Highlands, mountains, wildlife, and castles are just a few of the things you’ll encounter during your elopement in Scotland. The rugged and wild landscape is what makes this country so unique. It’s no surprise that you’re planning an adventurous elopement in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Within this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to elope in Scotland. From places to marriage license information, we’ve got you covered.

Can Americans Elope in Scotland?

Yes, Americans can elope in Scotland. In fact, anyone can have a legal or nonlegal ceremony in Scotland.

How to Get a Marriage License in Scotland

Luckily, Scotland has a fairly straightforward process to obtain a marriage license compared to other countries, though it is still quite a lengthy process. Be sure to follow the steps listed out below. I will also link some helpful articles to help you throughout the process.

Three months before your elopement date, you must apply for a marriage visitors visa.
After your visa has been accepted, you can apply for a marriage license at the registry office closest to your elopement location. You will need to submit a marriage notice form, along with a few other documents. You MUST submit this no later than 29 days before your elopement.
Depending on the type of ceremony you have, you may be required to pick up your license in person a few days leading up to your elopement.

To see the different types of ceremonies and more helpful information, check out this useful blog post.

Pro tip: Consider having a symbolic ceremony in Scotland and a legal ceremony in your home country to avoid the long paperwork process.

Do I Need an Officiant or Witnesses for My Scotland Elopement?

Yes, you will need an officiant (or a celebrant as known in Scotland) and two witnesses.

5 Best Places to Elope in Scotland

Isle of Skye

Scotland’s most famous elopement destination is the Isle of Skye. Stretching over 50 miles, this rugged piece of land is known for its lush greens, medieval castles, and overall gorgeous scenery. Even if you decide to skip out on this destination for your ceremony, it’s a must-see spot.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a small village located in western Scotland known for its dramatic peaks, hiking trails, and waterfalls. This popular movie set location will be sure to knock your socks off and is the location you probably picture in your head when thinking of the scenery Scotland has to offer.

Isle of Mull

Similar to the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Mull is a quaint island with multiple gems to explore. This quiet fishing town is one of the best places to go whale and eagle watching. If you’re looking for a slower-paced elopement experience, this is the location for you.

Edinburgh

Whether you love the hustle and bustle of a big city, or you’re just wanting an architecturally beautiful backdrop, Edinburgh is the perfect place. Filled with culture, fine dining, and so much more, Edinburgh is an urban-lovers paradise.

Loch Lomond

Perhaps one of the most underrated elopement locations in Scotland is the Loch Lomond area. Filled with hiking trails, lakes, and rolling hills, this spot looks like it was taken straight out of a fantasy novel. With so many miles to explore, it’s a great place to have an intimate wedding or elopement.

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Scotland

As most places in the world, summer is a great time to visit Scotland if you’re concerned about weather. Scotland is the rainiest country in the UK which is why it’s so lush and green, meaning any other season aside from summer, you should expect some rainfall. However, the summer months come with lots of crowds, high prices, and traffic.

Instead, we recommend eloping in Scotland during the spring or fall. While there is a higher chance for rain, these two seasons guarantee that you’ll have a much more intimate experience. Plus, this is when the wildflowers bloom and the leaves change color, making your elopement photos really pop.

While you can elope in Scotland during the winter, it’s often rainy and logistically more challenging, as snow could affect travel plans. However, it’s a beautiful time to elope and one of the best seasons for avoiding those summer crowds.

Best Places to Stay in Scotland for your elopement

Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland is more than likely where you’ll be flying into. There are a variety of unique Airbnbs throughout the area that also provide you with sweeping views.