Aberdeenshire's Best Engagement Photography Locations

Aberdeenshire's Best Engagement Photography Locations

As a wedding photographer based in Aberdeen (well, just a little south), I know how important it is to find the perfect location for your engagement photoshoot. We’re so lucky here, the North East is home to some of the most beautiful, scenic backdrops in Scotland - ideal for couples looking to capture their engagement in the great outdoors. Whether you're after coastal views, peaceful woodlands, or dramatic landscapes, the Aberdeenshire has it all!

Engagement sessions are a fantastic opportunity to not only celebrate your relationship, but they’re a great way of getting comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. The key to great engagement photography is choosing a location where you feel at ease and relaxed, and I think the best way to do this is to choose a location that reflects you and your relationship.

To help you choose an epic spot, I'll share some of my favourite engagement photography locations in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire below. From the rugged coast south of Aberdeen to the vast and beautiful countryside, these spots offer a variety of stunning settings to suit every couple.

Whether you're searching for wedding photographers in Aberdeenshire or simply want some inspiration for your engagement session, why not check out the below!

Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven

Dunnottar Castle is a really lovely spot on the Aberdeenshire coast, just outside of Stonehaven. Perched on a dramatic cliff, it looks like something straight out of a medieval movie. The castle has a rich history, from being a stronghold in the Middle Ages to its role in Scotland’s fight for independence.

The views are insanely beautiful and it’s my top location for engagement sessions! I even know of a secret wee spot along the cliff for the very best views!

Elsick House, Stonehaven

Elsick House, just outside Stonehaven, is a gorgeous old country house with a lot of character. It’s set in peaceful grounds and stunning countryside, making it feel like a bit of a hidden retreat.

The house itself is an impressive mix of old-school charm and modern touches, and while it’s not always open to the public, I know the team well and they’re always happy for us to visit (just with prior permission).

Carin o' Mount Pass

Cairn O' Mount is a scenic mountain pass in Aberdeenshire that’s definitely worth checking out. It’s one of my favourite photography locations and you can probably see why…

If you’re into stunning views and winding roads, this is the spot for you! Sitting high up in the hills, it’s famous for its dramatic landscape and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Pittodrie House, Inverurie

Pittodrie House, just outside Inverurie, is a beautiful, historic hotel set in some seriously stunning countryside. The house itself is a classic old Scottish mansion with loads of character and charm. It’s surrounded by peaceful gardens and has views of the nearby hills, including Bennachie.

St Cyrus and Balmedie Beaches

St Cyrus Beach is a real hidden gem on the Aberdeenshire coast. It’s a peaceful spot with wide sandy stretches, dramatic cliffs, and a pretty chill vibe. Balmedie Beach is quite similar and offers some epic views towards Aberdeen. Both are lovely, but St Cyrus Beach has my vote for it's slightly more dramatic landscape.

Dunecht Estate, Westhill

Duneth Estates is a scenic and historic area in Aberdeenshire, just a short drive from Aberdeen. It's made up of beautiful rolling farmland, woodlands, and scattered houses. It’s a large area, with a mix of open spaces and woodland. It’s lovely any time of year!

Haddo House, Ellon

Haddo House is a stunning Georgian mansion near Ellon in Aberdeenshire. It’s owned by the Nation Trust for Scotland and it’s a great location for a mix of history, architecture, formal gardens, woodland and nature. Perfect all year round and one of my favs. There's also a cafe and toilet facilities on the grounds, just in case you fancy a wee coffee and cake after the shoot!