Hooray! You are engaged! You umm-ed and ahh-ed a bit about the big wedding but quickly or eventually realised that the big do is not really for you.
Then, there’s the wildly romantic idea of running away, just the two of you, and getting married somewhere in the wilderness with mountains surrounding you, old castle ruins on cliffs or magical bluebell woods.
Oh the mystical pull that Scotland has on you – even just from the pictures you’ve seen online.
But the prospect of organising this from afar is rather daunting and how does it all even work anyway? And is it even legal or would you still have to run to the court house?
Eloping to Scotland: A Romantic Guide for Adventurous Couples
Are you dreaming of an intimate and picturesque wedding ceremony in a breathtaking location? Look no further than Scotland, a land of rugged landscapes, historic castles, and romantic charm. Eloping to Scotland offers a unique and unforgettable experience for couples seeking a truly special way to exchange their vows.
Why Scotland?
Embracing the Romance
Picture saying "I do" amidst the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands or within the ancient walls of a medieval castle. Scotland's diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes provide the perfect setting for a romantic elopement. From the misty lochs to the dramatic cliffs, there is no shortage of enchanting locations to choose from.
Rich in History and Tradition
Embracing Scotland's rich history and traditions adds an extra layer of significance to your elopement. Imagine walking in the footsteps of ancient clans or exchanging vows in a historic chapel. The sense of timelessness and tradition will make your elopement truly unforgettable.
Choosing the Perfect Location
When planning your elopement, consider the various stunning locations Scotland has to offer. Whether you envision a windswept beach ceremony or a cozy celebration in a charming village, Scotland has something to offer every couple.
Embracing Scottish Traditions
Incorporating elements of Scottish tradition into your elopement can add a meaningful and unique touch to your special day. From wearing a tartan sash to including a traditional handfasting ceremony, these customs can infuse your elopement with an extra dose of romance and history.
Eloping to Scotland offers an opportunity to create a truly magical and personal wedding experience. From the majestic scenery to the rich history and traditions, Scotland provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic and unforgettable elopement. If you're seeking a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate your love, consider saying "I do" in the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland.
Well, Scotland is THE perfect place to get married. You can hold your wedding ceremony anywhere and by anywhere I’m talking mountaintops, beaches, forests and ancient castles, oh yes!
AND you are able to get married any time of day or night.
We are one of only a handful of countries in the world where this is possible and most importantly where your marriage is then legally recognised back in your home country.
So what do you have to do?
Let me break it down into the four important steps.
Step one:
Choose your ideal location for your ceremony. You are literally spoilt for choice here, but this is a big part
I can help you with, as I know ALL the most beautiful spots for you to say your ido’s.
Step two:
Choose the kind of ceremony that is right for you.
In Scotland, there are 3 different types of ceremony you can choose from. A simple legal ceremony performed by a registrar who gets appointed to you by the registry office in the district you are getting married in, a religious ceremony or a Humanist ceremony. Humanist ceremonies are my favourites (and we do include a Humanist celebrant as part of our Elope with us packages) as your ceremony can be anything you want it to be and your vows can be personalised to reflect you as a couple. Our Humanist celebrant will also be able to answer any questions you have about the paperwork you are required to submit.
If you are unsure what Humanism is, check out this link here!
Step three:
To make the ceremony legally binding, you need to submit a marriage notice form, also known as M-10 form to the registry office in the district you are planning to get married in. This needs to be handed in no sooner than 3 months prior to the wedding date and no later than 29 days beforehand. The registrars are usually super helpful and can answer any questions you may have regarding which certificates and paperwork need to be submitted. For example, you will need your birth certificates, a valid passport and proof of your address and in some countries a VISA.
You are also going to need two witnesses which myself and one of my Elope with us team members would be honoured to be for you and I will supply you with our full names and addresses for the witness form.
Once your application has been approved you will be issued a marriage schedule which yourself, your two witnesses and the person marrying you all have to sign as part of the wedding ceremony.
The registrar will notify you when you are able to collect the marriage schedule from their office and after the wedding you need to take the schedule back to the registry office within 3 days to make sure that everything is legit and legal.
Step 4:
Hire my Elope with us team to take care of everything else. We will support you every step of the way and you
can rest assured that your elopement in Scotland will be a truly special day - come rain or shine!
