Covered in this guide:
locations
seasons
what to wear
the legal part
types of ceremonies
wedding suppliers
Imagine walking through the mountains in your muddy boots. The sun might be shining, or the rain is drizzling, but either way, this day is an adventure. You find a quiet spot to say your vows to your partner, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Perhaps it is just the two of you or a handful of people you love around you.
In Scotland, you can get legally married almost anywhere outside with the most breathtaking backdrops, which means you aren’t limited by wedding venues or weekend dates. Whether it is the mountains, a loch, woodland, or a castle – there are many incredible locations to choose from in Scotland.
Places to elope in Scotland
Glencoe
For many, Glencoe is the heart of the Scottish highlands. While the area is popular with tourists, and with good reason, there are still many places here to find yourself alone in nature, and some are not as far off the beaten path as you might imagine. Glencoe is within a few hours drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh, making it an accessible option for those flying into the major airports.
The landscape truly does have something for everybody here, and while it looks stunning covered in winter snow or glorious in summer sunshine, my favourite season in Glencoe is Autumn. The landscape has a radiant golden hue, which adds colour to the greyest of highland days. Some popular locations to visit in Glencoe include Glencoe Lochan, Glen Etive, Steall Falls and Loch Etive.
Glencoe accommodation ideas
St Mary’s Space | Creative space for eclectic couples
Glencoe House | Luxury hotel in the highlands
Ardrhu House | A restored manor with sweeping views
Luxury Eco Cabin | Views of Ben Nevis
Peaceful Highland Home | Tranquility in the highlands
Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s skyline is defined by a mix of natural and man-made landmarks but nestled on a peak of its own, somewhere between the hills of Arthur’s Seat and the monuments of Carlton Hill, sits Edinburgh castle, which looks down onto the city streets below.
Get lost in the maze of cobbled laneways through Edinburgh’s historic stone buildings, taking in the sound of bagpipes that are often heard echoing through the streets, and in the right weather, the smell of malted barley and hops from the city’s breweries lingers through the air.
The cairngorms
The Cairngorms are rich with natural beauty, with still lochs, woodland, castles and whisky distilleries to explore. The ancient forests here make for a quiet and secluded ceremony spot, where you can say your vows tucked amongst the trees or by the side of a loch.
My favourite locations for a wedding in the Cairngorms include Loch an Eilein, Loch Vaa and Lochan Uaine. The Cairngorms is also blessed with many different beautiful places to stay – some of which you can get married onsite.
Cairngorms accommodation ideas
Hidden Highland Retreats | Heritage-restored luxury properties
Killiehuntley Farmhouse | Immersive Scottish experience in a guesthouse or self-catered cottages
Glen Dye Cabins | Luxury cabins surrounded by wilderness
The Lazy Duck | Award-winning off-grid cabins
Fife Arms Hotel | Luxury boutique hotel
Scottish borders
The Scottish borders are ideal for those seeking countryside views but still a short driving distance to Edinburgh. My favourite scenery here is the rolling hills, castles, rivers and waterfalls, many of which you can enjoy with very few people around. I’m based in the Scottish Borders, and have plenty of gems to share with couples looking to get married here!
Neidpath Castle is a 14th-century tucked away gem near the town of Peebles. Aikwood Tower offers luxury comfort in a secluded setting. The majestic Borthwick Castle offers a quintessential Scottish Castle experience. All these wedding venues provide a combination of majestic interiors with stunning views of the Scottish borders on the doorstep.
Perthshire
Just over an hour's drive from Edinburgh, the area of Perthshire is ideal for those looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path option where you can be immersed in the countryside and nature without having to venture too far from Scotland's major cities. I love visiting the majestic woodland here, which often feels like walking through an enchanted fairytale.
The charming town of Dunkeld is a popular place to visit for the famous Aran bakery (who also do amazing wedding cakes!). Perthshire is also known for its artisan cuisine, and all of the accommodation options below are known for their delicious food and warm hospitality.
The best time to visit the area is in the Autumn months when you'll witness a spectacular display of golden colours, but if this doesn't suit, Perthshire has something to offer all year round!
Perthshire accommodation ideas
The Taybank | Serene apartments in the heart of historic Dunkeld
Guardswell Farm | Rural destination in a secluded hillside
Ballintaggart | Charming rural accommodation
Killiecrankie House | Fine dining restaurant and rooms
Assynt
Assynt is a spectacular area with lochs, waterfalls, castle ruins, rugged rocky mountains and white sandy beaches. It is located on the popular NC500 tourist driving route around Scotland. Assynt is a more remote area compared to other areas of Scotland, so it tends to be on the more quiet side, particularly outside of the Summer months. Overall there are fewer facilities in the area, but more opportunities to find yourself alone in the landscape.
Some locations worth considering for an Assynt elopement are Wailing Widows Falls, Ardvreck Castle and Achmelvich Beach. If you’re an avid hiker, Stac Pollaidh rewards you with stunning views.
Assynt accommodation ideas
Kylesku Lodges | A rustic hideout
The Albannach | 200 year old highland home
Torridon
Torridon is a hidden gem on Scotland’s West Coast. Rugged mountain tops, sometimes dusted in snow, stand tall above tranquil bays and secluded woodlands. This region is a favourite for lovers of all types of outdoor activities. Like Assynt, there are limited facilities and accommodation options here, but if you’re seeking a secluded location that is off the beaten track, Torridon is certainly a contender. Am Ploc is a tucked-away spot for a ceremony featuring the ruins of an Open Air Church.
Torridon accommodation ideas
The Net Store | Holiday home on the Applecross Peninsula
The Torridon | Luxury hotel
Shieldaig Lodge | Highland lodge retreat
Seasons
Spring & Summer
March - September
The daylight hours are long in Summer. Light starts to appear around 5am in the morning, and sunsets extend through to 10pm. The best time to take photos in Summer is early in the morning or late in the evening, when the light is softer and more flattering. Scotland transforms into a vibrant green landscape, with flowers and grass flourishing. The country is much busier with warmer temperatures and increased tourism. Carparks are more likely to be at capacity, and popular tourist locations have high numbers of people visiting daily.
Autumn
September - October
The vibrant hues of Autumn take over Scotland, making the landscape feel even more ethereal. There are misty mornings to enjoy, the daylight hours are getting shorter and the air becomes crisp. The days are best spent outside, taking in the beauty of it all, no matter the weather, and then retreating inside to a warm fire at the end of the day.
Winter
November - February
The landscape turns to a muted brown, and the temperatures continue to drop. The mountains usually have a dusting of snow on top. The daylight hours are very short, but the light is soft and beautiful to shoot in all day. I think the cold temperatures are worth embracing to have the incredible winter colours, potential snowfall, and very few tourists.
how to get legally married in scotland
What do you need to get legally married in Scotland? Ultimately it is a date, location, the correct paperwork, two witnesses and an authorised person to conduct your legal ceremony. The rest is up to you!
You will require two witnesses whose details need to be filled out before the day. So, how do you find two people to witness your ceremony? Luckily, your photographer can count as a witness! Other ideas include your videographer, bagpiper, florist, musician, hotel or venue staff member. Your celebrant may also be able to bring a witness, so it is worth talking to them as well.
You can read more guidance for getting married in Scotland on the National Records of Scotland website.
types of legal ceremonies
humanist ceremony
The Humanist Society of Scotland says “a humanist wedding or civil partnership lets you celebrate your day your way. Your humanist celebrant will involve you in planning and writing your ceremony, creating a ceremony that’s a true reflection of you and your partner.”
It is worth noting that humanist ceremonies do not include religious components. If this is important to you, it is worth considering the other ceremony options below.
Humanist celebrants that I love working with include Claire Digance, Rona Burstow, Vivienne Hyndman, Andrew Scott, Annalese Mcdermott.
agnostic CEREMONY
Agnostic Scotland shares that their role is the following: “Our Celebrants will be delighted to work with you to co-create, write and conduct a ceremony that reflects your own wishes, beliefs and values, whether that includes a faith-based, spiritual or non-religious ethos. All words, music, readings and rituals will be chosen entirely by you.”
Agnostic celebrants I recommend include Lucy Cargill, Onie Tibbitt and Andrea Taylor
interfaith CEREMONY
An interfaith ceremony can include any faith, mixed faith or no faith. You can be married indoors or outdoors and serve all people of any belief to create a unique ceremony for your day.
Hazel Jane and Gillian Robertson are both interfaith ministers based in Scotland.
scotland wedding suppliers
Here in Scotland, we have so many talented wedding suppliers in all different areas. Below are some of my favourites to work with to help you get started with your planning.
Hair/makeup
Flowers
Bagpipers