Wedding suppliers in Scotland

Planning a wedding in Scotland

Scotland offers couples something unusual in the UK: more freedom over where the ceremony itself takes place. Religious and belief ceremonies, including humanist ceremonies, can be held almost anywhere, including outdoors on a beach, a hillside or beside a loch. Civil ceremonies have their own arrangements. Speak to the registrar for the area where you plan to marry, as they can explain notice periods and paperwork.

Places couples choose

The Highlands draw couples with mountains, glens and lochs, and Argyll and Bute has sea lochs and islands. Edinburgh has its castle, Old Town and New Town, while Glasgow offers grand Victorian buildings and converted industrial spaces. Fife has a long coastline and St Andrews, Aberdeenshire is known for its castles, and Dumfries and Galloway includes Gretna Green, long associated with weddings.

Castles, country house hotels, estates, barns and small outdoor ceremonies with a reception elsewhere are all popular.

Weather, light and seasons

Summer days are long, particularly in the north, which gives photographers more time to work. Weather can change quickly, so plan shelter for outdoor ceremonies. Midges can be a nuisance in parts of the west and Highlands in summer, so ask local suppliers for advice. Winter weddings can be atmospheric, but daylight is short and some rural roads become harder to travel.

Travel

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness have airports, and there are rail links from England to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Remote Highland and island venues may need ferries, long drives or both, so tell guests early and help them book accommodation.

Prices vary with the day of the week and season, and popular summer dates book up early.

Use the area and category pages to find Scottish suppliers, including celebrants and photographers used to outdoor ceremonies.