Scotland Elopement Guide
Scotland is so rich in awe-inspiring sights and historically significant landmarks that it can sometimes be hard to know where to begin! That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive Scotland elopement guide for international couples filled with essential tips and must-see locations.
Eloping in Scotland allows you to really explore this stunning country and get up close and personal with the landscapes and historical landmarks! From the majestic Highlands to the mystical Isle of Skye with its otherworldly rock formations, Scotland makes you feel like you’ve been transported into a fairytale.
The fact that the country is filled with ancient castles — each steeped in its own rich and unique history — only adds to the magical atmosphere here! Here’s everything you need to know about how to elope in Scotland.
What Do You Need To Get Married In Scotland?
One of the best parts about getting married in Scotland as an international couple is that there’s very little red tape or bureaucratic hoops to jump through. There are very few Scotland marriage requirements, which makes it pretty easy and straightforward to plan your elopement.
One of the biggest perks of planning an elopement in Scotland is the almost complete freedom you have to choose your location. You can legally elope almost anywhere in the country! This flexibility means that you can customize your elopement to perfectly suit your love story, and fine-tune the details to ensure it’s everything you’ve dreamed it would be.
There are still a handful of i’s to dot and t’s to cross to make your elopement official in the eyes of the government. Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need:
Marriage Form Notice
This is the primary document you’ll need to provide to obtain a marriage license in Scotland. The good news is, that this is a really simple form that requires checking a few boxes and filling in some basic information. You can access the Marriage Form Notice here.
The one thing to keep in mind is that this form must be submitted to the registrar’s office in the Scottish district where you plan to get married no earlier than three months prior to your wedding date, and no later than 29 days before that date.
People typically recommend submitting the Marriage Form Notice about 10-12 weeks in advance since this will give you enough time to make any necessary changes or adjustments.
Marriage Schedule
Once the registrar’s office approves your Marriage Form Notice, they will present you with a Marriage Schedule document, which is basically your official permission to get married in Scotland. Keep in mind that you’ll need to collect this document in person at the registrar’s office no earlier than seven days before your elopement date, so be sure to plan accordingly!
Legal Documents
Before getting married in Scotland, you’ll need to provide some supporting documents for your elopement to be approved by the government:
Birth certificate
Valid passport (or another form of government-issued identification that confirms your nationality)
Proof of current residence, such as a recent utility bill or a lease agreement
A Certificate Of No Impediment to indicate that you are legally eligible to be married
Celebrant & Witnesses
Wedding ceremonies in Scotland must be overseen by an authorized celebrant who has the authority to conduct either civil or religious ceremonies. You must also have at least two witnesses over the age of 16 present at your wedding ceremony.
After the ceremony is complete, your Marriage Schedule document must be signed by you, the witnesses, and the celebrant. You’ll then need to return the signed Marriage Schedule document to the registrar’s office within three days of the ceremony, after which the registrar’s office will present you with your Marriage Certificate.
For a more detailed overview of the process of getting legally married in Scotland and the specific requirements for each district, I’d definitely recommend checking out the National Records Of Scotland website. This site also has useful links to relevant forms and some detailed instructions for how to submit certain documents.
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Scotland?
Deciding when to elope in Scotland is a delightful part of the planning process, and the truth is, each season offers its own unique magic!
Spring (March to May)
Brings a sense of renewal, with wildflowers beginning to bloom and the landscapes turning a vibrant green.
You might catch some lingering snow on the mountain tops for dramatic photos, and the days are getting longer, offering more daylight for your adventure. However, be prepared for the possibility of some rain showers.
Summer (June to August)
Boasts the warmest temperatures and the longest daylight hours, perfect for exploring and enjoying Scotland's stunning scenery late into the evening.
This also means that summer offers some amazing opportunities for spectacular elopement photos since the longer daylight hours mean more flexibility for timing and for planning that one perfect shot.
The landscapes are lush and green, and you might even see the heather in bloom towards the end of the season. Keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so popular spots may be busier.
Autumn (September to November)
Often considered a sweet spot by many.
The landscapes transform into a breathtaking tapestry of oranges, reds, and browns, creating a wonderfully romantic and atmospheric backdrop. The crowds have typically thinned out, and you're more likely to experience dramatic, moody skies. Plus, the earlier sunsets can provide beautiful golden hour light for your ceremony and photos.
Winter (December to February)
Offers a unique and often overlooked charm.
The weather is certainly cold, but with a bit of planning, preparation, and appropriate attire, you can definitely make it work! Imagine exchanging vows amidst snow-dusted mountains for a truly enchanting and intimate experience.
The days are shorter, offering soft, beautiful light throughout the day, and you'll likely have many locations all to yourselves. Just be sure to pack warm layers and be prepared for potentially challenging weather conditions.
What Are The Best Places To Elope In Scotland?
No Scotland elopement guide would be complete without an overview of the absolutely otherworldly landmarks of this remarkable country! While there are countless breathtaking spots in Scotland that offer unforgettable surroundings, there are a few iconic spots that absolutely every couple should consider:
Old Man Of Storr
This striking rock formation, which stands at an imposing 55 meters, is hands down one of the most iconic landmarks on the Isle of Skye. While Scotland has no shortage of ancient and historical landmarks, it’s safe to say Old Man Of Storr might be the most historical of them all — geologists estimate that it was created over 60 million years ago in a landslide caused by an Earth-shattering volcanic eruption!
Accessing Old Man Of Storr requires trekking down a path that weaves through the Isle and offers some of the most picturesque views in all of Scotland (or anywhere else in the world for that matter).
The Quiraing
Any couple planning an Isle of Skye elopement should absolutely consider checking out The Quiraing.
This legendary path through the Isle of Skye passes through some of the most unforgettable landscapes on the Isle! There are also plenty of unique locations for exchanging vows, exploring, or just stopping for a moment to take it all in.
Simply put, the Quiraing is a geological wonder, boasting towering rock formations, hidden valleys, and dramatic cliffs that make you feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a fantasy novel. The Quiraing’s spires and plateaus, along with its mystical panoramic views, lend a completely unique atmosphere to your elopement.
Glencoe
Glencoe is one of the most iconic Scotland wedding locations, and for good reason: It’s a one-of-a-kind mix of natural beauty, rich history, and thrilling adventure.
Glencoe boasts a majestic valley carved by ancient glaciers and towering rugged mountains that surround shimmering lochs and winding rivers. It’s a very romantic and evocative setting for your Scottish elopement!
Simply put, eloping in Glencoe is one of the best possible romantic Scotland elopement ideas for adventurous couples.
Cairngorms National Park
This sprawling wonderland is the largest national park in the entire United Kingdom.
Its scale and unparalleled natural beauty make it an incredible destination for adventurous couples with a love of nature and a drive to plunge into the unknown! You can exchange vows surrounded by towering granite peaks or beside glistening lochs reflecting night skies filled with more stars than you’ve ever seen in your life.
Cairngorms is an essential place to consider when you’re planning a Scottish Highlands elopement — it offers all the best parts of the region!
Torridon
Torridon’s landscape is dramatic in every sense of the word! Ancient mountains tower over this breathtaking region of the Scottish Highlands. The peaks in Torridon boast unique quartzite summits which give them a distinctive look that you’ll encounter nowhere else.
Torridon is a perfect elopement location for couples who appreciate nature and want to immerse themselves in a region that highlights the power of the natural world!
Your Scotland Adventure Elopement Awaits
If you’re already planning your celebration and you’re looking for a Scotland elopement photographer with knowledge of the region and a passion for deeply moving and beautiful images, then we should definitely have a chat! Reach out for more Scotland elopement planning tips and let’s start planning your adventure elopement.
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
CHECK OUT MY FREE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE & CHECKLIST!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
