How and Where to Get Married in Scotland
Where to stay, things to do, & legal process for your wedding in Scotland
Are you thinking of eloping in Scotland? You’ve come to the right place! I am a well-traveled Scotland wedding and elopement photographer. I am also a passionate trip planner. Scotland’s charm and adventurous landscapes make the perfect setting for your wedding. I like to help all of my clients feel prepared, so I am sharing my tips for cultivating the most seamless wedding day. (Also! I have put together an official list of hidden gem photo locations in Scotland!)
Below is my step-by-step guide and recommendations for your perfect wedding, whether it be in the vast highlands or deep in the romantic streets of Edinburgh. I'll be going over everything: Where should I get married in Scotland and who are The Best Wedding Vendors in Scotland (including officiants and celebrants)? I got you covered! Take a peek at my full list of the best recommendations around this beautiful country for your wedding.
After the planning, paperwork, and logistics, you can enjoy your day while I document it along the way! Without further ado, here is my guide for planning your Scottish wedding.
1. How do I legally get married in Scotland?
You are getting married in Scotland! I will help you make the paperwork and legal filings a little easier by explaining how to complete your marriage certificate in the US, AND complete your marriage certificate in Scotland. I’ll walk you through the process of legally marrying in both places, but I highly recommend finding an officiant and/or celebrant in both places to help you manage all of the paperwork so that it goes as smoothly as possible. If you decide to legally marry in Scotland, here is their step-by-step guide to do so. However, I will show you all of the steps below as well.
Disclaimer: I am not an attorney or legal advisor; this information is only provided for general guidance. For specific legal advice, please consult a qualified legal professional.
How to file your marriage paperwork in the US before getting married in Scotland
Step 1: Get a marriage license in the United States. If you are traveling from the United States to Scotland for your elopement, I suggest you file your marriage in Scotland prior to your trip. Your county clerks office will have all of the paperwork necessary for your marriage license. You can find your county clerk’s office by doing a quick Google search: “marriage license [your state/county].” Depending on where you live, the license will cost about $60.
What do I need to bring to the County Clerk’s office? Both parties will need to bring their photo I.D. and need to know the following:
County Clerk’s Office Checklist:
Photo ID
Their mothers' maiden names.
The location where each applicant was born.
The social security number of each applicant
Two witnesses
How long does it take to get our marriage license? Most marriage licenses take about three days. Ask your county clerk’s office if you can pay an extra fee (usually around $10) to expedite the process and have your marriage license recorded immediately.
Do I need witnesses to sign the marriage license? Yes. You will need to bring two witnesses to sign the marriage certificate.
How to file your Marriage Paperwork in Scotland
Step 1 – Apply for Marriage Travel Visas: Three months before your travel dates, you will need to complete your marriage visitor visa. Each party must complete one (about £115/person). Here is the UK site that walks you through the process for applying for a visa.
How long will it take to get the decision? It takes about 3-6 weeks, but be sure to leave more room just in case.
In addition to your UK Marraige Visa, you will need to schedule an appointment with the closest standard or premium biometrics center to you.
Step 2–Find a Celebrant (Officiant): Your celebrant is the person who will officiate your marriage and help you through the UK’s marriage paperwork process. The Humanist Society of Scotland provides a great search directory to find a celebrant.
Step 3—Notice of Marriage Paperwork: You must submit a marriage notice to the local registrar where you plan to get married. This must be done no earlier than 3 months and no later than 29 days before your wedding date. Both parties must individually complete and sign a Marriage Notice Form (M10). They cost about £50 per person.
Psssst! Your celebrant is experienced in filing all of this paperwork so they can walk you through the process.
Submit the following documents along with your Marriage Notice Form (M10) to the local registrar where you plan to get married:
Birth Certificates: Original or certified copies.
Valid Passports: Both parties must provide valid passports.
Proof of Address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or similar document.
Divorce or Annulment Documents: If previously married, provide the original or certified copy of the decree of divorce or annulment.
Death Certificate: If either party is widowed, provide the original or certified copy of the former spouse’s death certificate.
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage: This certificate confirms that you are free to marry. You can obtain it from the local registrar in the U.S.
Photographs: Some registrars may require passport-sized photos.
Step 4—Collect Marriage Schedule: If all documents are in order, the registrar will prepare a Marriage Schedule. You must collect this in person no earlier than 7 days before your wedding. Both parties need to sign it in the presence of the registrar.
Step 5—Do I need witnesses to elope in Scotland? Yes, you do. On your wedding day, present the Marriage Schedule to the person performing the ceremony. After the ceremony, the Marriage Schedule must be signed by both parties, the person officiating and two witnesses aged 16 or over. IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you fill out Celebrant and Witness Detail Forms for all three parties and send it in with your M-10 form.
Step 6—How do we officiate the marriage?
After the ceremony, you must return the signed Marriage Schedule to the registrar’s office within 3 days to register the marriage officially. Once the marriage is registered, you can apply for an official marriage certificate from the registrar.
By following these steps and ensuring you have all the necessary documentation, you can get legally married in Scotland as a U.S. citizen. Yay!
I am from the UK and want to get married in Scotland. How do I legally form my marriage? This United Kingdom Government website provides resources for residents who want to get married. If you are from Scotland and want to get a marriage license, this link explains the process.
2. The Best Scotland Wedding Vendors
How and where do I find vendors in Scotland for my elopement or wedding?
Photographer - That’s me–Sarah! I specialize in documenting Scotland and destination weddings and elopements. My photography style is warm and dreamy, focusing on the candids and natural moments and helping you feel comfortable in front of a camera. If this resonates with you, I’m yours!
Celebrant (Officiant) — The Humanist Society of Scotland provides recommendations for celebrants that perform Humanist ceremonies in Scotland.
Caterer/Private Chef — Take a Chef is a great resource for finding a private chef for your elopement in Scotland
Florist – Glasgow-based florist, Floral Menagerie and Edingburgh-based florist We Are Gloam are both wonderful choices for your elopement arrangements!
Hair and Makeup – Jenny Ross Makeup Artistry is a great Edinburgh-based makeup and artist. Here is a great directory full of different hair and makeup artists all around Scotland.
3. Pick your Scottish Wedding Venue
Here is the official list of Scotland wedding venues. I have lots of recommendations for elopement spots in Scotland. However, I have many more dreamy, fun, romantic, and exciting locations throughout Scotland. Want something off the beaten path? More whimsical? I got you! Tell me about your style, and I will curate the perfect place for you and your significant other to get married.
This place is a Scottish castle dream! Plus, Barns Bothy is a great place to stay and is owned and run by the same people. It is a quick drive away from the castle. I’ve personally stayed here and loved it. Neidpath Castle and Barns Bothy are near Peebles and in the Scottish Borders.
Neidpath Castle, Peebles EH45 8NW, United Kingdom
Any Downton Abbey fans here? You can get married, stay here, and pretend you are Crawley royalty. It is a thirty-minute drive from Edinburgh.
Winton Estate, Pencaitland, Tranent EH34 5AT, United Kingdom
Their slogan, “extraordinary awaits,” is so true. This castle is stunning—see for yourself—take an online tour here. It is a twenty-minute drive from the coastal town of Arbroath.
Turin, Forfar DD8 2UF, United Kingdom
This venue and accommodation are located in the charming town of Moffat. It is an hour and twenty-minute drive from Edinburgh.
High St, Moffat DG10 9HL, United Kingdom
This is one of my favorite places in Scotland. It’s located in Glencoe, near the picturesque and famous mountain Skyfall.
Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe, Ballachulish PH49 4HY, United Kingdom
Known for its luxurious accommodations, this castle is both a venue and a place to stay. A dream location for many!
Fasque House, Fasque House Estate, Fettercairn, Laurencekirk AB30 1DN, United Kingdom
Kinross House
The Kinross House is a retreat center, venue space, and place to stay. It is so beautiful and located next to Loch Leven. Take a short walk to view Loch Leven Castle.
Kirkgate, Kinross KY13 8ET, United Kingdom
Some of my fondest memories as an elopement photographer have been at Glasglow’s St Andrew's in the Square. This is a great venue for a more urban elopement.
St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH1 3DQ, United Kingdom
4. How much does it cost to get married in Scotland?
This question is entirely dependent on what you prioritize for your day, i.e. will you be eloping, or will you be planning a small to full wedding? Some couples genuinely want to show up, get married in a beautiful setting, and call it a day! Other couples want to have more of a celebration, whether it’s with just the two of them or their friends and family.
Here is an approximate budget to give you an idea of the costs involved in an elopement. Note: that it does not include location permit costs, venue costs, or travel costs such as food and airfare.
Marriage License and paperwork costs: $100-430
Celebrant/Officiant: $445-900 (£350-£700)
Scotland Elopement Photography: $3,000-$7,000 (£2350-£5500)
Videographer: I offer Super 8mm film as an add-on for $1,500, but if you decide to go with a digital videographer, packages range from $3,000-$7,000 (£2350-£5500)
Elopement private chef: $150-250 per person, including drinks. (£65-£80/person)
Flowers: For a quality florist, expect to spend $100 (£75) for personal flowers and up to $2000 (£1570) for installs, tables, etc.
Airbnbs/Hotels: $150-400 (£115-300) per night depending on the space.
Hair/Makeup Artists: $200-$300 (£150-230) per person
Planner/stylist: $2000-$7000 (£1569-£5500)
Rentals (chair, arbor, linens, tables, dishes, etc.): $100-$700 (£80-550)
5. What time of year should you get married in Scotland?
I am from the Pacific Northwest in the US, so I am very familiar with Scotland’s notoriously wet and moody weather. I do not shy away from a little rain. Between April and October, it is often an unpredictable mix of weather. The rain and sun mix makes for a romantic and adventurous outdoor wedding. If you plan to get married outdoors, bring some fun into your wedding by bringing wool blankets to wrap up in.
It will likely be colder and heavier rain if you choose November through March. I recommend a full or partial indoor wedding for these months.
6. Scotland Activities for your Wedding Day
I’ll help you choose activities that you and your partner will love! Let me know if you have any locations or activities in mind, and I can put together an itinerary with you for your wedding day!
Scotland is such an exciting place! There are so many things to do for adventurous/outdoorsy people, along with indoor activities! Here are a few ideas to give you a starting place for deciding what you want to do on your elopement day:
Horse Ride Through the Highlands
I’ve personally done a horse trekking trip with Highlands Unbridled. Dominique will be your guide; she is amazing and will make you feel comfortable with the horses and trails. The location is outside Aberdeen. Here's how to get there without a car.
Whiskey Tastings! You can find any pub and have a whiskey tasting. OR, here is a fun map to find whiskey-tasting locations all around Scotland.
Go hiking before or after your elopement. You can find trails almost anywhere in Scotland. A few of the venue recommendations listed have trails and outdoor attractions on-site or within walking distance.
Go on a road trip with a list of sights you want to see on your elopement day/weekend. Pro tip: Rent a classic car to drive.
Have an elopement picnic with a private chef.
Take photos back at your Airbnb/the surrounding area. (this is one of my favorite things to do!) Trust me, you’ll be so happy to have the memories documented.
Have an intimate dinner with family and friends at a restaurant or at your airbnb or venue.
I am so excited to meet you and help you celebrate your wedding in Scotland! I have had some of the most magical and personal experiences in Scotland and I can’t wait to share them with you on your wedding day. Do you have any specific questions about the travel or logistics? Let me know! Want to know more about my photography process? Reach out! Can’t wait to hear from you. :)
x Sarah