Ready to plan your dream elopement in Scotland?
You’ve come to the right place! Scotland is one of the most beautiful and magical locations for intimate elopements in the world. It’s full of gorgeous hills, beaches, forests, and the moodiest weather… all of it combines for a unique and stunning location to celebrate the start of the next chapter in your life!
As you’re beginning to plan your elopement in Scotland, here’s a few things you should think about!
Travel for your elopement.
Scotland can be reached by plane through some of the major airports, at Glasgow and Edinburgh. Of course, if you’re in the area and traveling beforehand, Scotland can also be reached by train or car. Once you’ve booked your flights, don’t forget to plan boarding for you and your guests. Scotland has beautiful historic hotels, inns, and even Airbnbs. If you’re looking for something really unique, check out some of the awesome Airbnbs available.
Looking for luxury? Consider booking a few nights at the gorgeous Airds Hotel in Argyll. There's an amazing restaurant, just 11 rooms available, and dogs can stay, too!
If you're staying in Loch Lamond, check out the gorgeous Cameron House Hotel. This beautiful spot has over 100 rooms, views of the lake, and a golf course. It's a great option to welcome your guests to Scotland!
In Edinburgh, the Fingal is a wonderful and unique experience - a floating hotel! With 22 rooms abroad this boat, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your guests. There's also a world class restaurant on board, too!
Choose where to get married.
In Scotland, you can be married anywhere outside. There’s no special licenses needed, so find where you want to get married and do it! Of course, there are some beautiful venues (we’ll talk about that next week!) if you want a more traditional setting. If not, consider areas like Loch Lamond, the many small islands, or the Shetlands. Think about the view you want and your vendor team can help you find the perfect spot. You’ll have access to hills, castles, mountains, beaches, cliffs, and more.
The Isle of Skye is one of the most fantastic and popular spots to be married in Scotland. There's so many beautiful hikes and natural elements to enjoy around the island. If you're looking for dreamy vibes, this is one of the best options!
Glencoe is a gorgeous valley lined by some of the most majestic mountains in Scotland. Experts recommend visiting this easy to get to location from October to April for some awesome Scottish highland vibes.
If you're looking for a really unique location, consider St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins. They're located above the city of Edinburgh, providing a great backdrop during your ceremony and portraits. The ruins themselves are incredibly historic. This location will require a permit through a park ranger, just FYI!
For some couples, urban elopements are a dream come true. Glasgow is the option for you, then! This vibrant city is full of personality and great options for your own city elopement in Scotland. There's lots of fun restaurants, bars, and parks to enjoy here - perfect for a walking elopement and lots of great photos!
There are no licenses for your photographer to apply for.
Sometimes when you’re planning destination elopements, your photographers have to apply for permits. That’s not the case in Scotland, so you can bring along your favorite destination wedding photographer for the trip without any stress! Do make sure to check out any visas you need to travel - but no special permits are needed for your vendors.
All you need is yourselves, an officiant, 2 witnesses, and a marriage schedule.
Marriage schedules will be granted by the local registrar where you plan to marry and can be picked up within the week before your elopement.
As long as you have a registered officiant overseeing your wedding, you can elope almost anywhere!
Plan for bad weather.
Scotland is known for its rainy weather. Make sure to plan ahead - and bring a raincoat and some umbrellas. Honestly, rainy weather makes for some really romantic wedding portraits so try not to stress about it too much. No matter where you plan your ceremony, your photographer and any other vendors you hired will make sure it’s still a dream-come-true day, no matter the weather. Just remember, the mist and the rain can make for some fun moody portraits!
Book your vendors.
For your Scottish elopement, you’ll need an officiant for your ceremony. Plan to find someone who can offer the type of ceremony you want and determine if you need any other vendors. There are florists, caterers, and venues depending on the vision you have for your wedding day! Make sure you book your photographer (and a planner if you need) early on in the process. They’ll be able to help you plan your dream trip and elopement!
Planning your destination elopement in Scotland is all about finding what matters to you and making it happen! No matter what, it will be magical and romantic - and a great way to celebrate becoming a newlywed. Find more tips about Scottish elopements here!
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Cheers, I'm
ANNA CLAIRE
A lover of adventure and travel, it’s my dream to tell stories of love all over the globe. My home base is in Charlotte, NC, but if your wedding is taking place anywhere else - say no more. As I like to say, if there’s a love, there’s a way.
I am a Charlotte luxury wedding photographer and destination elopement photographer available to capture your unique wedding day.