A Ben A’an mountain elopement in Scotland with a sunset ceremony

With just their beloved dog, Ollie Furs, Jaclyn and Steven hiked up one of Scotland’s most iconic hills for a sunset ceremony on 21st June 2025

Couple exchange vows on a mountaintop overlooking a loch and mountains during an intimate Scottish Highlands wedding ceremony

When Jaclyn and Steven began planning their wedding, they quickly realised a traditional venue celebration wasn't for them. Instead, the outdoor-loving couple chose a Scottish mountain elopement on Ben A’an.

How to plan an elopement in Scotland

With their dog Ollie by their side, a sunset ceremony overlooking the Highlands and meaningful Scottish wedding traditions including handfasting and a quaich ceremony, their intimate wedding proved that sometimes the most memorable celebrations are also the simplest.

Wide view of a remote Scottish elopement ceremony on a rocky outcrop surrounded by sweeping Highland hills and dramatic natural scenery

Wedding highlights at a glance

Wide landscape view of a Scottish mountain wedding ceremony overlooking a loch, with the couple, celebrant and dog surrounded by Highland scenery

Couple perform a handfasting ceremony on a Scottish mountain summit while their boxer dog stands between them, with loch and hillside views in the background

Couple stand with their celebrant during a mountaintop humanist wedding ceremony overlooking a Scottish loch at sunset

Choosing a Scottish mountain elopement

Exactly six years after their first date, Jaclyn and Steven exchanged vows on the summit of Ben A’an. While they briefly considered traditional wedding venues, nothing felt quite right.

“We wanted the day to be about us and our quiet, everyday kind of love rather than a big wedding.”

Bride approaches her groom and celebrant across a rugged hillside during an intimate Scottish mountain elopement with panoramic Highland views

Planning a relaxed Ben A’an elopement

The couple found planning their Scottish elopement surprisingly straightforward, booking everything within a year.

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“Our celebrant, Sam, and photographer, Rachael, were incredible,” says Jaclyn. “As none of our family and friends knew our plans, they became the people we confided in most.”

Newlyweds share a kiss following their outdoor Scottish elopement ceremony, surrounded by rugged Highland scenery

Ben A’an as a wedding location

As outdoor-lovers, the couple knew Ben A’an was the ideal setting. They also wanted their dog, Ollie Furs, to be part of the day.

“There’s a spot near the top that gives me a feeling of peace every time I visit.

“I just knew it was where we'd get married.”

Bride and groom walk hand in hand with their boxer dog along a mountain path after their Scottish elopement ceremony

A sunset ceremony with Scottish wedding traditions

With their wedding falling on 21 June, the couple opted for a 7.30pm ceremony to catch the sunset.

A piper played Highland Cathedral as Jaclyn arrived, while handfasting, an oathing stone and an engraved quaich added personal touches to the ceremony.

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One unforgettable moment came courtesy of Ollie, who wandered into shot at exactly the wrong moment – and created one of the couple's favourite wedding photos.

Wedding dog rests beside the bride’s dress during a Scottish mountain elopement ceremony, captured against a soft-focus Highland landscape

Bride and groom take part in a handfasting ritual during an outdoor Scottish elopement, surrounded by dramatic mountain and loch scenery

Decorated quaich and engraved keepsake displayed on rocks during a Scottish mountain elopement celebration

Jaclyn and Steven kept their marriage secret for four months before inviting family and friends to a celebration in October.

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“Everyone thought they were arriving for our wedding, only to discover we were already married,” laughs Jaclyn.

“The intimacy of the moment without the eyes of everyone on us was exactly what we wanted,” says Jaclyn.

“Love doesn't need to be loud to be real and unwavering.”

For this couple, a Scottish mountain elopement was the perfect way to celebrate their relationship – surrounded by incredible scenery, meaningful traditions and their beloved dog.