If you’ve decided that Scotland is the right setting for your destination wedding, drawing inspiration early helps shape the rest of your planning. From venues to styling details, Scotland offers a wide range of options for couples planning a wedding from overseas.
For a broader overview of getting married in Scotland, you can also explore our Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Scotland.
City Wedding Venues in Scotland
Scotland offers an exceptional choice of wedding venues, from grand hotels to historic country houses and centuries-old castles. Whether you’re drawn to a city venue or a remote countryside setting, there’s no shortage of options.
In Edinburgh, Mansfield Traquair stands out as a venue well worth visiting. Many people refer to it as Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel due to its richly decorated interiors and dramatic stone architecture. When styled with elegant lighting, the space feels particularly striking. Importantly, the team at Mansfield Traquair regularly works with international couples and maintains strong relationships with trusted local suppliers. This experience helps simplify planning for couples organising their wedding from abroad.
Highland and Island Wedding Venues
For couples drawn to dramatic scenery, the Scottish Highlands and islands offer wedding venues with private grounds and space to fully immerse yourselves in the landscape. As a result, these locations work especially well for multi-day celebrations.
Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island combines traditional architecture with contemporary comfort on a private island. The 300-acre estate overlooks Loch Linnhe and the Morvern Mountains, creating a strong sense of arrival for guests. Meanwhile, the 19th-century hotel features open fireplaces and oak panelling, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for multi-day celebrations.
Castle Weddings in Scotland
Scotland is known worldwide for its castle weddings, with many venues suited to larger, more formal celebrations.
Crossbasket Castle, located just outside Glasgow, dates back to the 16th century. The castle features a four-storey bridal tower for pre-wedding preparations and an elegant Grand Ballroom designed to host statement receptions.
Further north, Achnagairn Castle is another standout option. Named Best Wedding Venue in the UK by Harper’s Bazaar, this historic castle near Inverness retains detailed period features, including open fireplaces and an ornate ballroom with significant scope for floral installations and luxury styling.
Incorporating Traditional Scottish Wedding Details
Once you’ve chosen your venue, many couples start thinking about how to include traditional Scottish elements in their wedding.
Tartan Attire and Personal Styling
Tartan remains one of the most popular choices. Couples often use it subtly through stationery or décor, or more prominently through traditional kilts. Siobhan Mackenzie Kilts is well known for bespoke tartan designs, offering couples the opportunity to create a truly one-of-a-kind outfit for the wedding day.
For those who prefer not to wear a kilt, a tailored three-piece tartan suit offers an alternative that still nods to Scottish tradition.
Tartan in Bridalwear and Florals
Brides are not limited in how tartan can be incorporated. Many designers tailor tartan fabrics into bespoke wedding dresses or use the material as an accent detail.
Tartan can also influence floral design. Couples often choose bouquet colours that reflect their tartan palette, or incorporate ribbons and fabric directly into arrangements for a cohesive finish.
As Scotland’s national flower, thistles are another popular choice. They can be included throughout the wedding, from bouquets and buttonholes to table centrepieces.
Tartan Table Styling and Dining Details
Table décor is one of the easiest ways to introduce tartan into your wedding design. Simple table runners or napkins work particularly well, allowing space for larger centrepieces. Tartan’s warm colour palette suits wedding breakfasts, when guests gather for food and speeches.
And for many couples, the final decision comes down to tradition – will haggis feature on the wedding menu?
For more information on getting married in Scotland as a foreign national, click here.