BOX-SET BRIDES
50% more foreign couples wed in Highlands and Islands, many inspired by romance of Outlander
RECORD numbers of couples from around the world are coming to Scotland to get married – inspired by the romance of the TV series Outlander.
New figures show an almost 50 per cent increase in visitors marrying in the Highlands and Islands since the first airing three years ago of the love story between Highland warrior Jamie Fraser and nurse Claire Randall, transported from 1945 to the period just before the Jacobite rising of 1745.
Many couples travel from the US and Australia – where Outlander has developed cult status – to say ‘I do’ with Glen Coe or the Isle of Skye as a dramatic backdrop.
Benbecula-based wedding photographer Maureen Du Preez has had numerous clients from the US, such as Kate and Josh from Atlanta, who wed on Arran.
She says: ‘I’ve definitely seen an increase in Scottish Highlands and Islands elopements in recent years. I think a lot more couples nowadays are wanting to escape the stress and expense of a larger wedding, and Scotland offers a stunning place for them to do so.’ One of her most recent clients, Jen and Matt Smith from Chicago, were keen to re-enact the romance of the TV series when they wed on the banks of Loch Chon, Perthshire.
Mrs Smith, who has Scottish ancestry, said: ‘We loved the wild Scotland we have been watching on Outlander. We also love the films Braveheart and even Trainspotting. We are both nature lovers and the Scottish countryside is still rustic and unsettled, which really appealed to us. We knew not to expect too much with the weather and while the ground was a bit boggy we were so lucky with a sunny day.
‘We chose to elope, just the two of us, and it meant that we got to surprise our family and friends back home with the pictures.’ VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: ‘The phenomenal success of Outlander will have stirred the hearts of many choosing Scotland to tie the knot.
‘From the splendour and magnificence of our castles and historic homes, to the awe-inspiring nature of our lochs, mountains, islands and coastlines, Scotland offers the perfect romantic backdrop.’