Moody Viking Elopement In Scotland with Castle Lightsaber Battle
Scotland was the first time Daniel or Marquessa had ever traveled out of the United States, and I’m not sure any future trip could beat the week of exploration, magic, and wonder they experienced in Scotland.
With Daniel’s career as a chef and Marquessa’s as an interior commercial designer, they don’t get to spend a lot of time together, so this trip provided them with an opportunity to really connect on the days surrounding their elopement.
Get ready to take in all the details of their viking-inspired elopement in Scotland…

Digging the resources? You ain’t seen nothing yet…
Let’s create a day for you that’s wild, bold, and full of fun in a dramatic landscape!
sam@samstarns.com @samstarns
DAY ONE – A Priory and A Castle
Opting out of getting coverage since they were staying in the center of Edinburgh and wanting locations way outside of the city (it takes a while to get in and out of the centre), Marquessa and Daniel met me at a location we only pivoted to the day before. We had been chatting about another hike nearby, but after hiking it ahead of time, I determined it wasn’t as safe or as worth it, given Marquessa’s dress, mobility, and shoes they’d packed.
But I’ll be damned if it didn’t work out for the better that way. We spent quite a while exploring the ruins (enter at your own risk and be very aware of your surroundings due to falling rubble) and imagining what each area would have looked like before it fell into disrepair.
It was so silent that it felt like we were in another world, and when we wanted to return, we simply stepped back through the portal with life teeming away just a mile down the road.
After a brief lunch stop in St. Andrews, it was on to more locations! Marquessa and Daniel wanted cliffs, castles and mountains, and while with that I don’t advise staying in Edinburgh like M&D did, they made it happen with their determination to see all that they could in the time they had! Afterward they did mention that if they were to do it all over again, they’d only stay a night or two in Edinburgh and spend the rest of their time north of the Great Glen Way, in the Highlands.
We frolicked in fairy glens where it was said that Jacobites met in secret during The Rising. We roamed ruins of castles along the Aberdeenshire coastline
Top Tip: If the mountains of Scotland are a must-do, consider staying in the Highlands instead of basing your entire trip in Edinburgh.
Lightsaber Battles
When Marquessa and Daniel reached out to me, one of the things we zeroed in on pretty quickly was their desire to make their day a little more unique by having a lightsaber battle in a castle ruin! They added on a GIF to their elopement photography collection to make sure their Star Wars duel was immortalized properly!
DAY TWO – Aberdeenshire Coast
Their second day of coverage was a half day and was mired by a little more than a sprinkle of rain. This was another example of having to pivot due to circumstances outside of our control, and the couple were rock stars and absolutely rolled with the pivots we did have to make. With normal weather, our first destination required caution to reach. With pouring rain, it teetered into the “dangerous and not safe” category. After hiking to the planned castle ruin and enduring a temporary squall of rain, we decided to head straight to our second destination to enjoy some easy walks and stunning rock formations that dotted the coastline.
What the couple has to say…
When Daniel and I decided to embark on our epic elopement adventure, there was no hesitation. We craved an experience that was not just unique and magical but also infused with a dash of badassery and a hint of nerdy charm. So, where did our hearts lead us? Scotland. Surrounded by ancient castles, steeped in epic history, and serving as the cinematic backdrop to some of our fondest fantasies, could there possibly be a more spellbinding locale?
Picture this: a bewitching black dress (naturally) paired with my signature red hair, Daniel donning a vest that exuded the aura of a modern-day warrior, all tied together with subtle Viking accents. Could the scene be any more tantalizing?
Enter Sam, the mastermind behind the lens. From the moment we connected, it was like finding a kindred spirit who not only understood our vision but shared our excitement to craft something truly extraordinary. Sam wields a magic uniquely hers, turning our special day into a whirlwind of passion, wonder, a sprinkle of mischief, and even potato ratings. I mean, who doesn’t love a good potato?
Her mastery made the camera vanish, seamlessly capturing moments as if plucked from the pages of a fantastical saga come to life. Sam, thank you for infusing your enchantment and elevating our day to heights we never dreamed possible.
If you’re dreaming of a unique, enchanting, and truly unforgettable experience, Sam is the one to make your dreams come true. We couldn’t be happier with our choice and can’t recommend her enough!
Thank you again, Sam, for making our elopement adventure a fairy tale come true!
Vendors
MAKEUP/HAIR: AMM Hair & Makeup
FLORALS: Hidden Botanics
If you’re dreaming of a day like this, full of intention and connection with a splash of “epic” thrown in, reach out, and let’s co-create an adventure together reflective of YOU…