Elope to Skye
The Misty Isle
Elope in Skye
With its dramatic cliffs, misty moorlands, soaring mountains, and iconic landscapes like the Quiraing and the Fairy Glen, Skye feels otherworldly. Couples from all over the world choose Skye as the ideal destination to elope to, for intimate ceremonies, adventures, and unforgettable moments together.
As a Highlands-based photographer, I regularly travel across Skye to capture images for couples. My wife is from the Isle of Skye, and it’s a special place to share with visitors.
Whether you’re dreaming of saying your vows beneath the Old Man of Storr, sharing a private moment by the water at Loch Coruisk, or simply exploring the island together, I’d be delighted to help you picture what it’s really like to elope on Skye – and how to make the most of your time on this extraordinary island.
Browse the frequently asked questions below to learn more about planning a Skye elopement: and get in touch for more information, I’d be delighted to hear from you.
I’m Roddy Mackay – a freelance photographer based in Inverness in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland.
Elopement weddings are a large part of my photography workload in the UK, and I also enjoy spending a couple of weeks each year overseas.
Elope to Skye
Frequently asked Questions
I’ve compiled a list of some of the questions I am asked most frequently, and the answers to those questions. Have another that’s not answered here? Get in touch, I’d be happy to help.
Where should we stay in Skye?
I’d usually reccomend the south end of the Island as being a good place to base yourself, depending on how much time you have to work with. The island is connected by a bridge to the mainland, so being based at the south end (Broadford is the main village/town) means that you have easier access to both get to the island, but also to explore out in different directions both on the island, and on the mainland.
The main town of Portree is located further north, approximately 45/60 minutes from the Skye Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland.
I have a range of reccommended accommodatiomn providers in my Secret Guide to Scotland that is reserved for clients with a booking for their photography sessions.
Why choose Skye for your photos?
The Isle of Skye is world famous, with beautiful landscapes to work with all year round.
Often known as ‘The Misty Isle’, Skye offers dramatic landscapes, whatever the weather.
Most of my photo sessions in Skye take in a variety of landscapes, providing time to get a feel for different parts of the island, with time to explore and relax in between.
When is the best time to visit Skye?
Each season offers something a little different, but my personal favourite has to be the autumnal months of September into early November.
The summer months can be busier, although there are lots of areas to explore, when you know where.
If travelling between March – September, booking ahead of time is definitely reccommended.
Weather, and what to wear for an Isle of Skye trip.
Depending on which time of year you plan to visit, a light shawl may be useful to have for photos – but generally I’d reccomend wearing what you are most comfortable with.
A pair of comfy shoes is also reccommended for those who would like to do a little light walking to explore the most of the landscape.
How do we get to the Isle of Skye?
It’s possible to get to Skye by public transport, although due to the remote nature of the island you will likely want to have access to a car.
Buses from the main cities of Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh travel to the main town of Portree, via Broadford. The closest train station to the Isle of Skye is at Kyle of Lochalsh, which is where the Skye Bridge connects the island to the mainland.
Pre and Post Wedding Photos
Looking to capture your images before or after the wedding day? Have me show you some of my favourite parts of Scotland.
SKYE Elopement Photography
Trvelling to Scotland? Make the most of your travels.
Claim a copy of my Secret Guide to Scotland when you book your session.
Packed full of information on where to eat, sleep and visit. How to get around, and make the most of your travels to Scotland.
Isle of Skye Elopements
Where can you go?
The Isle of Skye is packed full of beautiful landscapes and places to explore – whatever the weather.
While you’ll likely hear of some places online, including on platforms such as Google and social media, there are lots of other places to visit in Skye, often unseen by most visitors, and offering a more unique experience on the island, away from the crowds.
Having local experience and insight is definitely a big help here, knowing where to go, and how to get there!
I’d also always recommend having some flexibility with your plans, the weather in Skye can vary a lot, so the more time you have to work with will likely mean you have more time to explore, and more opportunity to make the most of the weather and the landscape in your images.
Eilean Donan Castle
Although it's not technically on the Island, Eilean Donan Castle is just a short drive from Skye, on the mainland side of the Skye Bridge.
The castle is a busy tourist attraction, although it can be booked for private ceremonies, and it's also possible to feature the castle in the backdrop of your images from a viewpoint just across the water from the Castle, or from a viewpoint in the hill above the castle for the more adventurous.
Sligachan
Sligachan is one of my favourite locations on Skye, with a wide variety of different landscapes to choose from.
Located in the centre of the island, Sligachan is an approx 10 minute drive to Portree.
There are a variety of landscapes and views to capture here, with the Cuillin mountains offering a spectacular backdrop for photos.
Storr
The Old Man of Storr is a popular visitors pot on Skye, with people coming from all over to see the towering rock pinnacles and the views over the sound of Raasay.
As it's such a busy spot, it's somehwere I'd only reccomend visiting either first thing or last thing in the day, although there are lots of spots that I know where the Storr can feature in the backdrop of your images, without the crowds!
Elgol
Elgol has a rugged coastline, with views across Loch Scavaig to the Cuillin range. Honeycomb rock offers a little shelter at the far end of the beach, and can be a great spot for a small private ceremony, especially at sunset.
Breakish
Breakish can be a quieter corner of Skye, but when the tide is out and the beach opens up it can be a great place to explore, with views back up the island towards The Cuillins, or south towards the mainland.
Kintail
Although not on the Isle of Skye, the viewpoint towards Kintail from Carr Brae is a great spit for visitors going to or coming from the island.
The Quirang
The Quirang can offer some of Skye's most spectacular views, with a range of craggy cliffs and sweeping plateaus.
Because of this, it can also be one of the busier locations on the island, so a little forward planning and patience can help ensure you can see it at it's best, and without the busyness of other visitors.
The Fairy Glen
A small, surreal landscape near Uig, the Fairy Glen is full of miniature hills, grassy mounds and spiral rock formations.
It can be a fun place to visit and take pictures, although it can also get clogged up with traffic quite quickly.
The Fairy Pools
Although there's a charm about the Fairy Pools, the busyness of the location can detract from it's beauty, with little chance of having the space to yourself.
While it can be a great spot to visit, I'd reccomend other spots as being great for a more intimate and personal experience on Skye.
Ready to explore?
This is just a small selection of all of the great places that there are to explore. Get in touch to see what I’d reccomend for your time in Scotland.
Couples Photography in Skye
Whatever your reason for coming to Skye, there is plenty to explore!
Off the beaten track, and away from where the majority of the tourists go, I know a range of beautiful locations that allow you to see the island at it’s best.
Whatever your reason for travelling to Skye, I’ll be happy to capture images for you on your travels.
Isle of Skye Family Photo Sessions
Capture images on your holiday to make the most of your memories while you travel.
View my other portfolios
My work is focused on capturing natural scenes of people in places.
Get in touch
I’d always be glad to hear from you. Phone numbers are not essential, but help to confirm your details.