Elopement
Choosing a location for your elopement
One of the benefits of choosing to elope in Scotland is the endless option of locations that are available to choose from. But, in a country full of beautiful locations, you might find yourself wondering where is the best location is for you and your loved one.
Maybe you would love to take your vows on the peak of the highest mountain in Scotland. Maybe you want to have your first kiss as husband and wife by a serene loch or beside a historic castle. From its rugged coastlines, lochs and mountains to the beautiful castles and historic sites, Scotland has it all. Not to mention the romantic cities in Scotland with their cobbled streets and stunning architecture.
You might want to ask yourself the following questions to help make your decision:
What inspires you?
Have you thought about what landscape would you like to have as the backdrop of your ceremony?
What season calls your name?
If you are still unable to decide, please feel free to reach out and we can help you with planning and location scouting.
Setting the date for your elopement
When planning your elopement in Scotland you will want to consider what season you would like to take your vows.
Spring (March, April, May)
The spring is a great time to elope in Scotland as the days begin to get longer and the colours start to come alive. This is a time for new beginnings and renewal. Beautiful sunsets and golden light fill the skies.
This is a popular time for elopements as the tourist season is not yet in full swing so you can be sure to find some great locations and accommodation.
If you chose to elope in Scotland during the spring, it will be a day that you never forget and will live in your hearts forever.
Fall (September, October, November)
As the leaves start to turn red, orange and gold, romance is in the air. The air is crisp and the sunsets bathe Scotland in a warm golden glow. Fall truly is a season to behold in Scotland where you can bathe in golden light then dance under the stars.
Start your lives together surrounded by the beauty of the vibrant foliage, where leaves fall and love blooms.
Summer (June, July, August)
Long days, warm nights. The flowers in bloom and the gentle breeze blowing through the hills. Summer is the most popular time for elopements in Scotland.
Imagine exchanging your vows amidst the mountains, beside a serene loch, or on a secluded beach.
The beauty of Scotland during summer time is a sight to behold. Beautiful sunrises on the east coast, breath-taking sunsets on the west coast. Start your lives together in this beautiful season where the flowers bloom and love know no bounds.
Winter (December, January, February)
In the winter months Scotland transforms into a glittering wonderland. The mountains blanketed in white, the lochs glittered in frost. Misty sky and crisp air. Scotland in winter is breathtakingly beautiful.
The days are short and an afternoon ceremony is suggested around this season.
As the tourist season has come to an end you will have your choice of quiet locations and accommodation. Imagine celebrating with a Scottish whisky next to a crackling fire in a quaint cottage, deep in the heart of Scotland, surrounded by the beauty of winter with the memories of your stunning winter elopement. Make this winter in Scotland your own and say I do in this winter wonderland.
Finding a celebrant for your elopement
For your ceremony you may choose between a religious ceremony, a registrar ceremony or a humanist ceremony.
We love a humanist ceremony as they can be held almost anywhere and can be tailored to involve traditional and non-traditional symbolic gestures. Not to mention that humanists in Scotland tend to be more experienced with elopements and are usually quite keen for an adventure.
If you are unable to meet the legal requirements for your destination to be binding in Scotland, you might want to consider having a symbolic ceremony in Scotland and sorting the legalities back home either before or after your symbolic wedding.
The legal part
You will have to acquire your marriage schedule by filling out a Marriage Notice Form and submitting it to the local registry office in the district where the marriage is to take place.
Next you will have to submit a fee alongside the form no earlier than 3 months before your wedding date and no later than 29 days before your wedding date.
You must provide both of your birth certificates, passports and proof of address.
Then you will be able to collect your marriage schedule from the local registry office up to 7 days before your wedding date.
After your wedding date, the marriage schedule must be returned to the registrar within 3 days.
For a more detailed breakdown please click here
If you are not from the European Economic Area you will also need to apply for a marriage visa.
If you are unable to meet the legal requirements for your elopement to be binding in Scotland, you might want to consider having a symbolic ceremony in Scotland and sorting the legalities back home either before or after your symbolic wedding.
Witnesses
You will need two adult witnesses for the ceremony to be legally binding. I am happy to stand in as one witness and my partner can be the second witness if you are having both of us there to capture your special day.
Selecting your vendors and accommodation
Once your photographer, videographer and celebrant are booked, you may want to think about the following;
Venue – if you are hiring a venue, you might want to consider a castle, a country house, a log cabin or hotel.
Florist – from bouquets to boutonnieres, flower arches and flower crowns.
Hair and makeup artist – a hair and makeup artist to take the stress out of making you look your best on your wedding day.
Caterer – you might want to consider what you will to do for your first meal as husband and wife. If you are a couple of foodies you might be interested in hiring a private chef, or booking a meal at a Michelin star restaurant.
Accommodation
There are many options for accommodation in Scotland.
From luxury hotels and castles to cute cozy cottages and unique Air B&B choices.
We are happy to make suggestions if you are stuck or can’t decide.
