Planning an Elopement in Scotland & Ireland

If you are wanting to grab yourselves, your suitcases, and a photographer and run away to Scotland or Ireland to get eloped - you have come to the right place.

I completely understand your urge to get married in a country full of wild adventure, rich history and vast landscapes. Both Scotland and Ireland are romantic as heck and the photos + the memories you’ll make are sure to blow you away.

It can however, be overwhelming to travel to another country, not to mention get married in one.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Best months to tie the knot if you want fair weather are June through September.

2. During those months, sun rises around 5:30 AM and sets around 9:30 PM, which leaves a lot of time for great lighting for photos.

3. I suggest doing the legal bits before you get hitched in either Scotland or Ireland. There are a lot of rules, some of them are: needing to have two witnesses, obtaining a marriage visitor visa, and getting approved by a local registrar. So if you don’t want to deal with any of that, either resolve the legalities prior to or after your trip. Don’t worry, this will have no effect on how special your ceremony will be or the love you two share for each other.

4. Some (even remote) spots require a permit and business insurance in order to hold the ceremony. Let me know where you are wanting to elope so I can look into obtaining the necessary permissions well ahead of time. I recommend giving 10-12 weeks of notice.

5. In both countries, people drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right. There are many steep and treacherous roads as well, depending on where you go. If you’re comfortable driving, you can rent a car straight from the airport. If not, you can look into public transportation or hiring a driver.

6. Pick flowing fabrics for your wedding dress and think about some cute boots to add! You don’t want to be hiking through rocks or over hills in uncomfortable attire. Wanting to have some fun? In Scotland, you can easily buy a traditional kilt and there are tons of Bridal Shops. I love @withlovemirka!

7. Some popular elopement destinations in Scotland are:

   • Isle of Skye

   • Glen Coe and Glen Nevis

   • Shetland Isles

   • Cairngorms National Park

   • Edinburgh (take a look at Arthur’s Seat)

8. Some popular elopement destinations in Ireland are:

   • Dunluce Castle

   • Kinbane Castle

   • Ballintoy Harbour

   • Dunseverick Castle

   • Causeway Clifftop Path

   • Mourne Mountains

   • Killarney National Park

Note: some of these are in Northern Ireland, which is separate from Ireland.

I can’t recommend the experience of eloping in Scotland or Ireland enough! With a little effort and a whole lotta excitement, we can dream up the perfect elopement for you two!