PERFECT DAY
Scotland is the world’s most sought-after destination for a dream wedding
With stunning landscapes, historic cities, resplendent castles and one of the world’s most famous wedding venues in Gretna Green, it’s little wonder that Scotland is the most popular place to get married. Add to that the scenery, Scotland’s liberal marriage laws, the country’s world-renowned hospitality and traditions that date back centuries, and you have the perfect mix for a wedding made in heaven.
For people living in Scotland there are myriad possibilities when it comes to locations for the big day. But a quarter of marriages in Scotland involve couples from outside the country. Scotland is the most popular part of the UK to marry in, with Dumfries and Galloway t he region which attracts t he highest number of ceremonies due to the romantic draw of Gretna Green and its famous Blacksmiths Shop – the famed destination for runaway couples since 1712.
Scotland also attracts people from the diaspora, with many couples influenced by several recent high-profile celebrity weddings. For instance Andy Murray married Kim Sears in his home town of Dunblane, Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall tied the knot in Edinburgh, actors Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany got hitched in East Lothian, Stella McCartney and Alasdhair Willis made their vows on Bute, while Madonna and Guy Ritchie said ‘I do’ at Skibo Castle.
But Scotland is not just for celebrities. Louise and Robert Potter from Darlington got married in October 2015 at Monachyle Mhor in Balquihidder. The couple had spent most of their holidays and many weekends in Scotland prior to their big day, says Louise. ‘Balquhidder is our favourite place, it’s so beautiful and dramatic.’
Using skype and popping up for hair and make-up trials and to meet the hotel staff and her florist before the wedding, Louise found planning her wedding easy. The couple brought nine guests with them, none of whom knew that the trip was for a wedding. They believed they were travelling north for a family holiday.
The civil ceremony was held outside to make the most of the stunning scenery and Louise, who was delighted with her magical big day in Scotland, wouldn’t change a thing about it.
Donna and Mick Appleton from Lancashire were married at Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye in July 2016. Donna had spent family holidays on the island ever since she was a young child and took her fiancé there knowing that he would fall in love with the island too. The couple wanted something different for their special day and Skye seemed the obvious choice. Louise had been to Dunvegan Castle many times and on a visit in 2015, Mick agreed that they should get married there. ‘Planning the wedding was fairly simple,’ says Donna. ‘The paperwork was easy to complete and Dunvegan Castle did most of the organising, including the food and drinks.’
The traditional Scottish wedding rings came from the Orkney Islands, while Donna brought her dress (complete with tartan waistband), flowers and wedding cake over the border with her. Most of the 32-strong wedding party travelled from Lancashire, but one second cousin made the journey to Skye all the way from New York City. Donna remembers her wedding day fondly: ‘It was a perfect day in the most majestic castle on the most romantic island,’ she says. Travelling to Scotland to get married isn’t a new phenomenon. Cheryl and Andrew Ross from Ontario in Canada made the journey to Gretna Green in 2001. ‘Andrew’s father is from Manchester and immigrated to Canada,’ explains Cheryl. ‘His sister came to visit one summer and told us about Gretna Green. We loved that idea for our wedding. Because we were a little older, I didn’t want anything big and over the top.’
Even 16 years ago, Cheryl and Andrew found planning their Scottish wedding straightforward. They stayed at Hunters Lodge Hotel, who helped with guest reservations, the hairdresser and even arranged a horse and carriage to take the bride and groom to the smithy to be married over the famous anvil. Cheryl brought her dress with her – the cabin crew on the plane hung it up to prevent it becoming crushed. ‘I wouldn’t do anything differently,’ says Cheryl. ‘I loved every minute of being in Scotland.’
So whether you’re planning a right royal Highland fling for your nuptials or a romantic, clandestine pilgrimage to Gretna Green, or anything in between for that matter, Scotland can provide the most stunning backdrop and the warmest of welcomes.