How to Elope in Scotland
Plan a Scotland Elopement
Everything You Need to Know to Get Married in the Wild Highlands, the Historic Lowlands & Everywhere in Between!
Scotland is magical—whether you love rolling green hills, the mystery of Loch Ness, dramatic mountains, endless historic castles, or Harry Potter…you’re going to love this place!
↓ Keep reading for detailed suggestions to help you plan your Scotland elopement! ↓
How to Plan a Scotland Wedding or Elopement
Below, I outline a step-by-step method to plan a stress-free Scotland elopement! Or, check out this blog for even more in-depth advice that can help you plan an elopement anywhere in the world. To summarize, your first step involves figuring out what is most important to YOU. No one else can tell you what will make you happy (though many may try), and ultimately I can only offer insight based on your direct and/or feedback. I’ve worked with many different couples—each of them was wonderful in their own way, and each planned their perfect wedding. No two elopements I’ve ever photographed were exactly the same.
The Highlands - Scotland’s Iconic Wild Landscape
Think of the Highlands as the land of mystery, wilderness, and fuzzy cows. This is where you’ll be able to explore castles set on expansive meadows, tour lochs (some with monsters, others without), and get up into the mountains. The Highlands are known for backpacking in the summer and skiing in the winter. It’s very different from the cities of the lowlands, but certainly rich with culture. I highly recommend spending time in both spaces while you’re in Scotland—one is not better than the other, but they are certainly better together.
The Lowlands - Explore Scotland’s Historic Cities
Quite the opposite of the Highlands, the Lowlands of Scotland include the country’s most famous cities—Glasgow & Edinburgh. I love both for very different reasons, and sometimes the cities are exactly the escape from travel tourism I need. Yes, there are plenty of tours in the Lowlands, but they are diluted by the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the hundreds of thousands who live here. As much as travelers can get caught up in wanting to escape the cities to experience a “real” place, it’s east in Scotland to end up seeing the Highlands through the windows of a tour bus. Don’t get me wrong, that can be a lot of fun—but there’s something lovely about being able to stay in a hostel on the same street as the locals. You can visit the same bars, walk by their cathedrals, and blend into their city.
Why you should elope in Scotland
1. You love gorgeous landscapes
This one doesn’t really need explanation, but just go look at some pictures of Scotland if you’re lacking this inspiration.
2. You want adventure
Backpacking, roadtrips, endless miles walking historic cobblestone streets—whatever kind of “ideal” travel adventure you’re looking for can be found in Scotland!
3. You adore historic cities
Edinburgh is my favorite city I’ve ever traveled to. There, I said it.
4. You want a destination wedding
If you have anywhere in the world to choose from, why choose Scotland? Because it’s magical! I hate hearing, “you need to see it to understand it,” but I’ve got to agree with those who feel this way about this country. The first time I traveled to Scotland I found myself wonderfully inspired, renewed in my confidence to travel solo, and I had so much fun that I went back a few months later with my best friend!
Steps for Eloping in Scotland
Pick A Date
To start planning, first pick a date! I need a specific date so I can book you and reserve that date on my calendar, but you’ll also need a date if your location requires a permit. No need to have all the rest figured out yet, but start with a date. If you would like a suggestion about the best time of year to elope in a particular part of Scotland - just ask!
Pick A Ceremony Location
You have nearly endless locations to choose from when planning an elopement in Scotland. Rent an Airbnb or castle and plan the adventure of a lifetime. If you don’t know where to choose – reach out! I have a handful of my favorite places listed below, and even more that I keep in my back pocket for couples who have booked me to photograph their events.
Secure Your Permits & Reservations
If you’re getting married on public or private land, it is important to ensure you have permission. Maybe all you need to do is rent a car, but that’s equally important to get you out into the most remote (& most beautiful) Highlands!
Have Your Dream Wedding!
You’ve done the leg work, properly prepared, settled all the details - now all that’s left to do is get hitched. Your wedding is going to be gorgeous in such a beautiful place - I can’t wait to celebrate with you!
What does it cost to elope in Scotland?
Like everything else, it depends—you could choose a location with no permitting costs and keep your celebration within whatever budget makes the most sense for you. Or, you could marry in a historic castle and the location itself would cost thousands (which is still much less than the average wedding venue costing tens of thousands.)
Of course, every other detail of your day is totally subjective when it comes to price. You’ll be paying for attire, travel, a bouquet or decor, and food/drinks. The average elopement costs couples between $5,000-$15,000, which is MUCH cheaper than a traditional wedding.
Long story short: your Scotland elopement can cost as little as is practical to cover the bases, or as much as you want to have it all!
My Favorite Scotland Weddings Venues
The Lodge at Loch Lomond – The lodge offers multiple wedding packages, which as relatively low priced for a traditional wedding venue. The “small & intimate” package is only 950 pounds (which is approx. $1300 USD).
My Favorite Scotland Elopement Locations
Lake Isabelle – Glencoe has to be a real contender for the best place to elope in Scotland. It is a stunning steep and mountainous landscape. If you are looking for rugged sweeping views, wild rivers, beautiful Lochs, waterfalls and enchanted woodland for your Scottish Elopement, Glencoe has it all!
The Summit of Ben A’an – This beautiful hike will take you up into the mountains, but it’s not too difficult to reach. You’ll find yourself far enough off the beaten path that you won’t be competing with other tourists for the trail.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs – This is a beautiful national park in central Scotland—only an hour+ from Glasgow and Edinburgh. This is the ideal wedding location for someone wanting beautiful lakes and stunning mountain scenery.
How to Legally Elope in Scotland
Are you looking to get legally married while eloping in Scotland? Here’s how:
Once you’ve chosen your location and date, there are a few more things to figure out about your ceremony to make your destination elopement legal. You’ll need to hire a local celebrant, and you can choose from three kinds: a Registrar, a Religious celebrant, or a Humanist officiant.
If you’re from the United States, think of the “registrar” as a judge. You’re probably familiar with a religious celebrant, which is pretty much the same between the countries. A humanist officiant might be new to you, because it’s not really an option when getting legally married in the US.
Get Married with a Registrar
For a registrar, you will have to contact the local office nearest to your chosen location. Click HERE for a full list of Registry offices in Scotland.
Get Married with a Religious Ceremony
Religious ceremonies can differ i.e Church of Scotland services can be held anywhere so long as your minister approves. Believers of other faiths are welcome too. Roman Catholic ceremonies are slightly different and must be held in a place of worship in regular use.
Get Married with a Humanist Ceremony
If you are looking at having a Humanist ceremony when you elope to Scotland, many great celebrants can be found by using these sites. I have worked with many of them over the years. Each have their own personality and approach to elopements and some are more keen to hike to a wild mountain spot than others!
http://www.celebratepeople.co.uk.
How to apply for your Marriage Schedule (Marriage License)
The Marriage Schedule is granted by the registrar nearest your chosen location and can be picked up in person no more than a week before you perform the ceremony. To be issued a marriage schedule you must each fill in a Marriage Notice form (M10 form).
Your Questions, Answered
Who Needs to be Present to Get Legally Married in Scotland?
A celebrant & two witnesses
For a couple to legally marry in Scotland they need a marriage schedule, a celebrant and two witnesses over the age of 16.
How Much Does a Marriage Schedule Cost?
70 pounds (appox. $96 USD)
The M10 form must be submitted with a £70 processing fee. You need to submit your application 29-84 days before your wedding day. You may also need to submit other important paperwork: such as a birth or adoption certificate, passport and proof of residence (as applicable).
Where Can a Legal Ceremony Occur?
(Always stay up to date on current restrictions) You can marry pretty much anywhere as long as you have a registered celebrant officiating your ceremony. Humanist marriages have been legal in Scotland since 2005 and don’t have any restrictions on location. You can also marry with a local Registrar or Minister from the church. Some religious leaders do not allow outdoor marriages, so always ask them too!
We want to elope in Scotland from abroad, how does this work?
People who are not residents of Scotland are free to marry here, but how this works technically is dependent on where you are from—you may be subject to immigration control. If you’re from a country outside the EU and you want to elope to Scotland, you’ll likely need to plan a bit of extra time to jump through all the required hoops.
Ready to plan your Scotland elopement? Reach out!
Now that you have a good idea how to elope in Scotland, it’s time to start planning! We’d love to help you figure out details, choose your perfect location, and explore with you - check out our current travel schedule to see when we’ll be in the area, or get on the calendar so we can put Scotland on our schedule!
