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An elopement is a small wedding which often only involves the gorgeous couple, a wedding celebrant (hello!) and a photographer. Sometimes couples invite a few close family or friends to join them.
Eloping to Edinburgh is a beautifully intimate way to get married, with all the love of a larger ceremony, but a lot less stress, expense and planning. It allows you to focus on your partner, your love and the commitment you are making to each other.
Couples who are eloping often choose outdoor locations, historic city centres or independent venues. In Scotland you can marry anywhere – the hardest thing is choosing where!
Here are my 5 top tips when eloping to Edinburgh or Scotland.
TIP 1: PICK YOUR LOCATION
Are you a woodland dweller, mountain climber or coastal lover? Pick a location that feels truly you. Whether you dream of a historic old town setting or want to exchange vows on Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh is the perfect choice for your elopement.
TIP 2: USE LOCAL SUPPLIERS
An experienced Edinburgh photographer will know all the best spots, while local wedding florists and independent venues will make your experience feel much more personal. Many photographers offer all inclusive elopement packages which make planning your elopement a whole lot easier.
TIP 3: BOOK A CELEBRANT
Find a wedding celebrant who is as equally happy hiking up hills, kicking up sand or wandering through woods – and make sure they can legally marry you. Like I can! Or you may wish to hold a symbolic ceremony if you have been married in your home country.
TIP 4: WEATHERPROOF YOUR DAY
Be happy to embrace whatever the weather throws your way. And have waterproofs and warm layers handy – the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable. But wild weather can make an elopement all the more exciting!
TIP 5: CELEBRATE & REFUEL
Don’t forget to eat on the day of your elopement. Plan a picnic or book a gorgeous Edinburgh restaurant, cosy pub or historic city cafe for after your ceremony.
Gail & Hayley
Yes, elopement weddings are legal marriages – as long as you choose a wedding celebrant with the legal authority to solemnise your marriage. In other words, a celebrant like me, who can legally marry you! As a Celebrants Scotland Marriage Officer I am fully authorised to solemnise your marriage during your elopement ceremony.
You’ll also need 2 witnesses to sign your marriage schedule. This can be your photographer/videographer, family or friends if they are joining you.
You can also choose a symbolic elopement if you have held a legal ceremony in your home country. You’ll capture all the feels of a magical elopement without the paperwork!
Scotland is the perfect location to elope to, as you can be married anywhere throughout the country. Outdoors, indoors, by the sea, in a castle, by a loch, on top of a mountain or in the centre of Edinburgh.
As an Edinburgh native, I love to marry couples in my home city and know all the best spots for your intimate wedding ceremony. I’m also happy to travel all over Scotland to marry you.
I can’t wait to hear all about your plans. If you’d like to chat further, book a call and we’ll start planning your elopement.
