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pink weddings magazine » 9
lush lowland pastures as well as venison and grouse from the
highland estates. all this and we haven’t even mentioned the
world’s best smoked salmon and, of course, the whisky. if food
is a big part of your life, make it a big part of your wedding.
The TradiTion
if you’ve never been to a scottish wedding, it’s difficult to
describe the atmosphere and the revelry. scots take great
pleasure in celebrating the joy of others and the traditions
that reflect this are many and varied.
the bagpipes might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but i
don’t think there is any better way to herald the most important
day of your life and welcome your guests than a rousing tune
from a skilled piper (as long as he’s not standing too close!).
lots of our couples combine their legal registration with
a Highland or humanist blessing, allowing them to make
their ceremony personal while introducing some century old
custom to bind their partnership. this often involves a
handfasting ritual, where friends and family can get involved
by tying strips of tartan cloth (traditionally from the two
clans being joined) around the couple’s entwined hands.
the ceilidh – which essentially just means ‘party’ but can
include traditional scottish dancing such as the Gay Gordons
and strip the Willow – is the most fun you can have with your
clothes on, and a great way to work off that wedding breakfast!
native scots learn to ceilidh at school and we are always
delighted to show visitors the ropes. all this, mixed in with a
good splash of whisky, and you’ve got yourself a celebration!
The pracTicaliTies
Getting married in scotland has no legal residency
requirements, so we can welcome you here to get married
no matter where you are from.
Budget, the same as anywhere else in the world, is
completely dependent on what you want for your special day.
You can be married by the registrar on the historic Royal Mile
in the centre of edinburgh’s old town for less than £300. if
you’d like to hire a castle, expect prices from £1,000 for a ruin
or up to £12,000 for a five-star exclusive-use venue.
July and august are the peak months to get married and
it’s usually mild, but can be rainy – you have a better chance
of a dry day in May or september. i don’t think there is
anything more romantic than a castle wedding in the snow.
You’ll have the best chance of a dusting of the white stuff in
January or February, which is well worth considering if you’re
on a budget; you’ll get a much bigger splash for your cash in
the winter months.
For more inspiration on gay Scotland check out the
Scottish tourist board’s gay fact sheet
www.bookingscotland.com/pdf/3074569
or visit
www.lovescotland.com
for destination weddings and
honeymoons in Scotland.
Destination scotlanD
‘...they are delighted to host gay weddings and, just
between you andme, they often tell me they prefer
them, as the focus is muchmore on the loving
relationship of the couple, rather than all the fuss and frills
that seem to take centre stage at some other weddings.’