How to Plan Your Scottish Elopement From the USA
Planning a wedding from 4,000 miles away sounds complicated. It’s really not. Here’s everything you need to know — and how to make it even easier.
Most of our couples are American. They find us, fall in love with Scotland, and then immediately panic about logistics. Visas! Paperwork! Time zones! Driving on the wrong side of the road!
Deep breath. We’ve helped over 200 couples navigate this exact process. It’s genuinely straightforward once you understand the steps. And if you work with us, we handle most of it anyway.
Here’s the honest breakdown.
First Decision: Legal or Symbolic?
Before anything else, you need to decide whether you want your Scottish ceremony to be legally binding or purely symbolic.
Legal ceremony: You do all your paperwork in Scotland, exchange vows, sign your marriage certificate on the day, and fly home legally married. Your Scottish marriage is recognised in all 50 US states.
Symbolic ceremony: You handle the legal paperwork back home (a quick courthouse visit before or after your trip), then have your meaningful ceremony in Scotland without any of the bureaucracy. The vows you exchange are just as real — you just sign papers in a different location.
About half our American couples choose each option. There’s no right answer. The symbolic route is simpler if you want zero admin stress. The legal route is more romantic if “getting married in Scotland” matters to you on paper as well as in your hearts.
We genuinely can’t tell the difference on the day. The ceremony feels identical either way.
If You Want a Legal Ceremony
Here’s what you’ll need to do. It looks like a lot written down, but each step is straightforward. For an even more detailed breakdown, see our complete guide to legal requirements for Americans eloping to Scotland.
1. Apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa
US citizens need a Marriage Visitor Visa to legally marry in the UK. This is different from a standard tourist visa (which you don’t need as an American).
The visa costs £127 per person. You can apply up to 3 months before your ceremony date. You’ll need to attend a biometrics appointment — there are 10 premium visa application centres across the US plus around 130 regional support centres, so there’s likely one near you.
Processing typically takes about 3 weeks, but give yourself buffer time.
2. Submit Your Marriage Notice (M10 Form)
You’ll both need to complete an M10 Marriage Notice Form and submit it to the registrar of the district where you’ll be married. This must be done at least 29 days before your ceremony — we recommend 10-12 weeks ahead to be safe.
The fee is £100 total (£45 per form plus £10 for the marriage register entry). You’ll need birth certificates, photo ID, and a Declaration of Immigration Status form.
3. Collect Your Marriage Schedule
Once your notice is approved, you’ll be issued a Marriage Schedule. You must collect this in person from the registrar’s office no earlier than 7 days before your ceremony.
Important: Most offices are only open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. If you’re getting married on a weekend, you’ll need to collect it by Friday. For this reason, we recommend getting married Tuesday to Friday — it makes the schedule collection much simpler. Most couples arrive 2-3 days before their ceremony.
4. Return the Signed Schedule
After your ceremony, you have 3 days to return the signed schedule to the registrar. Many offices have a postbox for weekend drop-offs.
If You Want a Symbolic Ceremony
Much simpler. You don’t need the Marriage Visitor Visa (standard tourist entry is fine). You don’t need to submit M10 forms. You don’t need to visit any registrar offices.
You just need to handle your legal paperwork in the US — either before you leave or when you get back. Most couples do a quick courthouse ceremony with just witnesses, then have their real celebration in Scotland.
Your celebrant in Scotland will still conduct a full ceremony with vows, rings, the whole experience. The only difference is you won’t sign a Scottish marriage certificate at the end.
Choosing Your Celebrant
For outdoor ceremonies in Scotland, you’ll want a humanist celebrant from Humanist Society Scotland. They’re authorised to legally marry you anywhere — mountaintops, castle ruins, beaches, forests, wherever you choose.
Humanist celebrants write completely personalised ceremonies. No religious content unless you want it. No formulaic scripts. They’ll talk to you about your story, your values, and what you want your ceremony to feel like.
We’ve worked with dozens of celebrants over the years and can recommend ones who’ll be perfect for your vibe. Some are funny, some are poetic, some are deeply emotional — we’ll match you with the right person.
Budget around £500-£800 for a good celebrant.
Witnesses
You’ll need two witnesses who are at least 16 years old. If you’re bringing family or friends, sorted. If you’re eloping just the two of you, we’re more than happy to act as your witnesses — we’ve done it many times and it always feels like an honour.
UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
This is new and important: all US citizens now need a UK ETA before travelling to the UK. From 25 February 2026, strict enforcement begins — without an approved ETA, you won’t be allowed to board your flight.
The ETA costs £16, is valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires), and allows multiple trips. Apply through the official gov.uk website or the UK ETA app. Most applications are approved within minutes, but allow up to 3 working days just in case.
Each person needs their own ETA, including children. This is separate from the Marriage Visitor Visa — if you’re having a legal ceremony, you need both. If you’re having a symbolic ceremony, you just need the ETA.
It’s quick and easy, but don’t forget it. Add it to your checklist now.
Getting to Scotland
Most couples fly into Edinburgh (EDI) or Glasgow (GLA). Both airports have direct flights from major US cities.
Edinburgh is ideal if you’re exploring the east coast, the city itself, or heading to the Cairngorms. Glasgow is closer to the Highlands and Glencoe — about 90 minutes to the heart of the glen.
You’ll want to hire a car unless you’re staying exclusively in Edinburgh. Public transport is fine in cities but limited once you’re in the Highlands. Hire from the airport (easier than city centre pickup) and yes, you’ll get used to driving on the left pretty quickly. The roads can get narrow in places, but it’s all part of the adventure.
When to Book What
Here’s a realistic timeline working backwards from your ceremony date:
12-18 months out: Book your photographer. Good elopement photographers fill up fast, especially for autumn dates. We’re typically booking 12-18 months ahead for peak season.
9-12 months out: Book your celebrant and lock in accommodation. The special places — castle stays, luxury lodges, historic properties — book up months in advance.
3 months out: Apply for your Marriage Visitor Visa (if having a legal ceremony). Submit your M10 forms to the registrar.
6-9 months out: Book hair, makeup, flowers, and any other suppliers you want.
2-3 days out: Arrive in Scotland. Collect your Marriage Schedule from the registrar (if legal ceremony). Settle in, shake off the jetlag, and get ready for the best day of your life.
What It Actually Costs
A realistic budget for a week-long Scottish elopement trip, all-in:
Flights from the US: £800-£1,200 per person. Accommodation for 7 nights: £150-£350 per night depending on how fancy you go. Photography and planning (that’s us): £5,000. Celebrant: £500-£800. Car hire: £300-£500 for the week. Food and dining: around £50-£100 per person per day. Marriage Visitor Visa: £127 per person. Marriage Notice fees: £100 total.
Total for a 7-night trip: roughly $10,000-$15,000 USD including everything — flights, accommodation, photography, celebrant, food, and a week’s honeymoon adventure.
Compare that to the average US wedding ($30,000+) and you’re not just saving money — you’re getting an actual experience instead of a single stressful day.
The Easy Way: Let Us Handle It
Here’s the thing — when you book with us, you’re not just getting photographers. We’re your planning team.
We help you choose your ceremony location based on what actually matters to you. We recommend celebrants we’ve worked with and trust. We suggest accommodation that’s beautiful and practical. We connect you with hair and makeup artists, florists, and anyone else you need.
We guide you through the legal paperwork step by step. We create your timeline. We handle logistics on the day. We drive you between locations. We act as your witnesses if you need us to.
We’ve done this over 200 times. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the whole process feel easy rather than overwhelming.
By the time your elopement day arrives, you just show up, get married, and enjoy every moment. That’s the whole point.
Common Questions From American Couples
Will my Scottish marriage be recognised in the US?
Yes. Scottish marriages are legally recognised in all 50 states. You may need to register it with your local authorities when you return, but the marriage itself is valid.
What if it rains?
It probably will at some point — this is Scotland. We embrace it. Rain makes incredible photos, weather fronts move through quickly, and we always have backup plans. Some of our most romantic shots have come from the wildest weather days.
Can we bring guests?
Absolutely. Many couples bring parents, siblings, or a small group of friends. Some bring no one at all. There’s no right answer — it’s your day.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes. Though be aware the UK has specific pet import requirements — you’ll need a microchip, rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate from your vet. Start this process at least 4 months before travel. We’ve photographed many four-legged witnesses and they’re often the best ones.
What should we wear?
Whatever you want. But don’t underestimate Scottish weather — even in summer, bring layers and waterproofs. For autumn and winter ceremonies, we recommend thermals, sturdy boots, and a jacket you can throw on between photos.
How far in advance should we book you?
We’re currently booking into 2026 and only take a limited number of couples each year. Reach out as soon as you’re ready to chat — especially if you’re thinking autumn, which fills up fastest.
Want the Full Breakdown?
We’ve put together a free 30+ page guide covering everything — locations, seasons, what to wear, legal requirements, supplier recommendations, and more. It’s the same guide we send to every couple we work with.
Download the free Scottish Elopement Planning Guide here.
Please note: The legal and visa information in this article is correct at the time of writing (January 2026) but requirements can change. We recommend checking the official gov.uk website for the most up-to-date information, and seeking independent legal advice if you have specific concerns about your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to get married in Scotland as a US citizen?
If you want a legally binding ceremony in Scotland, yes — you need a Marriage Visitor Visa (£127 per person). If you’re having a symbolic ceremony only (with legal paperwork done in the US), you don’t need this visa. Either way, from February 2026 all US visitors need a UK ETA (£16) to enter the country.
Will my Scottish marriage be legally recognised in the United States?
Yes. Scottish marriages are legally recognised in all 50 US states. You may need to register it with your local authorities when you return, but the marriage itself is valid.
How far in advance should I book my Scottish elopement?
We recommend 12-18 months for autumn dates (September-November), which are most popular. For other seasons, 9-12 months is usually sufficient. Apply for your Marriage Visitor Visa and submit M10 forms about 3 months before your ceremony date.
How much does it cost to elope in Scotland from the USA?
A realistic all-in budget for a week-long trip is $10,000-$15,000 USD. This includes flights, 7 nights accommodation, photography, celebrant, car hire, food, and all visa/paperwork fees.
What’s the difference between a legal and symbolic ceremony?
A legal ceremony means you complete all paperwork in Scotland and sign your marriage certificate on the day. A symbolic ceremony means you handle the legal paperwork at a US courthouse before or after your trip, then have your meaningful ceremony in Scotland without the admin. Both feel identical on the day.
Can Americans get married outdoors in Scotland?
Yes — Scotland is one of the few places in the world where you can legally marry anywhere. Mountaintops, beaches, castle ruins, forests — as long as you have a registered celebrant (we recommend Humanist Society Scotland), you can exchange vows wherever you choose.
Do I need witnesses to get married in Scotland?
Yes, you need two witnesses aged 16 or over. If you’re eloping just the two of you, your photographers (that’s us) can act as your witnesses.
What documents do I need to get married in Scotland?
For a legal ceremony: Marriage Visitor Visa, completed M10 Marriage Notice forms, birth certificates, valid passports, Declaration of Immigration Status form, and your Marriage Schedule (collected in person 7 days before). For a symbolic ceremony: just your UK ETA and passport.
What if it rains on my elopement day?
It probably will at some point — this is Scotland. We embrace it. Rain creates incredible, dramatic photos. Weather fronts move through quickly, and we always have backup plans and waterproof gear ready.
Can I bring guests to my Scottish elopement?
Absolutely. Many couples bring parents, siblings, or a small group of friends. Some bring no one at all. There’s no right answer — it’s your day.
Ready to Start?
Planning a Scottish elopement from the US is genuinely more straightforward than it looks. The visa stuff sounds scary until you actually do it. The paperwork is manageable. The logistics fall into place.
And if you work with us, we handle most of it anyway. You focus on each other. We focus on everything else.
Questions? Get in touch. We’re happy to chat through your plans, answer questions, or just geek out about Scotland with you. No pressure, no sales pitch — just a conversation about whether we’re the right fit.