Newly Engaged? Now What?

1. Enjoy the Moment

First things first – take time to soak it all in. Share the news with family and friends, post that ring selfie if that’s your thing, and enjoy a celebratory dram. There’s no need to rush into planning straight away.

2. Discuss Your Vision and Budget

Sit down with your partner and have an honest conversation about:

• What kind of day you both imagine (formal or relaxed? big or intimate?)

• The location (city, countryside, coast, or maybe even an island!)

• Cultural or religious elements (such as handfasting, ceilidhs, or traditional Scottish dress)

• Budget – this will shape most of your decisions going forward

3. Decide on a Provisional Guest List

Before you book anything, sketch out a rough guest list. This helps determine venue size and overall budget. Be flexible – numbers might shift later.

4. Pick a Time of Year (and Date)

Think about seasonality in Scotland. Do you want a summer loch-side ceremony, a winter castle wedding, or something in the colourful autumn months? Popular venues and suppliers book up fast – especially for peak summer weekends – so flexibility can help.

5. Choose Your Ceremony Type

Scotland is unique in allowing religious, civil, and humanist weddings (and others, like interfaith or spiritual). Some couples even opt for symbolic ceremonies like handfasting.

Each type has different legal steps:

• Civil: Conducted by a registrar at a registry office or licensed venue

• Religious or Belief-based: Officiated by an approved celebrant

• Humanist: Scotland was the first country in the UK to legally recognise these, and they're a popular, personal choice

Whichever you choose, you’ll both need to submit an M10 marriage notice form to the local registrar no more than 3 months and no fewer than 29 days before the wedding.

6. Research and Visit Venues

From romantic castles and converted barns to coastal retreats and modern hotels, Scotland offers it all. Popular venues often book 12–18 months in advance, so once you’ve found your dream location, secure the date with a deposit.

7. Start Booking Priority Suppliers

Once your venue and date are confirmed, move quickly to book key suppliers:

• Celebrant or registrar

• Photographer/videographer (if you're looking for Michael Carver, you might be picking a wedding date around his availability!)

• Caterer (if not provided)

• Band/DJ or ceilidh group

• Florist

• Hair and makeup artist

• Kilt and dress shops (or designers if you’re going bespoke)

8. Think About Accommodation and Transport

Especially if your venue is remote (hello Highlands or Isle of Skye!), plan for guest accommodation and transport early. Consider:

• Booking room blocks at local hotels or B&Bs

• Hiring buses or minibuses for guests

• Wedding car or classic car hire for the couple

9. Plan the Legal Details

Don’t forget:

• Submit your M10 forms to the local council for your ceremony location

• Provide required documents (birth certificates, passports, divorce certificates if relevant)

• Collect your marriage schedule before the ceremony and ensure it’s signed and returned afterward

10. Start Creating Your Wedding Website or Invitations

Once you’ve got the big pieces in place, share the date and details with your guests. Save-the-dates are ideal for destination or summer weddings; full invitations can come later.

Bonus Tips for a Scottish Touch

• Hire a piper to play guests in

• Include whisky in your ceremony (like a traditional "quaich" toast)

• Add tartan details to your décor or outfits

• End the night with a ceilidh – a live Scottish dance band that gets everyone involved!

Final Thoughts

Planning a wedding in Scotland is a magical experience. Whether you're dreaming of lochs, tartans, or historic castles, there’s no shortage of romance. Start early, stay organised, and don’t be afraid to bring in some local help – a Scottish wedding planner can be invaluable.

And most importantly – have fun! You’re creating memories to last a lifetime.