Planning A Scottish Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Scotland is a popular destination for weddings, with 20% of weddings held in Scotland every year being between non-residents. The country offers a variety of locations, from historic castles to remote and beautiful areas of the Highlands. With the right planning and preparation, it is possible to arrange a legal destination or elopement marriage in Scotland within three months. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about finding the perfect ceremony spot, permits, and commitment ceremonies.

Choosing a location

When it comes to choosing a location for your wedding in Scotland, you're spoilt for choice. Scotland offers an abundance of gorgeous scenery and castles, so it can be hard to choose. If you're feeling overwhelmed, Destination Wedding Scotland can pair you with a venue that suits your needs, free of charge.

If you're looking for something a little more off the beaten track, you can rent an Airbnb or a castle and plan the adventure of a lifetime. Scotland's wild and remote Highlands offer stunning backdrops for your wedding photos. Just make sure you have permission if you're getting married on public or private land.

If you're travelling from outside the UK or EU economic area, you'll need to obtain a visa. It's also a good idea to opt for an experienced destination wedding professional who can help you with the extra aspects that come with a destination wedding, such as airport travel and local accommodation.

Scotland's unique environment varies with the seasons, so keep that in mind when choosing your location. Whether you're dreaming of a wild wedding in the Highlands or an intimate ceremony in a historic castle, Scotland has something to offer every couple.

Planning travel and accommodation

When planning a wedding in Scotland, you can get married anywhere you like. This means that you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing a location. If you're looking for a traditional wedding venue, Scotland has plenty of castles and other historic buildings to choose from. Or, if you're looking for something more unique, you can rent an Airbnb or even get married in the remote and beautiful Highlands.

If you're planning a destination wedding in Scotland, there are a few extra things you'll need to arrange. Firstly, you'll need to think about how you and your guests will get to Scotland. This might involve booking flights or other transport, and you may also want to consider arranging airport transfers for your guests.

Once you've arrived in Scotland, you'll need to think about local transport. If you're getting married in a remote location, you may need to rent cars or other vehicles to get around. You'll also need to consider accommodation for yourself and your guests. There are plenty of hotels and other accommodation options in Scotland, but it's a good idea to book in advance to ensure that you get the best choice and price.

When planning your wedding in Scotland, it's also a good idea to think about any activities or excursions you might want to do while you're there. This could include visiting local attractions, going on walks or hikes, or even just exploring the local area. By planning some activities, you can ensure that your trip to Scotland is extra special.

Finally, it's important to remember that Scotland's weather can be unpredictable. When planning your travel and accommodation, it's a good idea to be prepared for all weather conditions. This might include bringing appropriate clothing and footwear, as well as having a backup plan in case of bad weather.

Hiring a wedding planner

If you're thinking of hiring a wedding planner for your big day in Scotland, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, if you've already booked some suppliers, it's a good idea to hire a planner who knows at least a couple of your vendors and has a good working relationship with them. This will ensure that your planner has access to more open information and conversation with your vendors.

Secondly, with a destination wedding in Scotland, there are more aspects to arrange and research, such as airport travel, local accommodation and activities. Therefore, it's recommended that you opt for an experienced destination wedding professional who is used to planning weddings in Scotland, whether they are intimate or large events.

When it comes to choosing a location for your wedding in Scotland, you have endless options, from renting an Airbnb or castle to getting married on public or private land. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the choices, you can reach out to professionals who can help you find the perfect venue that suits your needs.

Finally, keep in mind that planning a wedding in Scotland can be done within three months, so if you're short on time, don't panic! With some planning and preparation, your dream wedding in Scotland is definitely achievable.

Getting permission to marry on public or private land

If you're planning a wedding in Scotland, you can get married anywhere you like, including public or private land. If you're getting married on public or private land, it's important to ensure you have permission. You can rent an Airbnb or castle and plan the adventure of a wild wedding in the Highlands.

If you're not sure where to choose, you can reach out to a wedding planner or photographer who will have a handful of their favourite places listed. You can also visit Destination Wedding Scotland to be paired with a venue that suits your needs, free of charge.

If you're not from the UK or EU economic area, you'll need to obtain a visa.

Legal requirements

There are no residence requirements for someone wishing to marry in Scotland, so citizens of any country can marry in any district they choose, provided there is no legal impediment to the marriage.

All couples who wish to marry legally must make an advance application to marry via a Registry Office. District registrars must be notified and sent the relevant forms and documents. The marriage notice, which must be completed by you and your partner, can be sent abroad and returned by post. You do not need to be resident in Scotland during the waiting period between the giving of notice and the date on which the marriage can take place.

The marriage notice must be given to the registrar at least 29 days before the wedding. If the certificate is not in English, you'll need to get a certified translation of the document. If you cannot provide this evidence, you may not be able to marry in Scotland.

The marriage must be conducted by either a registrar or an approved celebrant in the presence of two witnesses aged 16 or over. At the end of the ceremony, you and your partner, the two witnesses and the person who conducted the ceremony must all sign the marriage schedule.

Frequently asked questions