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, 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 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?

Rain is part of the Scottish experience. It creates incredible, dramatic photos. Weather fronts move through quickly, and experienced elopement photographers will 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.

New Stories Archives - The Sassenachs

New Stories

Kimmy and Sam’s Slains Castle Elopement

mattthesassenach / January 2, 2026

Kimmy & Sam | A Goth Elopement at Slains Castle | The Sassenachs Kimmy & Sam | A Goth Elopement […]

New Stories

Kai & Kristi’s 25-Year Vow Renewal at Doune Castle | Scotland Vow Renewal Photography

Matt / October 14, 2025

When Kai and Kristi reached out to us about photographing their 25-year vow renewal in Scotland, we knew it was

New Stories

Kim and Ward’s Glen Shiel Elopement

Matt / January 13, 2025

Kim and Ward visited Scotland for their symbolic ceremony from Vancouver, Canada. They had got legally married back home in

New Stories

Autumnal Glencoe Elopement

Matt / January 6, 2025

When Callie and Noah reached out to us about eloping to Scotland, they wanted something simple yet unforgettable – and

New Stories

Luxury, all-inclusive Scottish Elopement

Matt / November 22, 2024

So, if you’ve been on our page a while you will know we Scottish Elopement Photographers. But did you also

New Stories

Beth and TJ’s Glencoe Elopement

Matt / August 15, 2024

TJ’s perfect day (watch the video… you’ll get it.) Beth and TJ travelled from California, USA to Scotland for their

New Stories

Kirsty and Jacob’s Edinburgh Elopement

Matt / August 5, 2024

Fancy getting married in torrential rain in Edinburgh? Probably not. And we are pretty sure that it wasn’t high up

New Stories

Katie and Jaimey’s Isle of Skye Elopement (featuring Storm Jocelyn!)

Matt / May 27, 2024

When Katie and Jaimey decided to elope to the Isle of Skye, they pictured dramatic landscapes and intimate moments. What

New Stories

Winter Elopement in Glencoe

Matt / May 25, 2024

Beth and TJ got in touch and wanted to elope to Scotland. I mean, why wouldn’t they? It’s perfection. Coming

New Stories

Bethany and James’

Matt / April 1, 2024

Glencoe lovers Bethany and James opted to elope to their favourite place in the world with parents and Bethany’s sister