Expert advice on how to plan a destination wedding in Scotland - if you only read one article, read this! If you are unsure and dilly dallying when it comes to whether you should have a destination wedding in Scotland, here are some remarkable ways the ‘land of the Scots’ will help create a unique wedding experience for you and your guests. I’m Rebecca, a luxury wedding stationer that specialises in custom wedding stationery for Scottish weddings, among other things…
Scottish castle wedding invitation by Splendid Swan
Scotland is loaded with sweeping landscapes and lush green hills, dotted with Heather, Thistle and wildflowers, creating a beautiful backdrop for guests to enjoy and for your wedding photos too. Destination weddings in Scotland offer a range of magical settings, from opulent historic castle wedding venues for a true fairy-tale experience, to beachside coastal venues and scenic spots for outdoor weddings too. Your guests will be delighted by the local cuisine as Scottish wedding menus are often a fusion of traditional and modern cuisine, with iconic Highland fare such as haggis, neeps, and tatties or smoked salmon served at destination weddings in Scotland. When it comes to wedding stationery for Scottish weddings, there will be lots to inspire your invitations, menus and wedding signage - from the rich shades of the wild woodlands and native Thistle to beautiful tartan ribbons and perhaps a Claddagh wax seal! Your wedding will be anything but dull and Highland weddings offer lots to keep your guests entertained, with sight seeing opportunities, you can incorporate Scottish customs into your wedding and of course - the Scots love to party! Whether you are getting married in Edinburgh or the rural Scottish highlands, the surrounding region will be filled with exciting activities to entertain your wedding guests.
Scottish wedding inspiration. Photo credit: Sean Bell Photography
CAN AMERICANS HAVE A DESTINATION WEDDING IN SCOTLAND?
Yes, yes, yes! I have created beautiful wedding stationery for lots of American couples hosting a Scottish Destination wedding. There are no residence requirements for couples wishing to get married in Scotland, so citizens of any country can marry in any district they choose, provided there is no legal impediment to the marriage. It does require planning though and you have to submit marriage notice documents, associated forms and pay a fee to the registrar. It’s a great idea for all couples planning a Scottish destination wedding to hire a wedding planner as they will be able to assist with this process. Lisa at Tartan Weddings is highly recommended and has assisted many American couples having a destination wedding in Scotland.
WHAT SCOTTISH WEDDING CUSTOMS CAN I INCLUDE IN A DESTINATION WEDDING IN SCOTLAND?
One of the best things about having a wedding in Scotland, is incorporating Scottish customs into your wedding. For the ceremony itself, you can embrace handfasting and use a quaich (special two handled cup) for your first toast together as a married couple. For entertainment, you can have bagpipers, Ceilidh dancing, whiskey tasting or a wedding scramble for the kids. There are lots of other super cute traditions to have at a destination wedding in Scotland including a sixpence in the bride’s shoe, a traditional grand march and of course wearing kilts!
Sixpence Scottish tradition in bridal shoes. Photo Credit: Jenniflower photography
HOW MUCH DOES A DESTINATION WEDDING IN SCOTLAND COST?
Like most popular wedding locations, Scotland has a range of wedding venues from budget to luxury estates. The cost depends on how far you are travelling, your wedding guest numbers and the month you will marry. The cost of a destination wedding in Scotland ranges from £15,000 - £50,000. If you live in the USA and are getting married in Scotland, don’t forget to be clear about what is covered for your guests and what they are responsible for including flights, accommodation and dining. Luxury wedding venues in Scotland include Carlowrie Castle, Hopetoun House, Achnagairn Estate, Newhall Estate and Branxholm Park.
Custom wedding stationery of Carlowrie Castle by Splendid Swan
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO HAVE A DESTINATION WEDDING IN SCOTLAND?
Scotland is beautiful all year round, with each season bringing its own magical charm. Spring sees the flowers and natural world start to bloom with azaleas, cherry blossoms, Scottish bluebells and spectacular pink rhododendrons spattering the hillsides and woodland. In contrast, Winter weddings bring snow dusted hill tops, twinkling lights and dense forestry, plus the added benefit of being an off-peak season, more availability and traditionally cheaper rates.
UNIQUE IDEAS FOR SCOTTISH WEDDING INVITATIONS
If you’re looking for inspiration to make your Scottish wedding invitations unique you could try incorporating Celtic knots or a Claddagh, tartan ribbon or thistle wax seals. You could incorporate a watercolour venue illustration, Scottish landscape or highland animals such as wild rabbits or highland cows. Why not decorate the back of your invitations or envelope liners with Scottish poems or song lyrics? If you have chosen folded invitations for your destination wedding in Scotland, you could have small illustrations of whiskey, kilts or bagpipes in your order of events. For bespoke wedding stationery, you could include a custom wedding map of Scotland or the area local to your venue. The design could also incorporate natural elements such as heather or fern or perhaps some mythical creatures from Scottish folklore such as the Loch Ness Monster or William Wallace himself. If you do not yet have a family coat of arms, you could commission a custom wedding crest that includes Scottish flowers and foliage and illustrations of elements that are special to you as a couple.
Custom watercolour wedding invitation of Dalhousie Castle and envelope liner by Splendid Swan
WHAT FOOD IS SERVED AT A DESTINATION WEDDING IN SCOTLAND?
When setting their wedding menus, most Scottish wedding venues choose local suppliers, with some embracing plot to plate, with locally grown produce grown on site. Main courses might include locally sourced salmon or cod, or perhaps chicken stuffed with haggis, Scottish roast beef or venison. Scotland also embraces modern cuisine, with other contemporary dining choices such as grazing tables, barbeques and hog roasts available at Scottish wedding venues.
Scottish wedding tablescape. Phot Credit: Sean Bell Photography
HOW LONG DOES A SCOTTISH DESTINATION WEDDING LAST?
The length of the ceremony is in keeping with many other locations. If you are having a Scottish destination wedding, it’s a great idea to extend your stay and celebrations and may choose to host a wedding weekend or wedding week. You could go sightseeing in Edinburgh, visit the Lochs, enjoy Highland games, go on a whiskey tour or visit some of the many castles or museums that Scotland has to offer.
WHAT DO BRIDES WEAR AT A SCOTTISH DESTINATION WEDDING?
Scottish wedding dresses are in keeping with bridal trends for other locations with sheer fabrics, beading and sequins being popular. Most wear white and for winter weddings, brides may add a shrug or bolero jacket in faux fur, emerald, green, navy, burgundy or other accent colour. Tartan may be used for sashes, shawls or decorative ribbon within the bouquet.
