Planning your dream wedding in Scotland

Scottish Wedding traditions 

Scotland has a rich cultural heritage and many unique wedding traditions. Here are some Scottish wedding traditions you may encounter:

• The Quaich Ceremony: The Quaich is a traditional Scottish drinking vessel that is often used in a ceremony during the wedding reception. The bride and groom each take a sip from the Quaich to symbolize their union.

• The Handfasting Ceremony: This is an ancient Celtic tradition where the couple's hands are tied together with a ribbon or cord to symbolize their commitment to each other. This tradition has been adopted by some modern Scottish couples.

• The Ceilidh: A ceilidh is a traditional Scottish dance party that often takes place at Scottish weddings. It's a great way to get all of the guests up and dancing and to celebrate the couple's union.

• Kilts: Kilts are the traditional dress for Scottish weddings, and many Scottish men wear them to weddings regardless of whether or not they have Scottish ancestry. The bride may also wear a tartan sash or ribbon to represent her Scottish heritage.

• Bagpipes: Bagpipes are often played at Scottish weddings, either as the couple enters or leaves the ceremony or during the reception.

• The Oathing Stone: This is a Scottish tradition where the bride and groom hold an ancient stone and make their wedding vows. The stone is believed to symbolize the strength and permanence of the marriage.

• Shortbread: Scottish shortbread is often served at Scottish weddings as a traditional dessert. It's a delicious treat that guests can enjoy as they celebrate the happy couple

Amazing places to get married in Scotland

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland is a unique and romantic wedding destination for couples looking to elope. With its historic sites, stunning nature and vibrant culture, there's something special in the air here that can't be found anywhere else.

From the iconic Edinburgh Castle to Calton Hill’s amazing views of the cityscape below, couples will find no shortage of gorgeous backdrops for their special day.

With its cobblestone streets and lush green space, Edinburgh offers an atmosphere that is truly unforgettable. And with so many cultural attractions like museums and galleries, couples will have plenty to explore after they exchange their vows! 

The area boasts many incredible venues - from rustic country homes to luxurious hotels - as well as talented vendors who are experts in creating personalized experiences for all kinds of weddings.

Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland is the perfect destination for couples looking to elope and get married in a romantic and beautiful city. Located on the River Clyde, Glasgow offers couples a unique urban atmosphere with plenty of culture and charm.

Couples who choose this Scottish city as their wedding destination can enjoy its vibrant nightlife, stunning architecture, great shopping areas, lively music scene and numerous activities that are sure to make their special day even more memorable!

Whether you're looking for a classic church ceremony or something more modern such as an outdoor wedding in one of Glasgow’s many parks or venues overlooking the River Clyde, there's no shortage of amazing options available here. The staff at these locations are extremely helpful and accommodating – providing excellent customer service that makes your big day run smoothly.

The Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a stunning destination for couples looking to elope and get married. With its majestic mountains, rolling hills, and powerful lochs, the region is an awe-inspiring backdrop for any couple’s special day.

Couples can choose from numerous historical castles, such as Edinburgh Castle in Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh or Eilean Donan Castle set on an island surrounded by waterfalls and breathtaking views.

The area also offers plenty of picturesque spots where couples can exchange their wedding vows in front of a memorable landscape—from remote beaches to flower-filled meadows that capture the best of the region’s natural beauty. Not only is Scotland a beautiful place to get married but its culture also offers many unique traditions that couples can incorporate into their special day.

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond, Scotland is the perfect destination for couples looking to have an intimate elopement wedding. Located in one of the most picturesque parts of Scotland, Loch Lomond offers a romantic and secluded backdrop for your special day. With its crystal blue waters, rolling green hills, and majestic castles in the distance, there's no better place to tie the knot!

From quaint hideaways tucked away in the woods to grand manors offering luxurious accommodations with breathtaking views, Loch Lomond has something for every couple looking to get married. Whether you're looking for a traditional Scottish ceremony or something more unique and modern, you'll be able to find it here. Plus, with its close proximity to Glasgow Airport, getting it is easy too!

St Andrews

St Andrews, Scotland is an ideal destination for elopement weddings. From its dramatic coastal scenery and vibrant culture to its quaint cobbled streets and historical charm, this small Scottish town has so much to offer for couples looking for a unique experience. 

The beautiful medieval architecture creates a perfect backdrop for your wedding photos; you can exchange vows at the 12th-century cathedral ruins or take in the breathtaking views from one of the town’s many cliffs.

For something more traditional, you can take advantage of the town’s many churches and castle ruins to create a truly memorable ceremony. Afterwards, enjoy exploring the charming shops and galleries that line St Andrew's main streets or take a romantic walk on its golden beaches – whatever you choose, it's guaranteed to be an unforgettable day!

Isle of Skye

Are you looking for the perfect destination to say “I do”? Look no further than Scotland's majestic Isle of Skye! This breathtakingly beautiful island is home to some of the most romantic backdrops, making it an ideal elopement wedding spot.

The island offers dreamy views that are sure to make your special day even more memorable. From dramatic lochs and glens to towering hills and rugged coastlines, the Isle of Skye has something for everyone who’s looking for a romantic elopement wedding in Scotland.

Whether you want a beach ceremony with picturesque views or a stunning mountain backdrop for your vows - this island has got it all! 

There is something truly magical about getting married in this enchanting place surrounded by nature.

What are the legal requirements to get married in Scotland?

To get married in Scotland, you must fulfil certain legal requirements. Here are the basic requirements:

1. Age: Both partners must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you will need to have parental consent.

2. Capacity: You must be able to understand the nature of the marriage ceremony and give your free and informed consent to marry.

3. Notice of Marriage: You and your partner must give notice of your intention to marry to the registrar in the district where you plan to get married. This notice must be given at least 29 days before the wedding and no more than 3 months in advance.

4. Documents: You will need to provide certain documents to the registrar, including your birth certificates, passports or other forms of ID, and, if applicable, evidence of divorce or annulment.

5. Witnesses: You will need two witnesses to be present at your wedding ceremony.

6. Marriage Schedule: You will need to obtain a marriage schedule from the registrar at least 7 days before the wedding. This document must be signed by both partners, the witnesses, and the celebrant.

7. Marriage Ceremony: You can get married in a religious or civil ceremony in Scotland. The ceremony must be conducted by an authorized celebrant.

These are the basic legal requirements for getting married in Scotland. It's important to note that there may be additional requirements depending on your specific circumstances, such as if you are a foreign national or if you have been married before. It's always best to check with the registrar in the district where you plan to get married for detailed guidance on the legal requirements.

Eloping in Scotland

When it comes to elopement weddings, Scotland is the perfect backdrop for a romantic and unique ceremony. Couples from all around the world come to Scotland to enjoy its spectacular scenery, rich culture, and friendly locals. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a traditional wedding experience, Scotland has something special in store for everyone.

Planning an elopement wedding in Scotland is easier than ever with its range of stunning venues and experienced wedding planners who can help you create your dream day. From rolling hills to ancient ruins and secluded beaches, there are so many picturesque locations that will make your wedding truly unforgettable. Plus, if you’d like to add a touch of Scottish culture to your big day, there are a variety of traditional customs you can incorporate into your ceremonies such as handfasting or kilting!

Tips on eloping in Scotland

If you are considering eloping in Scotland, here are some tips to help you plan your special day:

• Choose a location: Scotland is full of stunning landscapes and historic venues, so take the time to research and choose a location that is meaningful to you. Whether you want to get married in a castle, on a beach, or in the Scottish Highlands, there are plenty of options to choose from.

• Check the legal requirements: As mentioned earlier, there are certain legal requirements that you will need to fulfil in order to get married in Scotland. Make sure you understand these requirements and plan accordingly.

• Hire a wedding planner: Hiring a wedding planner can help you take care of all the details and ensure that your elopement runs smoothly. They can help you with everything from choosing a location to finding a photographer and florist.

• Consider the weather: Scotland is known for its unpredictable weather, so make sure you have a backup plan in case of rain or other adverse conditions. Consider renting a marquee or indoor space in case of inclement weather.

• Choose your vendors carefully: As with any wedding, it's important to choose your vendors carefully. Research photographers, florists, and other vendors to find ones that match your style and budget.

• Take advantage of the scenery: Scotland is full of stunning scenery, so make sure you take advantage of it! Plan a photo shoot at a scenic location or take a walk through the Scottish countryside.

• Enjoy your day: Above all, remember that your elopement is about celebrating your love for each other. Take the time to enjoy your special day and create memories that will last a lifetime.

These tips should help you plan a beautiful and memorable elopement in Scotland. Good luck and congratulations!

Conclusion: Planning your dream wedding in Scotland

Planning a wedding can be daunting, but planning a dream wedding in Scotland is an even bigger challenge. With its stunning landscapes, unique culture and great hospitality, Scotland is an ideal place to elope. Whether you are looking for an intimate ceremony or a lavish celebration of your love surrounded by friends and family, Scotland has it all!  Scotland offers something special for every couple’s dream wedding; from the dramatic scenery of the highlands to the rugged coastline of the islands or a traditional castle setting. Couples will find no shortage of ideas to help make their special day as unique as possible. From charming villages with cobblestone streets perfect for horse-drawn carriages to delightful locations with breathtaking views where couples can exchange their vows, there are so many possibilities in this beautiful country.