Scotland is an absolutely beautiful country. From the centuries of fascinating history to the city-sized lochs, there’s so much to see and discover. Everywhere you turn you’ll see either fantastic architecture or lush open countryside, and meet some wonderfully passionate locals who are proud of their heritage.
And this all combines to ensure you can have a picture-perfect wedding in Scotland. Whether you’d love to have a smart and sophisticated inner-city ceremony surrounded by history in Edinburgh, or tie the knot against the backdrop of a mountain or a legendary loch. Scotland is a popular place to get married, with 12% of UK couples choosing to get married here, thanks to the affordability and diversity of wedding venues and locations.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that more than four out of every five (83%) Scottish couples choose to stay in Scotland to get married. This is due to the combination of affordability and the range of choice available. The average cost of a wedding in Scotland is £18,617, which is more than £2,000 less than the UK average spend of £20,822. It’s also less than what couples in the northeast of England pay, at £20,415, and over £10,000 less than what couples in London spend, at £28,629. This shows that not only can you have a drop-dead gorgeous wedding in Scotland, but you can pay much less than if you were to have your wedding elsewhere, too.
Couples in Scotland are among those who spend the least on wedding flowers, dropping an average of £889, compared to the national average of £1,132. Similarly, couples are also likely to spend less on a toastmaster Scotland, with the average amount spent being just £150, compared to the national average of £477 – likely due to couples not looking for that extra level of personalisation during the ceremony so they can dedicate their budget to elsewhere.
Scotland’s stunning natural beauty is a major draw for couples. With breathtaking landscapes ranging from the rugged Highlands to the crystal clear waters of the more than 30,000 lochs, outdoor ceremonies have become increasingly popular. And with so many areas having such little light pollution, twilight weddings are also growing in popularity across Scotland.
Many couples choose venues with views of the surrounding mountains, which offer incredible opportunities for wedding photos. Eco-friendly weddings are on the rise too, with couples opting for local caterers, florists and suppliers where possible.
Scotland is known for its breathtaking landscapes, bags of history and unique character, making it a top destination for couples seeking their dream wedding venue. Whether you dream of exchanging vows in a luxurious castle, a quiet garden or a modern and stylish hotel, Scotland offers an unbeatable variety of options to suit every taste and budget.
With such an abundance of history, Scotland is home to more than 1,000 castles, and many of them now make for unique and luxurious wedding venues. Neidpath Castle in Peebles towers over the surrounding countryside and provides the most incredible backdrop for photographs. Cluny Castle in Inverurie has that quintessential castle look and is surrounded by lush Scottish countryside. Dundas Castle in Edinburgh is huge and provides you with the chance to have a wedding fit for royalty, boasting a five-star experience.
If you love the thought of luxury but prefer to get married at a countryside manor or stately home instead, you’re also spoilt for choice in Scotland. Kinmount House in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, Hopetoun House in South Queensferry and Galloway House in Garlieston, Dumfries and Galloway are all stunning, with elegance and opulence by the bucket load.
To take advantage of the Scottish countryside and the unbeatable views that come with it, there are plenty of venues with outdoor space that let you take in that clean mountain air. Madeira in Fife is filled with charm, The Ecology Centre in Fife is tranquil and full of character, and The Seton Garden in East Lothian is set within a premium walled garden.
For something a little different, you could tie the knot somewhere totally unique. The National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Ayr and Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh give you the opportunity to get married surrounded by Scottish and natural history.
If you’re conscious of budget, there are loads of venues in Scotland that are both affordable and fabulous. Venues like The Lodge On Loch Lomond, Balbirnie House in Fife and Oran Mor in Glasgow all make for amazing choices and allow you to have the wedding of your dreams without the need to spend a fortune.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Scotland is £5,685, which is less than the UK national average of £5,945 and way more affordable than London at £7,020. This means you can have a beautiful and affordable wedding here in Scotland.
Scotland is a hugely popular wedding destination, with a wide range of stunning venues, from historic castles to picturesque gardens. Because of that, many venues are booked between 12 and 18 months in advance. Some of the most popular venues in highly sought-after areas may even book up more than two years ahead. To secure your dream wedding venue, especially if it is among those that are most popular, we recommend getting in there sooner rather than later.
If you’re flexible about the timing or location of your big day, you may be able to book a venue closer to your wedding date – potentially around six months ahead. If you’re happy to get married during the quieter seasons or midweek, it may even be less time than this.
Much like in the rest of the UK, Scotland’s weather can be temperamental and unpredictable, especially the more north you go. But, with careful planning, you can still have your dream wedding at any time of the year, with each season coming with its own beauty and charm.
Spring (March - May) is a lovely time to get married in Scotland, as the countryside awakens after winter and fills with vibrant greens and colourful blooms. Temperatures range from 7°C (45°F) in March to 13°C (55°F) in May. Spring showers are common, but there are an average of 38 days of snow in Scotland every year, and it’s not uncommon for some of those days to fall in March and April.
Summer (June - August) is the most popular time to get married in Scotland, with long and often very warm days with less chance of rain. Average temperatures tend to be around 15°C to 19°C (59°F to 66°F), but warmer spells can bring temperatures into the mid-20s. The summer is the best time to take advantage of the surroundings and host an outdoor wedding, with plenty of venues having space to accommodate a ceremony among the great outdoors. Just remember that midge season in Scotland spans from April until October, which means outdoor weddings can come with some uninvited guests in some areas.
Autumn (September - November) is when Scotland’s landscapes transform into a sea of amazing oranges, reds and yellows, making it one of the most picturesque times of the year for a wedding. Temperatures gradually cool from around 13°C (55°F) in September to 7°C (45°F) in November, which means you’ll likely want to rely on a venue with plenty of indoor space.
Winter (December - February) weddings in Scotland are magical thanks to the likelihood of snow- or frost-covered landscapes, especially if you’re in the north. Temperatures range from 1°C to 5°C (34°F to 41°F) though it will often dip below freezing, so it’s best to choose a venue that’s warm and welcoming. It’s also important to think about logistics and how you and your guests will get to the venue if the weather does take a turn.
Scotland is very well connected, making it simple for you and your guests to travel to and around the country for your wedding. The closer you are to a major town or city, the more options you’ll have, but even more remote areas are still relatively accessible.
Scotland has a great rail network, with direct trains linking towns and cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen to destinations across the UK. A direct train from London to Edinburgh leaving King’s Cross takes around five hours. There’s also the option to take the Caledonian Sleeper service, which offers an overnight journey from London and lets you get some sleep on the way.
If you prefer to travel by air, Scotland has multiple airports, making it accessible for travellers in the UK, Europe and beyond. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Glasgow Airport (GLA) are the main international hubs, and smaller airports like Inverness Airport (INV), Aberdeen (ABZ) and Dundee (DND) provide additional options. Another alternative is by ferry for those coming across from Belfast.
By car, Scotland has a great road network, with major motorways like the M8 and M9 providing easy access to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.
Being a popular tourist destination for not just people across the UK, but international tourists too, Scotland has plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. From quaint B&Bs to luxury hotels, there’s a range of accommodation to suit all styles, tastes and budgets. Many hotels also double up as wedding venues, allowing you to have your ceremony and celebrations all under one roof. Hotels such as The Riverside Lodge Hotel in Irvine, Ingliston Estate & Country Club in Bishopton and Marine North Berwick all make for brilliant choices.
