In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Scotland.
Weddings in Scotland: What You Need To Know
A destination wedding in Scotland is a truly magical event.
From the stunning scenery to the centuries-old castles, there is nowhere quite like Scotland when it comes to setting the stage for a romantic wedding.
And with a wide variety of venue options available, couples can find the perfect location to suit their style and budget.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony in a quaint village church or a grand affair in a towering castle, a destination wedding in Scotland is sure to be an event that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime.
But first: you need to know where in the world Scotland is…
Where is Scotland?
Scotland is the United Kingdom’s most northern part, occupying about one-third of the island of Great Britain.
Area: 30,087 mi (77,925 sq km), Population: (2011) 5,295,400, Capital: Edinburgh.
Scotland Facts To Know:
- Language:Scotland’s official languages are English, Gaelic, Scots & British Sign Language
- Currency:British pound sterling (GBP)
- Airports: Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Glasgow Airport (GLA), Aberdeen International Airport/Code (ABZ)
- Official Tourism Website:https://www.visitscotland.com/
- Driving side: Left
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Scotland for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Scotland
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Scotland:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Scotland or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Scotland wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Scotland:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Scotland
Scotland Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Scotland:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Scotland?
- What are the marriage requirements for Scotland?
- What is the weather like in Scotland?
- What should you pack for a trip to Scotland?
- What things are there to do in Scotland?
- What are the best Scotland wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Scotland Cost?
A non-refundable booking fee of £50 is required for a civil marriage.
Be aware that there can be an extra fee if you want to rent a ceremony room at a Scottish Borders Council facility other than the Registration Office.
Otherwise, the cost varies depending on the number of guests and time and day of the ceremony.
Here you can find a detailed list of all potential costs.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Scotland
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Marriage Notice Form (Form M10).
- Marriage Celebrant and Witness Details Form.
- Declaration of Status by Non-UK Nationals: this should be completed by each party to a marriage whose nationality is not British.
- A certificate from your country to say there’s no reason why you cannot be married.
- Foreign Dissolution Questionnaire: to be completed if either party was previously in a registered civil partnership.
Other legal requirements are:
- The minimum period of marriage notice in Scotland is 29 days before the date of the marriage.
- Between 1 – 3 months before your wedding date you should complete and send a Marriage Notice form to the registrar in the area you will be married in.
- 2 witnesses are required.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Scotland, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- A Marriage Schedule is a pre-printed A4 document that has the details of the marriage on it, and you can collect it with your partner 7 days before your wedding. The couple and the witnesses sign this document at the ceremony, and it needs to be returned to your local registrar after your wedding.
- All documents need to be translated into English by a certified translator.
- Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
- What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
For more details please check the National Records of Scotland website, or pay them a visit at the following address:
3 West Register Street, New Register House (room 38), Edinburgh EH1 3YT.
Email: marriage@nrscotland.gov.uk
What Is The Weather Like in Scotland?
The summer months of June through August are considered to be the best time to go to Scotland. And don’t forget, the sea is cold even in summer.
What should you pack for your trip?
When traveling in the winter, you should bring along warm clothing like a sweater, a coat, a wind jacket, and a raincoat. Pack a hat, a scarf, and some gloves if you’re going to be in the Highlands, especially during the winter.
When packing for the summer, be sure to include not only clothing appropriate for the spring and fall seasons, but also a raincoat or umbrella, a jacket, and a sweater.
Scotland Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Scotland:
Average Temperatures in Scotland
The table below shows the average temperatures in Scotland each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 1.1 | 6.9 | 4 | 34 | 44 | 39.2 |
| February | 1.1 | 7.6 | 4.3 | 34 | 46 | 39.8 |
| March | 2 | 9.3 | 5.6 | 36 | 49 | 42.1 |
| April | 3.5 | 11.8 | 7.6 | 38 | 53 | 45.7 |
| May | 6 | 14.6 | 10.3 | 43 | 58 | 50.5 |
| June | 9 | 17.1 | 13.1 | 48 | 63 | 55.5 |
| July | 10.6 | 19.1 | 14.8 | 51 | 66 | 58.7 |
| August | 10.5 | 18.9 | 14.7 | 51 | 66 | 58.4 |
| September | 8.6 | 16.6 | 12.6 | 47 | 62 | 54.7 |
| October | 5.8 | 13.1 | 9.4 | 42 | 56 | 48.9 |
| November | 3 | 9.5 | 6.2 | 37 | 49 | 43.2 |
| December | 0.9 | 6.9 | 3.9 | 34 | 44 | 39 |
| Year | 5.2 | 12.6 | 8.9 | 41.3 | 54.7 | 48 |
Average Rainfall in Scotland
The table below shows the average rainfall in Scotland each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 65 | 2.6 | 12 |
| February | 55 | 2.2 | 10 |
| March | 50 | 2 | 10 |
| April | 40 | 1.6 | 9 |
| May | 50 | 2 | 10 |
| June | 65 | 2.6 | 10 |
| July | 70 | 2.8 | 11 |
| August | 70 | 2.8 | 10 |
| September | 55 | 2.2 | 10 |
| October | 75 | 3 | 12 |
| November | 65 | 2.6 | 12 |
| December | 65 | 2.6 | 12 |
| Year | 730 | 28.7 | 128 |
Sunshine Hours in Scotland
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Scotland each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 2 | 55 |
| February | 3 | 85 |
| March | 4 | 115 |
| April | 5 | 155 |
| May | 6.5 | 195 |
| June | 5.5 | 160 |
| July | 5.5 | 170 |
| August | 5 | 160 |
| September | 4.5 | 130 |
| October | 3 | 100 |
| November | 2.5 | 70 |
| December | 1.5 | 50 |
| Year | 4 | 1450 |
Sea Temperatures in Scotland
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Scotland each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 8 | 47 |
| February | 7 | 45 |
| March | 7 | 44 |
| April | 8 | 46 |
| May | 9.5 | 49 |
| June | 12 | 54 |
| July | 14 | 57 |
| August | 14.5 | 58 |
| September | 14 | 58 |
| October | 13 | 56 |
| November | 11.5 | 53 |
| December | 10 | 50 |
| Year | 10.8 | 51.4 |
What To Wear in Scotland? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Scotland so that you can make the most of your time there.
Planning a trip to Scotland? Here’s a packing list to help ensure you have everything you need:
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll want to explore all of the amazing sites Scotland has to offer, so comfortable shoes are a must.
- Warm layers: Even in summer, the weather can be cool and unpredictable, so pack cozy sweaters or jackets that you can layer.
- Umbrella: Whether you’re planning on visiting the sunny Highlands or the misty Isle of Skye, an umbrella or a rain coat are always a good idea.
- Camera: With its stunning scenery and castles, Scotland is a photographer’s dream. Don’t forget to pack your camera!
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
- Sense of adventure: The best part about traveling is experiencing new things, so make sure to pack a sense of adventure along with your clothes.
Things to Do in Scotland
There are many different things to do in Scotland, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Arthur’s Seat
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Fort George
- National Museum of Scotland
- Edinburgh Old Town
- Ben Nevis
- The Old Man of Storr
- Loch Ness and the Urquhart Castle
- Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
- Isle of Skye
- The Burns Heritage Trail
- Glengorm Castle
Best Scotland Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Scotland?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Scotland
- Kippilaw House in Melrose
- Ardoe House Hotel and Spa in Aberdeen
- The Trades Hall of Glasgow, Glasgow
- Broomhall Castle in Menstrie
- Hopetoun House in Edinburgh
- The Engine Works in Glasgow
- Scone Palace in Perthshire
- Norton House Hotel & Spa – Edinburgh
- Rossie on the Earn – Perthshire
- Dunkeld House Hotel – Perthshire
Hotels in Scotland
- Aloft Aberdeen TECA
- Residence Inn by Marriott Aberdeen
- Dakota Glasgow
- Heathmount Hotel – Inverness
- The Balmoral Hotel – Edinburgh
- Motel One Glasgow
- Native Glasgow
- Borgie Lodge Hotel
- Tingle Creek Hotel – Erbusaig
- Isle of Eriska Hotel Spa & Golf
