How much does it Cost to Elope in Scotland?
by Oli and Steph Photography, Isle of Skye Photographers, Videographers and Planners
Dreaming of eloping in the enchanting landscapes of Scotland? Eloping in this beautiful country can be an intimate and magical way to celebrate your love. However, how much does it cost to elope in Scotland? Understanding the costs involved is essential to ensure your day goes smoothly and meets your expectations.
As elopement photographers, videographers and planners based here on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, we can give you a breakdown of the costs of eloping in Scotland.
Our experience capturing over 200 love stories has given us a deep understanding of what it takes to create a truly memorable elopement experience. Here, we break down the various elements that contribute to the cost of eloping in Scotland, as well as what we offer to make your elopement unforgettable.
Hey, we are Oli and Steph! We’re Scotland elopement photographer, videographer and planning experts. We plan, photograph and film elopements on the Isle of Skye, and the surrounding areas, so you have local experts on your team. Come along on our journey and uncover the best hikes and photography spots the Isle of Skye has to offer!
1. Paperwork
When you get married in Scotland, you can choose between a legal and a symbolic ceremony. Around 50% of couples eloping from abroad choose legal, whereas 100% of our UK couples choose a legal ceremony.
To legally marry in Scotland, you must submit the Marriage Notice (M-10) form to the Registrar at least 29 days before your wedding date. Each person must complete a separate form, including personal information, documents to prove identity and marital status, and information about the ceremony.
Additionally, if you’re not a UK resident, you will both need to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa, and provide additional documentation, such as a certificate of no impediment from your home country. For the visa, you will need to visit an in-person visa appointment, which will have additional travel expenses.
The fees associated with the paperwork include:
- Marriage Notice Fee: £45/60 USD per person.
- Marriage Certificate Fee: £10/8 USD for each copy
- Marriage Visitor Visa: £115/145 USD per person
- Marriage Visitor Visa fast track: £500 – £1000/630 – 1260 USD each
UK couple total: £100 – £150
International couple total: £330 – £2050/415 – 2580 USD Symbolic Ceremony £0/0 USD
Get to know more about paperwork here:
2. Photography and Film
Capturing the memories of your elopement is crucial. The photographs and videos will allow you to relive your special day and share it with friends and family who weren’t there.
Elopement photography and videography packages vary widely, but expect it to be your biggest expense of your elopement. The cost depends on the photographer’s experience, the duration of coverage, and additional services such as planning services, albums or videos.
When choosing photographers, consider their style and whether it aligns with your vision. Look at portfolios and read reviews from previous clients. Some couples also opt for drone photography to capture the stunning Scottish landscapes from above, which we think is always worth it.
Our Photography and videography packages range from £3,500 – £14,000/5000 USD – 18,500 USD
3. Celebrant
A celebrant plays a key role in making your ceremony unique and personal. Whether you prefer a humanist, religious, or civil ceremony, the right celebrant can make your vows memorable.
Humanist celebrants are popular for elopements in Scotland, as they offer non-religious, highly personalised ceremonies. Religious celebrants can provide ceremonies aligned with your faith, and you have other options, such as inter-faith, agnostic, and independent celebrants.
The cost for a celebrant typically ranges from:
£600 – £1500/750 USD – 1900 USD
If the celebrant isn’t local to the area, they will require accommodation and travel expenses, which are included in the range above.
4. Hair and Makeup
Professional hair and makeup services ensure you look and feel your best on your wedding day. This is especially important for outdoor elopements where you might encounter unpredictable weather.
On the day of the elopement, your stylist will visit your accommodation to ensure you look flawless in your photos.
Pricing can vary widely, as stylists often travel long distances. If you want a sunrise ceremony, they may charge more for out-of-hours work, mileage, and accommodation.
The cost for hair and makeup can vary from £350 – £1000 /450 USD – 1300 USD
If you would like additional hair and makeup for guests, then that will be an extra cost.
5. Florist
Flowers add a touch of natural beauty to your elopement. From bouquets to boutonnieres, they enhance the overall aesthetic of your ceremony and photographs.
Floral arrangements for elopements can range from simple to elaborate. A bridal bouquet is the most common arrangement, often complemented by a boutonniere for the groom. Some couples also choose to have floral crowns, corsages, or additional arrangements for their ceremony site.
When selecting a florist, consider their experience with elopements and outdoor settings. Local florists will be familiar with the seasonal availability of flowers and can help you choose blooms that will last throughout the day.
Typically, flowers for an elopement cost between:
£350 – £800 / 450 USD – 1000 USD
6. Food and Picnic
A celebratory meal is an essential part of your elopement day. Whether you opt for a romantic picnic or a gourmet meal at a restaurant, food adds to the joy of your celebration.
Many couples choose to have a picnic in a scenic spot, complete with gourmet treats, champagne, and a beautiful setup. This can be arranged through catering services that specialise in outdoor dining experiences. If you prefer a more formal meal, Scotland offers a range of restaurants, from cosy inns to Michelin-starred establishments.
– Restaurant Meal: £50 – £150 per person.
– Picnic: £100 – £250 for picnic boxes
7. Accommodation
Scotland offers a wide range of accommodations, from charming cottages and historic inns to modern hotels and luxurious lodges. When choosing your accommodation, consider its proximity to your elopement location (we recommend not driving for more than 30 minutes to your ceremony location). Some couples prefer to stay in a cosy, secluded spot, while others opt for more upscale accommodations with additional services.
Booking well in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Accommodation costs can range from:
**Mid-range Accommodation**: £150 – £350 per night.
**Luxury Accommodation**: £400 – £850 per night.
Total: £150 – £850 per night for two people.
8. Attire
Your wedding attire is a significant part of your elopement budget. Whether you choose to buy or rent, your outfit should reflect your style and complement the setting.
Wedding dresses can range from simple and elegant to elaborate and luxurious. Consider the weather and terrain when selecting your dress; lightweight fabrics and comfortable shoes are ideal for outdoor elopements. A groom’s attire can also vary, from a classic suit to more casual or traditional Scottish wear, such as a kilt.
When planning your attire, factor in the cost of any necessary alterations and accessories.
Elopement Attire costs typically cost:
-Wedding Dress: £500 – £5,000.
Suit/Kilt: £200 – £1,500.
Total: £700 – £3,000.
8. Travel and Transportation
Travelling to and around Scotland is an important part of your elopement planning. Costs can vary based on your point of origin, the season, and your chosen mode of transport.
Flights to Scotland can vary widely in price, depending on where you’re flying from and how far in advance you book. Once in Scotland, renting a car is a popular option for exploring the countryside and reaching remote elopement locations.
Fuel costs, insurance and parking fees should also be factored into your transportation budget.
Travel and transportation can vary widely:
- Flights: £700 – £1500 per person ( for economy, depending on the origin).
- Car Rental: £300 – £700 per week.
- Fuel: £100 per tank
Total: £950 – £2000 per person.
10. miscellaneous expenses
Don’t forget the extra details that can add up. Miscellaneous expenses can include accessories, bagpiper, boat trip, cake, personalised vow books, wedding announcements, or thank-you cards. They add a personal touch to your elopement. Accessories like jewellery, shoes, and keepsakes should also be considered. Additionally, you might have special requests like drone photography, live music, or unique decor elements.
Find out more about eloping in scotland
We hope that this guide on how much is costs to elope in Scotland has been helpful! Check our our packages to find out more.
We’re Oli and Steph Prince. We live on the Isle of Skye, and we are Isle of Skye elopement photographers who love nothing more than adventuring with like-minded couples in the mountains, the forests and the beaches and… you get the idea! If you’re ready to talk more about eloping then get in touch and we can chat about your perfect Isle of Skye elopement experience.
Contact us to start planning your Scottish elopement
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