Ultimate Guide to Planning an Elopement in Scotland: Tips for U.S. Couples

Sligachan Bridge on the Isle of Skye

Dreaming of an Elopement In Scotland?

If you've ever dreamed of eloping in Scotland, you're not alone! Whether you have ancestral ties to the country, love its rich history and culture, or are drawn to the breathtaking landscapes of the Highlands, Scotland is a magical destination for an intimate wedding. Sharing new experiences and saying "I do" in such an unforgettable setting makes for the ultimate adventure. However, planning a wedding from another country can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a stress-free and epic Scottish elopement.

Eilean Dunan Castle

Choosing the Perfect Location

Scotland is packed with stunning backdrops for an elopement, from the medieval charm of Edinburgh to the rugged cliffs of the Highlands and the mystical beauty of the Isle of Skye. Here are a few options to consider:

• Rent a Castle – Imagine saying your vows in a historic castle! Many estates offer overnight accommodations for you and your guests. (I even found one for $3,747 for three nights for up to eight guests!)

• National Parks & Public Lands – Scotland allows weddings on public land without special permits, meaning you can get married amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

• Secluded Outdoor Spots – If privacy is a priority, choosing a remote cliffside, loch, or glen ensures an intimate ceremony without tourist crowds.

Feeling overwhelmed by choices? I offer customized location guides to my couples, complete with photos and key details to help you pick the perfect spot!

The Glen Coe Mountains in Lochaber Geopark

Legal Requirements: How to Make It Official

Option 1: Get Legally Married in the U.S. First

This is the simplest option! You can have a legal ceremony at your local courthouse before heading to Scotland. The only downside is that your legal marriage date will differ from your elopement date—but if that’s not an issue for you, this is the stress-free way to go.

Option 2: Get Legally Married in Scotland

To legally marry in Scotland, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old

• Not be married to someone else

• Have two witnesses (over 16)

• Submit a Marriage Notice to the local registrar at least 29 days before your wedding

• Obtain a Marriage Visa if you're not a UK resident

• Provide documentation, including passports, proof of marital status, and (if applicable) a stamped divorce decree

For the most up-to-date information, check out TravelVisaPro.com or consult a local registrar.

Fairy Pools - Isle of Skye

Travel & Accommodations

Best Timeline for Your Trip

International travel can be unpredictable, so give yourself extra time to settle in before your wedding day.

Recommended itinerary:

• Day 1 – Depart for Scotland

• Day 2 – Arrive, stay near the airport, and explore the local area

• Day 3 – Rent a car and drive to your ceremony location

• Day 4 – Get married!

Plan at least two extra days for post-wedding relaxation, but if time allows, stay longer to soak in Scotland’s beauty.

Renting a Car

Public transportation in Scotland is limited, especially in rural areas. Renting a car is highly recommended if you’re venturing beyond Edinburgh or Glasgow. Key tips:

• Request an automatic transmission (manual is the norm in the UK!)

• Bring your driver’s license

• Prepare for narrow roads and left-side driving—having a co-pilot to navigate is a huge help!

• Don’t panic when tour buses take up the whole road—locals know how to maneuver around them.

Where to Stay

• Bed & Breakfasts – Cozy and authentic, offering warm hospitality and home-cooked breakfasts

• Boutique Hotels & Cabins – Unique, stylish, and great for a romantic getaway

• Airbnbs & Castles – Ideal for couples wanting a private stay or group accommodations

If you're visiting during peak season (summer), book early to secure your ideal stay!

The Bracken Hide Hotel - Portree | Isle of Skye

Create Your Ceremony

Choosing the Perfect Ceremony Spot

If you’re eloping without guests, you have endless options! If inviting guests, consider:

• Accessibility (some hikes may be too challenging for everyone)

• Parking availability

• Seclusion (avoiding tourists while still having an epic backdrop)

If you're using a venue for your celebration, you can exchange vows there, then venture off for private portraits at scenic locations. I can help scout the perfect spots to ensure your experience is both intimate and visually stunning.

Incorporating Scottish Wedding Traditions

Want to honor Scottish heritage in your ceremony? Consider these traditions:

• Handfasting – The origin of the phrase “tying the knot,” where couples’ hands are bound together with a cloth

• Bagpipes – Hiring a piper to play traditional music

• Tartan & Family Crests – Wear a clan tartan or a crest pin to celebrate your roots

• Whiskey Ceremony – Drinking from a ceremonial Quaich (a two-handled Scottish cup) as a symbol of unity

• White Heather – Carry a sprig of white heather in your bouquet for good luck

Vows: Public or Private?

If you’d rather keep your vows intimate, plan a private vow exchange before or after your official ceremony. I can help you choose a secluded, picturesque location where you can share this meaningful moment without an audience.

Weather & Best Time to Elope

Scotland’s weather is famously unpredictable, with rain possible year-round. To ensure an enjoyable experience, be sure to pack:

• Waterproof layers & hiking boots

• Windproof umbrellas

• Extra socks & warm accessories

Best Months to Elope:

✔️ April – The driest month of the year ✔️ May & September – Pleasant temperatures (50°F-70°F), fewer crowds, and gorgeous seasonal scenery.

Summer is the busiest season, bringing large crowds, limited parking, and midges (biting insects similar to mosquitos). If you do visit in summer, bring midge spray and cover up with long clothing!

Glencoe

Celebrating & Activities for Your Wedding Day

Post-Elopement Celebrations

• Make a dinner reservation – Book early for larger groups or private dining rooms

• Hire a private chef – Enjoy a romantic dinner at your Airbnb or castle stay

• Go pub hopping – Experience Scotland’s vibrant nightlife with live music and local brews

Adventure & Activities

• Hike and explore Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes

• Watch the Northern Lights (best from September-March)

• Ride a gondola up Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain

• Take a ferry to the Scottish Isles

• Go whiskey tasting at a distillery

• Visit historic castles and landmarks

• Take a dark history or ghost tour

• Kayak or canoe on a loch

• Pack a picnic with a scenic overlook

Make Your Dream Elopement a Reality

Eloping in Scotland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and intimate moments. With the right planning and guidance, your adventure can be as stress-free and magical as you envision.

Ready to begin planning your dream wedding in Scotland?

I'm Carly, a destination wedding and elopement photographer + planning guide who's documented weddings from Hawaii to Scotland. My top priority on elopement days is to help you create an experience, not just deliver great photos. I want to tell your wedding story, share the emotions you felt that day and the fun you shared together, and provide you with memories that you'll love forever. And in addition to photography, I'll also provide:

✓  Location Scouting & Research

✓  Vendor Recommendations

✓  Customized Timeline Building

✓  Activity Recommendations

✓  Assistance with Permits

✓  An exclusive elopement planning guide

If you're ready to take the first step towards your best day ever, fill out the contact form on my site! We'll talk about all of the possibilities, ease your mind of any hesitations you may still have about eloping, and get planning!

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Loch Lochy - Highlands of Scotland