Planning A Scotland Destination Wedding

Image by The Caryls. See more of this real wedding here.

The fantastic thing about hosting a destination wedding in Scotland lies far beyond the history, stunning landscapes, and fun fashion—hello, kilts! Scotland could be known for its exceptional sights and brimming romance, but this buzzing tourist destination is a hot spot for “I dos” of each fashion. 

Are you and your partner dreaming of a giant traditional castle wedding? How a few city-center celebration surrounded by cobblestone streets and historic buildings? Perhaps you wish an intimate elopement surrounded by the rolling Highland hills? In Scotland, all of those are a possibility. From finding your dream vendors to the country’s legal requirements, here’s all the pieces you must find out about planning a Scotland destination wedding. 

Top Cities And Areas For A Scotland Destination Wedding

Edinburgh 

Walking the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh, it’s no surprise why it’s one of the crucial popular cities in Scotland. From the medieval Old Town to the more modern Latest Town, every corner is wealthy with history and gothic architecture. Here you’ll be able to visit the famous Edinburgh castle, Princess Street Gardens, and even walk the Royal Mile. 

Listed below are some notable venues in Edinburgh to envision out: 

Glasgow

Though Edinburgh could be the primary place that involves mind, we’re reminding you to not sleep on Glasgow. This city has a heritage of Victorian architecture, filled with stunning buildings, quirky charm, and vibrant art. It’s the spot for couples dreaming of a city celebration that comes with modern and old-world influences.

Listed below are some notable venues in Glasgow to envision out: 

Image by Martin McLellan. See more of this real wedding here.

Aberdeen

This coastal town is a surprising city escape with sandy beaches, 18th-century grey buildings, and rigid coastlines. It also happens to be one among the sunniest cities in Scotland. So if you happen to’re hoping for sunny weather in your big day, this could be the proper location. 

Listed below are some notable venues in Aberdeen to envision out: 

Dundee

Being Scotland’s fourth largest city, Dundee is a smaller alternative for couples that wish to be surrounded by each city and nature. The coastal town has a wide range of sandy beaches, ports, and even an extinct volcano towering 572 feet over the town. Adventurous couples will love Dundee and all of the audacious experiences it offers. 

Listed below are some notable venues in Dundee to envision out: 

The Highlands and Islands

Being a more distant and isolated area, the Scottish Highlands are a preferred setting for destination elopements. You’ll find rolling hills, rigid coastlines, and a wide range of hikes resulting in jaw-dropping views. With the Highlands stretching far and wide, picking only one location worthy of celebrating your love may be difficult. Though every corner of the Highlands offers something different, we recommend looking into the village of Glencoe and Isle of Skye. 

Listed below are some notable venues within the Highlands to envision out: 

Best Time Of 12 months For A Scotland Destination Wedding

It probably comes as no surprise that Scotland is cold and rainy year-round. So before booking your destination wedding here, you’ll wish to ensure you’re okay with the unpredictable weather. If sunny weather is your important priority, consider a date within the late spring and early summer. These are typically the sunniest and warmest months of the 12 months. 

While you picture Scotland, odds are your mind doesn’t immediately think warm and sunny. You most likely picture a dark and moody vibe. And if you happen to’re seeking to take full advantage of the autumnal atmosphere Scotland is so famously known for, you’ll wish to select a date between late September and early November. 

If budget is your important concern, we recommend throwing a winter wonderland celebration. In the course of the colder months, you’ll be met with cheaper travel costs and accommodations once you arrive. You’ll also have the ability to take full advantage of the romantic ambiance that comes with the snowy Scotland flurries. 

Image by The Caryls. See more of this real wedding here.

FAQs 

What Does A Scotland Destination Wedding Cost?

Your overall wedding budget might be determined by travel costs, your guest list size, venue, vendors, accommodations, and so rather more. Should you’re ditching a standard celebration for an intimate elopement, you’ll be able to expect to pay somewhere between $5,000-$15,000. Couples planning an extravagant celebration surrounded by their closest family members can expect to spend between $25,000 and $40,000. 

What Costs Should You Cover For Your Guests?

When planning a destination wedding, it’s not all the time clear what needs to be covered to your guests. Though every wedding is different, it’s typical for guests to be chargeable for their very own travel costs—we’re talking hotel, airfare, baggage, etc. Though it’s not mandatory, you’ll be able to arrange a hotel block to maintain your family members in close proximity and make the general costs cheaper to your guests. 

When Should You Send Out Save The Dates & Invites?

A destination wedding timeline—especially for those who require international travel—is stretched longer than one for a standard, local celebration. It’s necessary to send out your save the dates as soon as possible. Ideally, this might fall about eight to 12 months before your big day. Invitations should then follow about six months before your wedding. This provides your guests loads of time to book days off of labor and secure flights and accommodations. 

When Should You Begin Booking Your Vendors?

Wedding vendors are likely to book out well upfront. So once you finalize a destination, venue, and date, it’s time to search out your dream vendor team. And the further out you book your vendors, the higher—especially if you happen to’ve had your eye on a specific vendor for some time. 

Should You Hire A Wedding Planner?

There’s a protracted list of vendors we recommend securing to your wedding day. But in terms of planning a faraway celebration, we are able to’t recommend hiring a wedding planner enough. Local planners know the world well and might provide suggestions for venues, vendors, and post-wedding activities you’ll be able to’t find during a straightforward Google search. 

Unsure where to start out? Try our directory of wedding planners in Scotland.

Images by Mike Meller. See more of this real wedding here.

Legal Requirements For A Scotland Destination Wedding

Legal requirements differ from place to position. And the final thing you wish is to plan a surprising destination wedding just to seek out out you haven’t finalized all the paperwork or met the mandatory requirements. 

Any two individuals can legally tie the knot in Scotland provided that:

• They’re 16 years of age or older on the day of their wedding
• They usually are not related
• They usually are not already married or registered as a civil partner
• They’re able to consenting to marry 
• In case of opposite sex marriage, the wedding can be thought to be valid within the party’s country of domicile

Should you meet all the necessities, you’ll be able to then apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa and pay the £100 application fee. 

Should you’re granted your Marriage Visitor Visa, you’ll be able to submit a wedding notice form (three months to fifteen days prior to your wedding) to the registrar of the district by which your marriage might be happening. You should have to indicate proof of your original ID documents to the civil office issuing your marriage license in person before your wedding day. You may also need to supply your birth certificates, passports, and in addition documentation of divorce, annulment, or death of your former spouse, if applicable. 

Should you’re having a non secular ceremony (fairly than a civil ceremony), the registrar in your district will give you a wedding schedule that’ll have to be accomplished and returned inside three days so the wedding may be registered. After your marriage has been registered, you’ll be able to obtain a replica of your marriage certificate for the suitable fee.

Image by Raini Rowell Photography. See more of this real wedding here.

Now that you have got all the knowledge needed to bring your destination wedding to life in Scotland, the fun planning begins. Start by trying out our directory of wedding vendors in Scotland, then read our destination wedding planning guide to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Image by Raini Rowell Photography. See more of this real wedding here.