Why get married in Scotland?

Gossip columns are currently abuzz with rumours that Take That’s Mark Owen is going to marry in Cawdor Castle in the Highlands of Scotland. If he does, he wont be the first celebrity......Madonna, Stella McCartney, J.K. Rowling, Ashley Judd, even Phillip Schofield, all chose to hold their nuptials in Scotland. And it’s not just celebrities - couples from all over the world are drawn here like these newlyweds at Edinburgh Castle - but what is the appeal of getting married in Scotland?


First and foremost, Scotland is a beautiful and historic place. It has long been known as a romantic venue for a wedding - imagine exchanging your vows in an ancient chapel, a candle-lit vault, a castle by a Loch or a beautiful ruin. With its beautiful countryside and abundance of stunning castles, Scotland offers one of the most romantic settings in the world. It’s weather, yes, can be dubious, but it can be beautiful, and our four distinctive seasons make for beautiful scenery - Flowers starting to bud in the Spring, Summer flowers blooming, leaves turning every shade of yellow, red, orange and brown in Autumn, and a snowy and frosty magical wonderland in the Winter.


The village of Gretna Green in the south of Scotland is has a long historic connection with weddings. It is one of the most popular places in the world to get married, with more than 5000 couples per year doing so. Gretna's famous runaway marriages began in 1753 when an Act of Parliament was passed in England which stated that if both parties to a marriage were not at least 21 years old, then consent to the marriage had to be given by the parents. This Act did not apply in Scotland, where it was possible for boys to get married at 14 and girls at 12 years old with or without parental consent. Therefore couples headed just over the border from England into Scotland so they could get married legally.


Our deep rooted wedding traditions are something that proves popular with couples. From the moving melody of the bagpipes, to our traditional Scottish dress of the Kilt, to our renowned reputation of throwing a great party, couples like to embrace Scottish customs. Couples often opt for a traditional Ceilidh band so they can dance all night to customary dances such as the Gay Gordons and The Dashing White Sergeant.
Getting married?

Why not contact Premier Wedding Planners Scotland to see if we can help you plan your dream day?


Lucy