Ultimate Guide to Planning an Elopement in Scotland: Tips for U.S. Couples
- Carly D'Angelo-Hall
- Jan 14, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 7
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about How To Get Married in Scotland
✈️ Legal & Logistical
Can foreigners legally get married in Scotland? Yes! Scotland is one of the few places in Europe where non-residents can legally marry outdoors, including on mountaintops, in forests, or by lochs.
What documents do we need to get legally married in Scotland? You'll need to submit a Marriage Notice Form (M10) and supporting documents (like passports and birth certificates) to the local registrar at least 29 days before your ceremony.
Do we need witnesses for our elopement? Yes, Scotland requires two witnesses over the age of 16. If you're eloping just the two of you, I can often help arrange this.
Can we have a symbolic ceremony instead of a legal one? Definitely. Many couples do the legal paperwork at home and enjoy a symbolic ceremony in Scotland with full emotional meaning and flexibility.
🗺️ Location & Permits
What are the best places to elope in Scotland? Popular spots include Glencoe, Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park, and the Scottish Highlands. I’ll help you choose a location that matches your vision, accessibility needs, and desired level of privacy.
Do we need a permit to elope in scenic areas like Skye or Glencoe? Usually no permit is required for a simple ceremony, but some areas (especially those managed by conservation trusts) may ask for notification. I handle this research for you.
Can we elope at a castle or on private land? Yes, but it may involve a venue fee or booking permission. I’ll help you find dreamy spots with minimal red tape—or direct you to lesser-known, free alternatives.
📸 Photography & Planning Help
Can we hire someone to plan and photograph our elopement? That’s exactly what I do! I combine photography + planning guidance, helping with everything from locations and logistics to timelines and vendor referrals.
Do you help with travel logistics and local vendors? I don't help with travel logistics or booking accommodations, but I can offer tips and connect you with local vendors, like florists, HMUAs, and officiants who fit your style and values. If you'd like help with planning your trip, I have a travel planner that I also work with and who will help you with your entire itinerary at no additional cost to you.
Do you offer elopement packages in Scotland? Yes—my Scotland packages include planning guidance, full-day photography, and even officiating if needed. You can see details here.
📅 Travel & Timing
When is the best time of year to elope in Scotland? May through October offers the most comfortable weather and longest daylight. April and November are moodier and more private, with fewer crowds.
What’s the weather like for elopements in Scotland? It’s famously unpredictable—expect sunshine, fog, and drizzle all in the same day. That’s part of the magic! I help you build flexibility into your plan.
Do we need to rent a car in Scotland? Yes, especially if you’re heading to rural areas like Glencoe or Skye. I’ll help you plan your route and timing around weather, light, and accessibility.
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!
