the river, a few waterfalls, and lots of sheep! In March, the Hills are dotted with yellow daffodils, making for an extra stunning backdrop.
Arthur’s Seat
This unique elopement location is the main peak in the hills of Edinburgh, and it’s actually an ancient volcano! Located in Holyrood Park, there are several trails to choose from, and you can take a hike to the summit to exchange vows.
Cramond Beach
One of the best places to elope in Edinburgh if you’re looking for a beachfront location is Cramond Beach! Located on the outskirts of the city, it’s far from the city center and fairly quiet. The beach itself is pretty small, but behind it you’ll find more space to wander – paths go along grassy knolls and sand dunes on the coast, giving you plenty to explore! You can even spot some wildlife in the tide pools on the beach when the tide is low.
Yellowcraig Beach
This beach is located in North Berwick, a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh. It’s one of the best beaches to elope on if you want to spot wildlife! You’ll see plenty of seabirds diving into the ocean, and there’s a puffin colony on Bass Rock – a huge rocky island that makes a stunning backdrop as you exchange vows!
Salisbury Crags
For rocky cliffs, Salisbury Crags is one of the best places to elope in Edinburgh! The cliff face looks over the city, and you can hike to the top of the cliff for a stunning view. In the 17th century, the hard rock that forms these crags was used to create some of the cobblestone streets you still see today, so this location has some history too!
Cramond Falls
Cramond Falls is a waterfall right in Edinburgh, on the outskirts of town! It’s located close to Cramond Beach, and is an incredible place for a quiet walk in nature. You can walk along the River Almond, stop at the nearby cafe, and enjoy a waterfall in the city!
Northumberlands National Park
This location is a little bit further away – but since it’s still within driving distance, it’s one of the best places to elope near Edinburgh! It’s a 1.5 hour drive, just across the border of Scotland, so you’ll be in England – but crossing the border is easy, as it’s still within the country of the United Kingdom. The park has gorgeous, lush rolling hills, as well as moorland and forests!
Braidburn Valley Park
Another amazing park for couples who want to elope in Edinburgh, Braidburn Valley Park is located in the south, with a large brook that runs through grassy fields, wildflower meadows, and hills. You can even spot an otter in the water occasionally!
Figgate Park
This park is in a wetland area, and has a pond in its center, with a walkway that goes around the water. It’s a great place to walk, and has lots of nature, without having to leave the city! You can spot different species of waterfowl, like swans, mallards, herons, and moorhens – along with a few playful otters.
Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve
The Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve is located southwest of the better-known Holyrood Park, and though it’s not as popular, you can have some amazing views from the top of Blackford Hill – and fewer people around! There are several trails that wander through the park, and up to the hill’s summit, where you’ll find an observatory.
Edinburgh Elopement Packages
Choosing a location is one of the most exciting – and most difficult! – things when it comes to planning your elopement. It’s a big decision, and with so many gorgeous places to elope in Edinburgh, it can be quite a challenge to narrow it down.
As an elopement photographer and travel planner, my job is to make sure you don’t have to stress! I’ll get to know you, and give you a personalized list of location recommendations, so that all you have to do is choose from a list of curated spots.
If you’re ready to find the best place for you to elope in Edinburgh, contact me!
