A Relaxed Scottish Borders Elopement Filled with Laughter, Cosy Fires & Meaningful Moments
Why Jodie & Denny Chose a Scottish Borders Elopement
Jodie and Denny didn't travel to the Scottish Borders to put on a wedding. They came to quietly celebrate the life they'd already built together.
Instead, they invited just two guests: Jodie's cousin Rachel, who is also her best friend, and her husband, also one of their best friends. Having celebrated their own wedding the previous year, it felt like a lovely way to continue the celebrations together.
Choosing an intimate Scottish Borders elopement meant they could focus entirely on the reason they were there.
No rushing between guests.
No complicated timeline.
Just time together.
Planning a Wedding That Feels Like You
One of the things I loved most about Jodie and Denny was how well they knew themselves. When Jodie first got in touch, she told me exactly what mattered to them.
"We want some close-up shots of me and my husband, and also some casual laughing shots that aren't planned."
That sentence sums up my approach to photography perfectly.
Of course we'll create beautiful portraits, but the photographs people treasure most are often the ones that weren't planned at all. A laugh after a joke. A squeeze of the hand. That look you give each other when you realise... "We actually did it."
Jodie loves photographs and enjoys being in front of the camera. Denny? Not quite so much! He wanted to enjoy his day, feel comfortable but also have photographs even though he isn’t sure about being in them. And that's completely normal, it's never something I worry about. Instead of spending hours posing, we simply wandered around together, chatting as we explored. Before long, Denny completely forgot about the camera, especially once we headed out into nature - his preferred environment.
Those natural moments became some of my favourite photographs of the day.
Thinking about planning your own intimate wedding?
If you're dreaming of a wedding that's relaxed, meaningful and centred around the two of you, I'd love to hear your plans.
"You made us all feel very comfortable and got the shots we wanted. You made it feel effortless and we have such great memories."
A Cosy Ceremony Full of Meaning
March in Scotland can be wonderfully unpredictable, but that's all part of the charm.
Outside, the gardens were just beginning to wake up after winter. Inside, the historic rooms felt warm and welcoming, with the fire making everything feel even cosier.
Their ceremony was beautifully simple.
With only two guests watching on, every smile, every promise and every laugh felt incredibly personal. Rather than disappearing into a busy reception afterwards, everyone gathered together for relaxed drinks by the fire.
No formal schedule.
No pressure.
Just good conversation and quiet celebrations.
Sometimes those slower moments become the memories people treasure most.
The Best Part About Small Weddings? You Can Slow Down
One of the biggest advantages of choosing an elopement is the freedom it gives you.
Instead of squeezing portraits into ten rushed minutes they could simply wander and enjoy the place they had chosen.
The old stone bridges.
The gardens.
The quiet pathways.
The historic rooms.
Every location became another excuse to spend a little more time together, exploring.
Jodie had told me they loved black and white photographs, while Denny relaxed most when he was outdoors. As soon as we stepped outside, they forgot all about being photographed.
They laughed.
They danced.
They cuddled up under an umbrella.
They simply enjoyed being together.
And that's exactly what an elopement should feel like.
Looking for a historic wedding venue?
If you're considering Traquair House for your own wedding, I've put together a detailed guide covering the venue, ceremony spaces and some of my favourite places for photographs.
Why Choosing the Right Photographer Matters
When Jodie and Denny were looking for a photographer, they weren't simply looking for someone whose photographs they liked.
They wanted someone who understood the venue, listened to what they wanted and, perhaps most importantly, someone they felt completely comfortable spending part of their wedding day with.
Having photographed many weddings at Traquair before meant I could suggest relaxed places to wander after the ceremony and help everything flow naturally, leaving them free to simply enjoy being together.
As Jodie later told me:
"From the initial meeting I knew you were our photographer. Such a lovely person with a vast knowledge and really listened to what we wanted."
That means the world to me because, for me, wedding photography has never just been about creating beautiful images. It's about helping you enjoy your wedding day so completely that, years later, your photographs don't just show you what happened – they bring back exactly how it felt to be there.
💛 Little Extras
One of my favourite parts of every wedding day is sending over a few preview photographs while the excitement is still fresh.
Jodie told me afterwards how much they loved being able to share a few images with family and friends at their big party a week later.
It's a small thing, but it's always lovely knowing couples can relive those first moments as newlyweds straight away.
Why I Love Photographing Scottish Borders Elopements
There is something wonderful about a small wedding.
Without a packed timeline or hundreds of guests, there's space to breathe.
Space to notice the little moments.
The quiet smiles.
The hugs.
The laughter between friends.
Those are the moments that tell the real story of a wedding day.
Jodie and Denny's wedding wasn't about putting on a show.
It was about celebrating the life they'd already built together and quietly marking the start of a new chapter.
It couldn't have suited them better.
"From the initial meeting I knew you were our photographer. Such a lovely person with a vast knowledge and really listened to what we wanted."
Planning Your Own Scottish Borders Elopement?
Whether you're travelling from elsewhere in the UK or planning a destination wedding in Scotland, an intimate wedding gives you the freedom to create a day that's completely your own.
If you're dreaming of a relaxed Scottish Borders elopement filled with beautiful scenery, meaningful moments and photographs that feel natural rather than posed, I'd love to hear what you're planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Scottish Borders a good place to elope?
Absolutely. I actually was married in Selkirk, a neighbouring borders town, so I personally recommend it! The Scottish Borders is close to Edinburgh, Glasgow and off course it borders England, hence the name. It’s full of historic houses, rolling countryside and peaceful locations, making it ideal for couples who want a relaxed, intimate wedding away from the busy world.
How many guests can you have at a Scottish elopement?
There are no rules. Some couples choose just the two of them, while others invite a handful of close family or friends. Jodie and Denny celebrated with just two guests, creating a wonderfully personal atmosphere.
What if it rains during a Scottish elopement?
A little Scottish weather often adds to the story. Some of my favourite photographs from this wedding were taken under an umbrella, proving you don't need sunshine to create beautiful memories.
How long do you need a photographer for an elopement?
Many couples only need a few hours. Jodie and Denny wanted coverage of the ceremony, relaxed portraits afterwards and time to enjoy the venue with their closest friends, which gave us plenty of opportunity to create a natural collection of photographs.
