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A Relaxed Scottish Borders Elopement Filled with Laughter, Cosy Fires & Meaningful Moments
Jodie and Denny travelled from England for a wonderfully relaxed Scottish Borders elopement, sharing their wedding day with just two lifelong friends. From cosy fires and historic rooms to laughter-filled portraits outdoors, their intimate celebration proves that the smallest weddings can often create the biggest memories.
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.
Discover more Scotland guides, wedding venue inspiration and real weddings from Edinburgh wedding photographer Ali Jay.
Traquair House | An Enchantingly Romantic Venue
I’ve loved visiting Traquair House over the years to photograph small weddings and elopements. As a nature-loving wedding photographer, I’m always searching for enchanting backdrops that don’t just look romantic but feel romantic. Traquair House is one of those rare places with genuinely magical spaces that are perfect for saying “I do” and exploring for photographs.
Here’s my guide to why Traquair House is such a wonderful choice for a Scottish micro wedding or elopement.
7 Reasons I Love Traquair
Traquair House is nestled in the heart of the Tweed Valley, just 15 minutes from the bustling market town of Peebles, one of the liveliest spots in the Scottish Borders. If your guests need extra accommodation, Peebles has plenty of options. But Traquair itself offers so much charm and comfort that you might not want to leave!
Incredible Photo Opportunities
My photography style is all about the experience, and Traquair’s spaces are perfect for relaxed, genuine moments. Whether you’re wandering through the yew tree circle, enjoying a quiet moment by the river, or even sipping a pint in the Traquair Brewery, the photo opportunities are endless.Timeless Romance
With over 900 years of history, Traquair is packed with stories. Imagine walking in the footsteps of the Stuart family or picturing Mary Queen of Scots using the ancient crib that’s still kept within the house.Enchanting Grounds
If you love nature and a touch of whimsy, Traquair’s grounds are a dream come true. Wander through the Walled Garden, discover the moss-covered Victorian tea house, take a riverside stroll, or lose yourself in Scotland’s largest hedged maze.The Private 17th-Century Wing
Staying at Traquair is like stepping back in time. You’ll have your own private wing of the house, complete with two beautifully adorned bedrooms and a living room filled with period details that feel straight out of a romance novel.Variety of Ceremony Spaces
Traquair offers an array of stunning locations to tie the knot. You can exchange vows in the cosy drawing room, the historic library (a book lover’s haven!), or outdoors in Cupid’s Garden or beneath the ancient yew trees by the river. Every space is brimming with character and charm.Plenty of Accommodation
Between the house’s three bedrooms and additional space at nearby Howford House, Traquair can accommodate up to 24 people. Six of you can stay right in the house, soaking up its magical atmosphere.Unique Experiences
There’s nowhere quite like Traquair. From its historic brewery to the one-of-a-kind ceremony spaces, it’s a venue that feels truly special and unlike any other.
Want to capture the magic of Traquair with me?
Want to see a full Traquair wedding, get in touch to view a gallery or check out Jodie and Denny’s Relaxed Elopement At Traquair
👉View This relaxed Elopement At Traquair
What makes my packages perfect for a Traquair wedding?
From tiny elopements to intimate micro weddings, my photography packages are designed to fit around you. Whether you need just a couple of hours or a full day of coverage, I’ll help you make the most of your time at Traquair—rain or shine.
Flexible Coverage
Choose from 2-10 hours of photography with the option to extend if you’re having so much fun that you want more time to explore!Personal Planning Support
I’ll work closely with you and the Traquair team to ensure your day runs seamlessly, allowing you to enjoy every moment without stress.Next-Day Previews
I know how excited you’ll be to share your memories, so I’ll send you a selection of photos asap.Head over to my weddings info page for all the details!
Want to explore my wedding photography packages?
Traquair House Accommodation
Traquair can host up to 24 people between its three on-site bedrooms and nearby Howford House, which is just a three-minute drive (or a scenic half-hour walk) away. The private wing of the house is especially lovely, with views of the courtyard that make it feel like your own little world.
For guests needing additional options, Innerleithen and Peebles are nearby and offer fantastic accommodation like the Traquair Arms Hotel and Peebles Hydro.
And if you’re staying a while, why not explore the local area? Traquair is perfectly situated for adventures, whether that’s mountain biking at Glentress, horse riding at Kailzie Equestrian, or indulging in a chocolate-making experience at Cocoa Black. For something more relaxing, take a peaceful walk at Dawyck Botanical Gardens or along the abandoned railway tunnel—or, for the bold, enjoy a refreshing swim in the river near Neidpath Castle.
Let’s Chat About Your Wedding
If you’re planning your wedding at Traquair House, I’d love to hear all about your ideas. This is one of my favourite venues to work at, and I’d be thrilled to help you create stunning memories of your day.
Get in touch today, or visit my weddings info page to learn more about how I can help make your Traquair wedding unforgettable.
Traquair House Team
Gillian, Caroline and the rest of the team are fantastic, contact them at:-
Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peeblesshire, EH44 6PW
Discover more Scotland guides, wedding venue inspiration and real weddings from Edinburgh wedding photographer Ali Jay.
Enchanting Megginch Castle Wedding
Megginch Castle is a superb new elegant wedding venue with a famous past. Nadia & Steven loved the beautiful courtyard and expansive grounds.
Megginch Castle may be a superb new elegant wedding venue but once upon a time, a long long time ago (well actually in the 90’s) the castle’s historic courtyard hosted movie stars, including Liam Neeson, for the filming of the 1995 movie Rob Roy.
The Wedding Ceremony
Nadia & Steven chose Megginch Castle for their wedding after COVID meant they re-evaluated their original plan to elope to Spain. They loved the beautiful courtyard and chose the light conservatory for their ceremony but they could have chose the chapel or the gardens.
Want to know more about my photography?
Places to Explore
The castle is a hidden gem, I love little adventures and Megginch had lots of great places to explore. The conservatory links the courtyard via the grand ballroom to the gardens with it’s 1000yr old yew trees, fun topiary, fountain and expansive lawns. There are also horses to go say hello to and a tiny chapel in the groups which can be used for religious ceremonies.
Surprise, Surprise!
Nadia and Steven’s guests were entertained with croquet and the big surprise of the night was when the waiter fell over and then got up and started singing. Nadia had told us that it would be happening so we were waiting in anticipation for him to fall. As a guest ran to help the poor fallen waiter, he jumped up and started singing and caused a lot of hilarity. Everyone loved the impromptu performance, guests were standing on the chairs, dancing, swinging their napkins around their heads. Danielle and I ran around the room having far too much fun capturing it on camera to make sure the fun was bottled up for Nadia & Steven to look back on and laugh.
The Magical wedding Team
Venue – Megginch Castle
Event Management: Jan Deegan Next Step Events
Officiant – Margery Bambrick
Photographer – Ali Jay Photography
Videographer - Danielle Watt
Hair stylist – Hair Ups
Make-up artist – Christina Grace
Nadia’s outfit – Pronovias - San Patrick
Cake – Celebration Stations
Are you Planning a wedding at Megginch Castle?
Get in touch today, I’d love to be part of your amazing wedding team.
Discover more Scotland guides, wedding venue inspiration and real weddings from Edinburgh wedding photographer Ali Jay.
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