Romantic Scotland Couples Photoshoot at a Castle Ruin in the Scottish Highlands

Lauren and Josh’s romantic Scotland Couples Photoshoot took place at a stunning castle ruin in the Scottish Highlands. If you’ve followed my work, you know that Scotland is my favorite country on earth. I’ve visited Scotland EIGHT times now. I simply can’t get enough of the United Kingdom. This was my first time visiting Scotland in the winter and I have to say, I think visiting at the end of November wins. Visiting Scotland during the start of the Christmas season was absolutely magical. Seeing Christmas trees in every castle window, visiting the amazing Christmas markets, and enjoying the Holiday spirit with the locals was such a treat.

Scotland Couples Photographer

I’ve been lucky enough to take portraits many times in Scotland! You may remember Emily and Chris’s stunning Isle of Skye Scotland Elopement way back in 2017 that I got to photograph. Since my first visit in 2017, I’ve documented several Scotland elopements, Scotland Couples Photoshoots, and portrait sessions. I feel so inspired by the beauty of the Scottish Highlands in particular. The lighting is impossible to beat. Even in December, the landscape was alive with green rolling hills and lush forests. Also, taking portraits in late November meant tourism was low and we actually got several iconic touristy locations all to ourselves!

Castle Ruins Photoshoot in the Scottish Highlands

While traveling with Lauren and Josh, they expressed to me that getting Scotland couples photoshoot at a castle ruin would be a bucket list item for them. Of course, it didn’t take any convincing to get me on board. After doing some research, I decided to show them one of my favorite Castle Ruins less than 2 hours of Edinburgh Scotland. Kilchurn Castle is an iconic castle in Scotland. The stunning old Castle is located on a peninsula on a loch. The mountains surrounding it create such a dramatic landscape. I was ecstatic when we arrived because the sun was just barely peeking out, but the dark clouds made the castle stand out amongst the mountains and loch.

Tips for an Amazing Couples Photoshoot in The Scottish Highlands

Plan for rain. If you plan for rain, you will be less disappointed if it is raining. Embrace the fact that it rains 250 days a year, so odds are, it will rain. Even if it’s not in the forecast, plan on getting a bit wet during your Scotland Couples Photoshoot.
Wear sturdy hiking boots and/or waterproof shoes! Again, Scotland is a wet country. Keep your feet warm and you will be grateful! Also, the landscape is very rugged and filled with uneven terrain. To fully take advantage of the landscape, you will want to wear shoes you can run around in the Highlands.
Have a couple backup locations in mind. Weather is finicky. Have I mentioned it rains a lot? You can’t predict anything. I like to have 2-3 alternate locations in case the weather doesn’t work in our favor. Locations that are close to a road or near an accessible parking lot are a must in bad weather so you can hop in/out of the car quickly. Also, sometimes it might be too challenging to shoot outdoors, so I recommend looking into some castles, cathedrals, or cozy cafes where you can take portraits.
Hire an experienced Scotland Wedding Photographer or Scotland photographer! Someone who knows the region well will have lots of “off the beaten path” locations to take you to with fewer tourists.