About Us
We create elopement experiences for laidback couples who prefer to keep it intimate and fun on their wedding day.
As a two-person, celebrant + photographer team, we bring everything to the table for you. We’ll walk you through the planning process with ease, craft a deeply personal ceremony for you, and capture all the magical moments for you to relive again once you’re home. On the day, it’ll feel like you’re exploring Scotland with two good friends… who know how to set up a killer picnic in the middle of the highlands.
Who we are -
We are Conor and MJ - a husband and wife, celebrant and photographer team. We’re experts when it comes to elopements in the Scottish Highlands. We eloped ourselves (…twice), so we really do know what’s it like to ditch traditional weddings.
We both had adventurous, outdoorsy upbringings, and we still spend most of our time in nature. We absolutely love helping other fun couples celebrate their love in Scotland's wild landscapes.
In our free time, you can usually find us hiking, swimming, watching films, watching YouTube analyses of films, exploring new places, visiting family and friends back in the US, bagging Munros, or more recently… playing Catan with our best friends by candlelight.
Our story -
MJ is from New York, and Conor is from right here in Scotland. We met in Vietnam while we were both travelling in our early 20s, and quickly hit it off due to our shared love of nature and the outdoors.
After we met, we backpacked around Asia and Europe before deciding to move to Australia together after dating for a few months. We drove tractors, did a lot of camping, and lived by the ocean for a while.
Conor proposed in the Sydney Harbour, and we secretly eloped 29 days later! Then we decided it was time to move back to Scotland and enjoy the highlands. Now we run our elopement business together, helping other couples celebrate their love in a way that feels true, authentic, and adventurous.
MJ Soilis
elopement photographer + planner
I’ve been a photographer for over 15 years. I started in a darkroom, and fell deeper in love with it as I travelled the world capturing landscapes, wildlife, and adventure activities. Now, photographing elopements, I would describe my style as natural, fun, and heavily influenced by the landscapes around us.
During the lead up to your day, I will help research and make recommendations on how to create an elopement that perfectly represents you. I plan elopements with the look, the feel, and the experience in mind.
To me, it’s all about seeing your day unfold, and letting your personalities do the talking. I work with folks who don’t want posed, traditional photos - but would rather have a low-pressure experience and a gallery full of candid moments and smiles. That’s my jam.
Conor Gowans
elopement coordinator + celebrant
I’m a natural-born people-person, and a romantic at heart. My ceremonies are upbeat, poetic, and deeply meaningful. I love cinema and history, and always look to them for inspiration.
During the lead up to your day, I'll work with you to craft a ceremony feels like you. I want to know your favourite movies, your favourite songs, the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you.
On your elopement day, of course I’ll be your celebrant - but I’ll also be your chauffeur, your hiking buddy, your picnic stylist, your iPhone cameraman, your fix-it guy. I’m there to help the day run smoothly, and give you the five-star experience you deserve on your wedding day - even in the middle of the highlands.
What we’re all about…
Ready to run away with us?
Check out some of our recent adventures for inspiration…
Looking for more information?
Head to some of our other pages to find out more about what we do and how we can help you make your dream elopement become a reality.
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