How to Elope in Scotland
So you’ve decided eloping (or a very small wedding ceremony) is for you! Congratulations on this beautiful chapter of your life as you look to the future with your partner.
Table of Contents:
Why You Should Elope in Edinburgh
The Best Time to Travel
Where to Elope in Edinburgh
See the City Sights
Best Places to Stay
How to Prepare for Your Elopement
Packing List
Making your Marriage Legal
Conclusion
Why You Should Elope in Edinburgh
The first question couples ask themselves when deciding to elope is- where should we go? In my opinion, there is no more romantic city in the world than Edinburgh!
I know, probably not the answer you were expecting right? But hear me out: a gorgeous architectural hub of culture, soaring skylines that have hardly changed for hundreds of years, and breathtaking natural beauty in the heart of a bustling capital; what’s not to love? For me, it certainly beats Paris (New York’s grungy, overcrowded European sister) or Italy (warm weather but such a pain to get around.) No, for me you can’t beat the fairytale charm of Edinburgh!
There’s something for everyone in this gorgeous Scottish city. Whether you’re looking to embrace the magic with Harry Potter and Outlander sights, acquaint yourself with fine whiskeys from some of the world’s oldest distillers, or immerse yourself in the history of this stunning city, you’ll find something to love around every corner and close.
Edinburgh truly is the most beautiful backdrop for your wedding day, and there will be no shortage of celebration! The food in the city is incredible, diverse, and award-winning. And the citizens of Edinburgh will make your day even more magical: Edinburgh is consistently ranked one of the friendliest cities in the world for a reason!
The Best Time to Travel
So you know where you’re going, the next step is when to go.
Every season has its pros and cons: the summer is gorgeous with hours and hours of sunlight, but you’ll likely pay much more for flights and hotels (particularly in August with the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival taking over the town.)
Fall will give you the most gorgeous foliage as a backdrop to your elopement, but you will find brisker weather. Wrap up in that tartan! The good news is the crowds of summer will have dispersed a lot by this time, which will also mean cheaper airfare and accommodation.
Winter has the coldest weather by far and the shortest hours of sunlight, but does bring a beautiful starkness to the famous skyline- and if you time it right you can enjoy the fabulous Christmas decorations as well! You’ll also have the fewest tourists to compete with during this time.
Spring in Edinburgh might be my personal favorite- the days are warming up but still breezy and cool, and the cherry blossoms that erupt across the city are more beautiful than any wedding decor you could imagine.
You’ll also want to consider the time of the week you arrive in Edinburgh. Pro-tip: midweek weddings are the way to go! It’s less crowded at stunning spots like Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill, you’ll have a much easier time booking a restaurant or hotel, and transportation is cheaper and more frequent. Trust me, you don’t want to fight the Saturday crowds on the Royal Mile when you’re trying to capture a magical moment with your partner.
Where to Elope in Edinburgh
The hardest part of planning your Edinburgh elopement is choosing a spot to say your vows. Why? Because there are just so many stunning locations to choose from!
You could climb the (very accessible) walk up to Calton Hill, where a panoramic view of the city skyline will be the backdrop for your marriage.
You could visit Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano that soars above the city with its sheer cliff face, situated by the intimate and romantic Saint Margaret’s Loch.
For the more macabre tastes, you could visit Greyfriars Kirkyard where the history of the city runs deep beneath the graves (and for the Harry Potter fans, spot a few familiar names on some of the headstones.)
See the City Sights
When you and your partner book with me, I’ll take you on a walking tour of the city that’s tailored to you as a couple! Maybe you want to explore the shops and sites of the bustling Royal Mile and Victoria Street (rumored to be the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley) or embrace the natural beauty of the Ross Foundation Gardens. Or maybe you’re a book lover who wants to explore the dozens of charming local bookshops around Edinburgh. My personal favorite is Rare Bird Books, a women-owned shop that stocks books from the best female and queer authors! Your day is about YOU, and I will take the time to get to know you and your partner to ensure your Edinburgh experience is exactly what you want. Still, need more?
Here are just a few of the fabulous sights and experiences the city has to offer:
Holyrood Palace
Edinburgh Castle
St. Giles Cathedral
Picnics in Holyrood Park
Best Places to Stay
There’s something for every style and budget when it comes to accommodation in Edinburgh! You can book a room at the famous Balmoral Hotel and treat yourselves to the best in food and service the city has to offer. Or check out the Inn on the Mile, a charming spot right in the heart of the Royal Mile with easy access to transportation routes.
There are also plenty of AirBnBs to choose from if you’re looking for something more intimate. You can book anything from a cozy cottage in Deans Village to a sophisticated townhouse in the fashionable Leith neighborhood.
Ballin on a budget? The hostels and B and B’s in Edinburgh are a great option for the thrifty travelers still looking to make the most of their time in Scotland!
How to Prepare for Your Elopement
Time for the important part: let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need to make your elopement official!
First, it’s best to book your flights and accommodation as early as possible. I recommend using a flight tracker like Google Flights or Skyscannr to keep an eye on prices and make sure you’re getting the best possible deal on airfare. Make sure to check where your accommodation is located within the city; the great news is with the new tram lines open and the excellent bus and train services, it’s very easy to get around Edinburgh!
I’ve also included a packing list of the essentials you should bring with you on your magical elopement to Scotland:
Comfy Walking shoes
Sunglasses
Elopement/Wedding Outfits & Shoes
Garment Bag(s)
Rings
Vow Books
Travel/Marriage Certification Documents (Insurance, Boarding Pass, ID, Passport/Visa (if required), Birth Certificate, Social Security Card)
Credit/Debits Cards
Reusable Water bottle
Raincoat/umbrella (just in case)
Making Your Marriage Legal
The next big bit? Making sure you can officially get married! Check out your state and country’s rules to apply for a marriage license with your partner. Allow a few weeks for your application to process and keep in mind you may be asked to appear in person at the courthouse or state capital building to collect your marriage license.
Finally, you’ll need someone to marry you. Can I let you in on my favorite aspect of being an elopement photographer? I’m also a licensed officiant! So not only am I here to capture your day, but I will also use my unique perspective as your photographer to marry you two in the most intimate setting possible. I will capture every smile, laugh, and tear as I get to say my favorite sentence in the world: “I now pronounce you bonded for life!”
So what are you waiting for?
Let's create unforgettable memories as you elope in the most romantic city on Earth. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity!
Contact me today!
