Awesome Location Inspiration for your Pre-wedding Photoshoot
[Tried & Tested Locations around Aberdeenshire]
Choosing the right location can make a huge difference to how your pre-wedding photos feel. Aberdeenshire is packed with incredible scenery—from wild beaches and ancient stone circles to dramatic Highland landscapes—which makes it one of the best regions in Scotland for engagement and couple photoshoots.
As a photographer working regularly across Aberdeen and the surrounding countryside, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the area to find locations that photograph beautifully in different seasons and lighting conditions. The places below are some of my favourite pre-wedding shoot locations in Aberdeenshire. Each one offers something unique, whether you’re looking for sweeping coastal views, romantic woodland settings, or a dramatic Scottish landscape backdrop.
These spots are perfect for couples who want natural, relaxed photos while taking advantage of the incredible scenery that north-east Scotland has to offer.
Below are five of my go-to locations for pre-wedding and engagement photoshoots in Aberdeenshire.
Newburgh Beach
Set along the dramatic Aberdeenshire coastline, Newburgh Beach offers one of the most striking natural backdrops for a pre-wedding photoshoot in north-east Scotland. Located at the mouth of the River Ythan and bordering the vast Forvie National Nature Reserve, the beach is famous for its sweeping golden sands, towering dune systems, and abundant wildlife, including a colony of grey seals
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For couples seeking wild coastal romance, the combination of textured dunes, open horizons, and dramatic skies creates timeless imagery. It’s also well known for its resident seal colony, adding a uniquely Scottish element to your engagement photos. At sunrise or sunset, the light across the dunes and estuary delivers beautifully soft tones that make Newburgh one of the most photogenic beach locations in Aberdeenshire.
New Slains Castle | Cruden Bay
Perched dramatically on the cliffs along the Aberdeenshire coast, New Slains Castle is one of the most atmospheric pre-wedding shoot locations in north-east Scotland. The ruined 16th-century castle overlooks the North Sea near the village of Cruden Bay, creating a powerful combination of rugged coastline, historic architecture, and sweeping sea views.
For couples looking for something dramatic and cinematic, New Slains Castle provides an incredible backdrop. The crumbling stone walls, arched windows, and open courtyards offer a variety of striking compositions, while the surrounding cliffs and coastal paths add expansive landscape shots to your gallery. It’s a location that feels both romantic and slightly wild—perfect for storytelling-style engagement photos.
The castle is also famously linked to Bram Stoker, who is believed to have drawn inspiration from it while writing Dracula. That connection adds a layer of gothic history that makes the location even more unique for couples wanting something different from traditional engagement photo locations.
With dramatic skies, sea mist, and golden sunset light over the North Sea, New Slains Castle is one of the most memorable places in Aberdeenshire for a pre-wedding or engagement photoshoot.
Burn O'Vat
Hidden within the forests of Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, Burn O’Vat is one of Aberdeenshire’s most unique and atmospheric pre-wedding shoot locations. This natural rock amphitheatre—formed by glacial erosion thousands of years ago—creates a dramatic circular chamber with moss-covered stone walls and a small waterfall flowing through the centre.
Couples love Burn O’Vat for its sense of adventure and storytelling. The walk through woodland trails, narrow rock passages and granite formations provides a variety of textures and perspectives for photography. Whether capturing intimate portraits beneath the towering rock walls or romantic moments beside the flowing burn, this location feels both secluded and cinematic—perfect for couples wanting something truly different for their engagement session.
Balmedie Beach
Just north of Aberdeen, Balmedie Beach is renowned for its vast stretches of clean sand and impressive coastal dune systems. The beach forms part of a huge natural dune landscape that extends for miles along the Aberdeenshire coast, creating a striking and unspoiled setting for photography.
For couples planning a relaxed and natural pre-wedding shoot, Balmedie offers endless creative possibilities—from sweeping coastal views to intimate moments among the marram grass dunes. Its wide open shoreline allows for beautifully minimalist compositions, while the soft evening light over the North Sea often produces spectacular sunsets. It’s a perfect location for couples who want a romantic beach session close to Aberdeen.
Glen Muick | Ballater
Nestled in the heart of Royal Deeside, Glen Muick is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Cairngorms region. The glen leads to Loch Muick, a stunning freshwater loch surrounded by rugged mountains, ancient woodland, and open moorland.
For pre-wedding photography, Glen Muick offers a classic Highland backdrop—rolling hills, reflective water, and dramatic mountain scenery in every direction. The expansive landscape provides an incredible sense of scale, making couples feel small within Scotland’s wild beauty. From misty mornings to golden autumn sunsets, the ever-changing light and seasonal colours make Glen Muick a spectacular setting for romantic engagement portraits.
East Aquhorthies Stone Circle | Inverurie
Dating back around 4,000 years, East Aquhorthies Stone Circle is one of the best-preserved prehistoric stone circles in Scotland and a truly magical setting for a pre-wedding photoshoot. This ancient monument features a ring of standing stones surrounding a massive recumbent stone, a unique monument type found only in north-east Scotland.
Set within open farmland with views toward the Bennachie hills, the circle creates an atmospheric blend of history, landscape, and mystery. The weathered granite stones add texture and symbolism to engagement photography, making it ideal for couples drawn to Scotland’s ancient heritage. At sunrise or sunset, the low light passing between the stones creates a powerful and timeless mood.
Pre-Wedding Photoshoots Further Afield in Scotland
While Aberdeenshire has some incredible locations for pre-wedding photoshoots, many couples also choose to turn their engagement session into a small adventure somewhere further afield in the Scottish Highlands. Scotland is famous for its dramatic landscapes, and iconic destinations like Aviemore, Glencoe, and the Isle of Skye offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
The mountain landscapes around Aviemore and the wider Cairngorms National Park are perfect for couples who love forests, lochs, and dramatic Highland views. In autumn especially, the colours in the Cairngorms create a stunning backdrop for romantic engagement photography.
For couples dreaming of truly cinematic scenery, Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. Towering mountains, winding glens, and misty weather combine to create an atmosphere that feels both epic and intimate—perfect for adventurous pre-wedding shoots.
Further west, the Isle of Skye is famous for its otherworldly landscapes, from rugged coastlines to dramatic rock formations. Locations such as the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr provide some of the most unforgettable backdrops for engagement photos anywhere in Scotland.
If you’re open to travelling a little further for your pre-wedding shoot, these locations offer an incredible opportunity to capture truly unique images while turning the experience into a memorable day exploring some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes.
Add a Pre-Wedding Shoot to Your Wedding Package
Many couples choose to add a pre-wedding or engagement photoshoot to their wedding photography package. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know each other before the big day, helping you feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera while creating some beautiful images together.
Pre-wedding sessions are also perfect for save-the-dates, wedding websites, or simply capturing this exciting stage of your story in a meaningful location. Whether you choose a beach along the Aberdeenshire coast, a dramatic Highland landscape, or one of the locations listed above, the session can be tailored to suit your style as a couple.
Pre-wedding shoots can be added to any wedding package from £250. If you’d like to learn more about what’s included, take a look at our full wedding photography options here:
If you’re interested in planning a pre-wedding shoot in Aberdeenshire or somewhere further afield in Scotland, feel free to get in touch and we can start planning the perfect location together.
