Places to Get Married in Scotland

Are you planning to get married in Scotland? Your choices range from castles to restaurants, traditional churches to Gretna Green, the marriage capital of Scotland. There is a place for every kind of wedding in Scotland, no matter how you picture your nuptials.

Gretna Green

Gretna Green is a bit like the Vegas of Scotland. Over 5,000 couples come to Gretna Green every year to get married, and it is a very popular location for people eloping or who simply want a fuss-free ceremony.

Gretna Green began earning its reputation as a wedding destination in 1753, after the passage of Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act. The Act stated that anyone under 21 years of age required parental permission to be married. Because the law did not apply in Scotland, English couples began pouring into this small village just across the Scottish border to be married.

The wedding industry is booming in this tiny Scottish hamlet, and you can find everything from photographers to a wedding dress at the last minute here.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle sits on top of a hill with panoramic views of the entire city. Although it plays host to tourists outside, within the castle there are four wedding venues. St. Margaret's Chapel is good for very small weddings, as there is room for only 24 guests. The Gatehouse Room is slightly bigger, offering space for 40 guests and nice views down the Royal Mile. The Jacobite Room can accommodate 100 guests, but as it is part of the Castle tour, it can only be used when the Castle is closed for visitors. The same is true of the biggest venue, the Queen Anne Building, which can host 120 guests.

When you book a wedding at Edinburgh Castle, chairs, an altar, candles and flower stands are provided. You can have a reception on site, but you must use Historic Scotland's catering service. Outside caterers are not permitted.

Oran Mor

Glasgow's Oran Mor, a favorite haunt of music fans and foodies alike in the city, frequently hosts weddings in its auditorium. The building is a converted church and features the one of the largest pieces of art in Scotland, a ceiling mural by hometown hero Alasdair Gray. There are private entrances and reception areas away from the hustle and bustle of the restaurant and bar.

Both religious and civil ceremonies can be hosted here. Catering is handled on site by the Oran Mor kitchen, but you can design the menu.

References

• Visit Scotland

Resources

• Gretna Green Weddings
• Edinburgh Castle Weddings
• Oran Mor Weddings