Scottish Wedding Traditions: A Guide

Scottish weddings are steeped in centuries-old customs and rituals, reflecting the deep-rooted pride and enduring spirit of the Scottish people. From the stirring sound of bagpipes to the colourful display of tartan kilts, Scottish wedding traditions offer a unique blend of romance, charm and symbolism. Whether held in the glorious Highlands, majestic castles or fun locations, these weddings are a magical affair.

Scottish weddings are not just about the couple but also about honouring the heritage of both families, celebrating their union and ensuring a prosperous future.

Kilts and tartans

When choosing a tartan for your kilt, you may want to select one that represents your family or clan, especially if you have Scottish ancestry. If you don't have Scottish ancestry, you can choose any tartan you like. The bride and groom may choose a tartan that represents their families or heritage, or they may opt for a "`district tartan`" or a "personal tartan". The wedding party, including groomsmen and bridesmaids, usually wear the same tartan, known as the "clan tartan". However, this is not mandatory, and different tartans can be incorporated to add a personal touch.

To properly wear a kilt, it should be worn just above the knee, with various accessories, including a sporran (a small pouch that hangs from the waist), a sgian dubh (a small knife worn in the sock), and a kilt pin to hold the front of the kilt in place. The fly plaid, a large piece of tartan fabric draped over the shoulder and fastened with a brooch, is another accessory option, typically worn with more formal outfits.

In conclusion, kilts and tartans play a significant role in Scottish weddings, and guests are encouraged to embrace these traditions. Wearing a kilt is a great way to participate in Scottish culture and show respect for the couple's traditions. With the right tartan, accessories, and styling, you can look the part and make the wedding a memorable and extraordinary Scottish celebration.

Bagpipes

Scottish tradition holds that if the bride sees a piper before her wedding, she will have a happy marriage. The bride is also traditionally piped back down the aisle after the ceremony. The bagpiper can then pipe the newlyweds and their guests into the reception venue, and play as guests are leaving.

The bagpiper can also play during the signing of the register, and when the couple are piped to the wedding cake before taking their seats. It is traditional for the bride to present the piper with a dram to congratulate them on their duties, to which the piper will respond with a Gaelic toast before piping themselves out.

There are a variety of songs that can be played on the bagpipes for a wedding, including traditional Scottish and Irish tunes, as well as more modern songs. Some popular choices include "Mairi's Wedding", "Flower of Scotland", "Highland Cathedral", "Wedding March", "Bridal Chorus", "Whiskey in the Jar", "Amazing Grace", "Scotland the Brave", "Skye Boat Song", and "She Moved Through the Fair".

The Quaich

In Scottish weddings, the quaich ceremony is included after the exchange of vows and rings, and when the marriage schedule has been signed. This ritual symbolises the couple's shared love and commitment. The cup is usually filled with Scotch whisky, and the couple holds the cup together as they take turns sipping from it. Couples may also use the quaich to make their first toast together at the wedding reception.

Quaichs can be plain or decorated with Celtic symbols. Couples often have their names and wedding date engraved on the quaich as a keepsake.

Handfasting

In a handfasting ceremony, the couple joins hands, and a ribbon, cord, or piece of cloth is wrapped around their hands and wrists. The cloth is often chosen with great care, with some couples opting for a Scottish tartan. The cloth can also be personalised, with some couples using items such as dog leads, pieces of a grandmother's wedding gown, or rock-climbing ropes. The cloth is then tied into a knot, symbolising the union of the couple, and the phrase "tying the knot" is thought to originate from this ritual.

The handfasting ceremony can be performed by anyone, making it a wonderful way to include a special family member or friend in the wedding. The couple may choose to incorporate multiple cords or have friends and family take turns tying them. The colours chosen for the handfasting ritual are also significant, with each colour carrying its own meaning, such as red for love and passion, and green for fertility and luck.

Wedding venue options

Scotland is a land of ancient castles, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a perfect setting for a wedding. From grand stately homes to rustic barns, here are some venue options for a Scottish wedding:

Budget and Cheap Wedding Venues

Due to Scottish law, wedding ceremonies can take place almost anywhere. Here are some options for outdoor weddings:

• Say your vows in spectacular Glencoe, beneath the Cuillin on the Isle of Skye, or by a green lochan in the Cairngorms National Park.
• Get married on Inchcolm Island in the Firth of Forth.
• Book a village hall, such as Killearn Hall near Stirling.
• Get married on the beach and then have your wedding breakfast in the hall at Tyninghame in East Lothian.

Luxury Wedding Venues

Archerfield House: This dramatic mansion offers exclusive-use accommodation and stunning views of the East Lothian coast.

Small and Intimate Wedding Venues

• Gretna Green: Scotland's most famous wedding venue, with three locations within the Famous Blacksmiths Shop that can accommodate wedding parties of less than 10 up to 100 guests.
• The Edinburgh Grand: This venue, located in the heart of Edinburgh, hosts exclusive small weddings in its duplex Penthouse and gorgeous Director's Suite.
• St Margaret's Chapel at Edinburgh Castle: With a maximum of 30 guests, this chapel is perfect for a small wedding.
• Mountain Bothy @ Schiehallion: Get married in a bothy halfway up a mountain! Your guests will be transported up the mountain in 4x4s.

Alternative and Rustic Wedding Venues

• Marthrown of Mabie: Located deep in Mabie Forest outside of Dumfries, this venue offers the option of getting married in a roundhouse or teepee in the woods and staying the night in a yurt.
• Secret Herb Garden: A unique garden centre near Edinburgh that offers weddings in its glasshouse, along with fine dining in a retro environment.
• Cambo Estate: This 13th-century estate, hidden between the North Sea coastline and East Neuk countryside, features the Victorian splendour of Cambo House and a mix of stunning indoor and outdoor spaces.
• The Japanese Garden at Cowden Castle: Seating 28 guests comfortably, this garden pavilion offers an intimate setting for a wedding ceremony.

Byre and Barn Wedding Venues

• Comrie Croft: Located in the Perthshire hills, Comrie Croft is a campsite that transforms into a brilliant wedding venue. Get married out in the woods and party all night in the pretty byre.
• Fruin Farm: Emphasizing local produce, Fruin Farm offers barn weddings for up to 60 guests near Loch Lomond.
• Barnquee at Myres Castle: Get married in a barnquee (a combination of a barn and a marquee) that seats up to 160 guests.

Quirky and Unique Wedding Venues

• Fingal: This refurbished lighthouse board ship offers a unique setting for a wedding.
• Strathspey Railway in the Cairngorms: Get married on a train!

Country Houses and Castle Wedding Venues

• Culzean Castle: This grand stately home in Ayrshire perches on a cliff top with its own private beach. There are several spaces to get married in the castle, including the beautiful Orangery overlooking the gardens.
• Barnbougle Castle: A hidden gem on the Edinburgh coast, this 13th-century castle features a vast Banqueting Hall perfect for grand celebrations.
• Craigievar Castle: Said to be the inspiration for Disney's castle, this famous pink castle in Aberdeenshire offers an Insta-worthy backdrop for your photos.
• Eilean Donan Castle: Scotland's most iconic castle, Eilean Donan sits on the banks of three lochs—Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh. Add a bagpiper for the quintessential Scottish wedding!
• Shieldhill Castle: This newly refurbished, atmospheric 15-room property boasts immaculate grounds and a rich history stretching back to the 12th century. Ceremonies can be held in the exquisite 16th-century chapel.

Frequently asked questions