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7 ways to save money when eloping in Scotland
by The Sassenachs
Eloping to Scotland can be a dream come true for many couples.
The breathtaking landscapes, historic architecture, and charming towns make it an idyllic destination for an intimate wedding ceremony. However, whist a lot cheaper than a traditional wedding, planning an elopement can be still expensive, and it’s easy to get carried away with the excitement and forget about your budget.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some fun and friendly tips to help you save money when eloping to Scotland.
The breathtaking landscapes, historic architecture, and charming towns make it an idyllic destination for an intimate wedding ceremony. However, whist a lot cheaper than a traditional wedding, planning an elopement can be still expensive, and it’s easy to get carried away with the excitement and forget about your budget.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some fun and friendly tips to help you save money when eloping to Scotland.
1
Choose the right time of year. Scotland has its peak tourist season during the summer months, and this is when prices for accommodation, transportation, and activities are at their highest. Consider eloping during the shoulder season, which is typically from March to May or from September to November. You’ll find better deals on flights, hotels, and other expenses during these months, and you’ll still be able to enjoy all that Scotland has to offer. For winter months, some more rural areas in The Highlands, offer a limited amount of accommodation and restaurants don’t always remain open. And remember that Edinburgh is extremely busy, and therefore expensive, during August when the festivals are on.
2
Book your flights in advance. Booking your flights well in advance can help you save a significant amount of money. Keep an eye on sales and sign up for notifications from airlines and travel websites to get notified about the best deals. You can also try to fly mid-week or during less popular travel times, as these flights tend to be cheaper.
3
Use public transportation. Scotland has a surprisingly good public transportation system that can help you save money. Consider using trains and buses instead of renting a car, especially if you’re planning to stay in one area or are just visiting a city such as Edinburgh (Edinburgh really has got a fantastic public transport network and a car is 100% unnecessary). If you do decide to rent a car, book it in advance and look for deals that include unlimited miles, so you can explore as much of Scotland as you’d like without worrying about additional fees.
If you are opting for a symbolic ceremony, you will also have a bit more flexibility built in if the train is late or a bus delayed.
4
Stay in budget-friendly accommodations. There are plenty of affordable options for accommodation in Scotland, such as bed and breakfasts, hostels, and vacation rentals. You can save even more by booking a room in a less touristy area or by choosing a place that includes breakfast or has a kitchen, so you can save money by cooking your own meals. For the really adventurous, why not wild camp – camping in Scotland is permissible almost anywhere and is such an intimate experience. Find out more about the rules here.
5
Plan a picnic instead of a fancy dinner instead of splurging on a fancy dinner on your wedding day. Why not plan a romantic picnic after your ceremony? You can bring your own food and drinks a blanket and watch the sun go down or the moon and stars come up. A truly romantic end to your most special day.
6
Take advantage of free activities. Scotland is full of free activities, from hiking in the mountains to exploring historic sites. Take advantage of these opportunities and spend your time doing what you love without spending a lot of money. Some popular free activities in Edinburgh include visiting The Scottish Museum or walking the Royal Mile. If you’ve opted for a mountain wedding then why not go for a “honeymoon” hike and get lost together in the wilderness. (Please don’t literally get lost). Want some more ideas about what to do on the morning of your elopement? Check out this elopement morning guide.
7
Choose a low-cost ceremony location. Instead of a traditional wedding venue, consider having your ceremony in a natural setting like a park, beach, or garden. This not only saves you money but also creates a unique and memorable experience. If you’re looking for a more traditional setting, consider a historic castle or church that offers low-cost or free wedding services.
Choose the right time of year. Scotland has its peak tourist season during the summer months, and this is when prices for accommodation, transportation, and activities are at their highest. Consider eloping during the shoulder season, which is typically from March to May or from September to November. You’ll find better deals on flights, hotels, and other expenses during these months, and you’ll still be able to enjoy all that Scotland has to offer. For winter months, some more rural areas in The Highlands, offer a limited amount of accommodation and restaurants don’t always remain open. And remember that Edinburgh is extremely busy, and therefore expensive, during August when the festivals are on.
2
Book your flights in advance. Booking your flights well in advance can help you save a significant amount of money. Keep an eye on sales and sign up for notifications from airlines and travel websites to get notified about the best deals. You can also try to fly mid-week or during less popular travel times, as these flights tend to be cheaper.
3
Use public transportation. Scotland has a surprisingly good public transportation system that can help you save money. Consider using trains and buses instead of renting a car, especially if you’re planning to stay in one area or are just visiting a city such as Edinburgh (Edinburgh really has got a fantastic public transport network and a car is 100% unnecessary). If you do decide to rent a car, book it in advance and look for deals that include unlimited miles, so you can explore as much of Scotland as you’d like without worrying about additional fees.
If you are opting for a symbolic ceremony, you will also have a bit more flexibility built in if the train is late or a bus delayed.
4
Stay in budget-friendly accommodations. There are plenty of affordable options for accommodation in Scotland, such as bed and breakfasts, hostels, and vacation rentals. You can save even more by booking a room in a less touristy area or by choosing a place that includes breakfast or has a kitchen, so you can save money by cooking your own meals. For the really adventurous, why not wild camp – camping in Scotland is permissible almost anywhere and is such an intimate experience. Find out more about the rules here.
5
Plan a picnic instead of a fancy dinner instead of splurging on a fancy dinner on your wedding day. Why not plan a romantic picnic after your ceremony? You can bring your own food and drinks a blanket and watch the sun go down or the moon and stars come up. A truly romantic end to your most special day.
6
Take advantage of free activities. Scotland is full of free activities, from hiking in the mountains to exploring historic sites. Take advantage of these opportunities and spend your time doing what you love without spending a lot of money. Some popular free activities in Edinburgh include visiting The Scottish Museum or walking the Royal Mile. If you’ve opted for a mountain wedding then why not go for a “honeymoon” hike and get lost together in the wilderness. (Please don’t literally get lost). Want some more ideas about what to do on the morning of your elopement? Check out this elopement morning guide.
7
Choose a low-cost ceremony location. Instead of a traditional wedding venue, consider having your ceremony in a natural setting like a park, beach, or garden. This not only saves you money but also creates a unique and memorable experience. If you’re looking for a more traditional setting, consider a historic castle or church that offers low-cost or free wedding services.
start your adventure
how to save money when eloping to scotland
by The Sassenachs
Thank you for reading our post! If you are looking for an elopement photographer in Scotland then please get in touch. We also have dedicated pages for the following:
Glencoe Elopement Photography
Isle of Skye Elopement Photography
Edinburgh Elopement Photography
Glencoe Elopement Photography
Isle of Skye Elopement Photography
Edinburgh Elopement Photography
