Planning a wedding in the United States is exciting, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. The average traditional wedding now costs between $35,000 – $45,000 and many couples spend far more once all the extras are added. When you add in the stress of planning, managing guests and dealing with a never-ending list of decisions, it is no wonder that so many couples are looking for alternatives and eloping to Scotland is one of those options.
Eloping to Scotland offers something different. Not only is it often less than half the price of a big American wedding, it also gives you the chance to create an experience that is intimate, meaningful and full of adventure. Instead of paying for 150 chicken dinners and chair covers, you can invest in memories that truly matter.
In this guide, we will show you how much you could save by eloping to Scotland, what you gain instead and why more and more American couples are swapping banquet halls for mountains, castles and coastlines.
Why Eloping Is Cheaper Than a Traditional Wedding
The Cost of a US Wedding
Weddings in the United States are big business. Venues, vendors and planners often bundle costs together in a way that makes it hard to see where your money is really going. Here is a realistic breakdown:
• Venue hire: $10,000 – $15,000+
• Catering for 150 guests: $15,000 – $20,000
• Décor, flowers and rentals: $5,000+
• Hair and makeup: $1,000 – $2,000 (bride plus bridesmaids and mums)
• Entertainment and extras: $3,000+
• Total: $35,000 – $45,000+
That figure is only for the wedding day itself. Many couples then add a honeymoon, which can easily cost $5,000 – $10,000 depending on where you go. When you add it all together, a traditional US wedding can creep towards $50,000 – $55,000 before you have even begun your married life together.
What Do You Actually Get For That Money?
Most of that budget is spent on things that disappear after one day. Food is eaten in an hour. Flowers wilt. Décor gets packed away. Even if you love your big celebration, it is easy to wonder whether the return on investment is worth it.
Why Scotland Is The Perfect Elopement Destination
Freedom To Marry Anywhere –
Scotland is one of the few countries in the world where you can legally marry outdoors, almost anywhere. Unlike the US where you are often restricted to licensed venues, Scotland allows you to choose the place that feels most meaningful. That might be a Highland mountain top, a secluded beach, a ruined castle, or even the grounds of a whisky distillery.
This flexibility instantly saves you thousands. Instead of paying a venue fee of $10,000 or more, your ceremony backdrop usually comes free of charge courtesy of Scotland’s natural beauty. Some locations that are on private property may charge a fee, but we are talking hundreds rather than thousands.
A Backdrop That Needs No Styling –
American couples often spend $5,000 or more on flowers, centrepieces and styling to make a venue feel special. In Scotland, the landscape does the work for you. A loch at sunrise, a glen surrounded by mountains, or dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea, are already breathtaking so there’s no need to dress them up.
A Wedding and Honeymoon Rolled Into One –
Most couples in the US plan a wedding at home and then fly off somewhere else for their honeymoon. By eloping to Scotland, you combine the two. Your wedding takes place in a once-in-a-lifetime location and your honeymoon begins the moment you say “I do”. Whether you want to explore castles, sip whisky by the fire, or hike dramatic landscapes, everything is right on your doorstep.
The Cost of a US Wedding vs a Scottish Elopement
A Typical US Wedding Costs –
- Catering for 150 guests: $15,000 – $20,000
- Décor, flowers and rentals: $5,000+
- Hair and makeup: $1,000 – $2,000
- Entertainment and extras: $3,000+
- Total: $35,000 – $45,000+
A Typical Scottish Elopement Costs –
- Flights from the US: $700 – $1,200 per person (round trip)
- Accommodation: £150 – £250 per night for a cosy inn
- Celebrant and legal fees: £400 – £800
- Photography: £2,000 – £5,000 depending on coverage
- Hair, makeup and flowers: £300 – £600
- Meals and activities: Flexible, from a casual pub to Michelin dining
- Total: £6,000 – £10,000 (roughly $7,500 – $12,500)
Even when you add in flights, eloping to Scotland usually comes in at less than half the cost of a traditional US wedding. And remember, this also includes the price of your honeymoon. Check out our pricing page right here!
What You Gain By Eloping In Scotland
Eloping is not about missing out. It is about re-focusing your wedding on what matters most: the two of you. Here is what couples gain instead:
Intimacy
You are free to make the day as private as you want. Some couples invite a handful of loved ones. Others choose to make it just the two of them. Without a long guest list to manage, you are able to spend the day together instead of rushing between tables and worrying about what people think of the food choices or wedding decor.
Flexibility
Want to say your vows at sunrise? Hike to a hidden waterfall? Hire a piper to walk you down natures aisle? Scotland gives you freedom to design a day that reflects your personalities, not a venue’s schedule.
Adventure
Your wedding becomes part of a bigger journey. Many couples choose to road trip through the Highlands, hop across to the Isle of Skye, or explore Edinburgh’s historic streets. Every corner of Scotland feels like part of the story.
Lasting Memories
Instead of bills that linger for years, you leave with experiences that last a lifetime. Your photographs will show not just a wedding, but a full adventure surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the world.
So, Is Eloping To Scotland Worth It?
When you look at the numbers, a traditional US wedding often costs $35,000 – $45,000+ and comes with months of stress. A Scottish elopement usually costs £6,000 – £10,000 (around $7,500 – $12,500) and comes with freedom, adventure and memories that last forever. So for many couples, it is 100% worth it and it is a once-in-a-lifetime way to begin your married life.
Eloping to Scotland is not just about saving money. It is about starting your marriage with meaning, adventure and a sense of freedom. You do not have to follow tradition or spend beyond your means to create a beautiful beginning.
How To Start Planning Your Scottish Elopement –
If eloping to Scotland sounds like the right choice for you, the best next step is to reach out to people who know the country inside out. From navigating the legal process to suggesting locations, celebrants and hidden gems, having experts on your side makes everything smoother.
We, The Sassenachs, are experts in helping American couples bring their Scottish elopement dreams to life. From epic Highland backdrops to intimate castle ruins, we will help you find the setting and the suppliers that are perfect for you. You’re so close to taking the first step towards creating the wedding of your dreams, and we couldn’t be more excited to join you. Contact us here and let’s schedule a video call to get to know each other better and see if we’re the perfect match for your elopement.
