Elopements and Micro Weddings

Do you want to elope? Would you love to have your small Humanist wedding in Scotland?

With the current restrictions around weddings due to COVID-19, we know a lot of couples are having to radically change their plans and scale back their guest lists. Of course this is a very difficult decision, but changing your plans doesn’t mean compromising on having a ceremony that is just as beautiful and meaningful. Our Celebrants will do all they can to make this transition to a small wedding, or elopement, as easy as possible for you. You can read more about current guidance here.

Maybe you have always wanted to have a day that is all about you and your partner, and you want to celebrate with friends and family separately. Perhaps you have always dreamed of getting married somewhere remote and peaceful. Or maybe the idea of planning a big wedding feels daunting or expensive, or just not very ‘you’.

Whatever your reason for choosing to elope, or have a micro wedding, our Celebrants will make sure your ceremony is personal and special, and is designed around you as a couple. 

Here are a few ideas and tips our Celebrants have shared, to make sure your elopement or small wedding is just right:

  • Don’t forget your paperwork! You still need to lodge your forms at least 29 days ahead of time for your wedding to be legal. More of the legal information on how to get married in Scotland is available on the National Records of Scotland site.
  • Just because it is a small wedding, doesn’t mean you have to have a simple ceremony if you don’t want to. You can still include symbolic gestures, read poems, write your own vows or have musicians (just keep in mind they will be included in your numbers, make sure to check the current government guidance) – it’s your day, have it your way!
  • Hire photographers and videographers who are experts in elopements. They will know the most stunning locations and have years of experience in getting the best out of you. They will also create an extraordinary visual story of the day for those who weren’t there.
  • Pick somewhere off the beaten path to avoid crowds… or if you/ the place you are staying has an available garden, have your ceremony there to ensure total privacy!
  • Think about the Scottish weather! Pack your wellies, brollies, insect repellant, sun screen… and if you are heading somewhere rural be prepared for mud and cow pats! 
  • Ask friends and family to write you letters to open on the day so that they can still be a part of your wedding. You could also include them in symbolic gestures, for example using their scarf/ tie/ family tartan in a handfasting or their local whisky or a drink you have enjoyed together in the quaich. 
  • Make sure there is somewhere appropriate to park if you are driving. If people are travelling separately – make sure you decide on somewhere obvious to meet up!
  • As you don’t have to worry about lots of guests being able to make it, go for a weekday! You’ll get your pick of venues and suppliers.