Caryn, 27 & Mark, 28
Blair Atholl, Scotland
Wedding Date: August 12, 2009 (in the U.K., August 12 is called the “glorious twelfth” for the very silly reason that it is the first day of grouse-hunting season. How could we resist?)
Number of Guests: 27
Wedding Cost: $20,000+ vacation expenses
Wedding Ceremony Location: State Dining Room of Blair Castle
Wedding Reception Location: Also in State Dining Room of Blair Castle
Reisha 33, & Scott, 33
Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom
Wedding Date: October 10, 2009
Number of Guests: 28
Wedding Cost: $22,000
Wedding Ceremony Location: Balgonie Castle
Wedding Reception Location: Balgonie Castle
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
We wanted to have a destination wedding {the couple is from the U.S.} and the destination we chose immediately limited the number of guests that would be able to attend. We really just wanted our closest friends and family there so that we would be able to enjoy everyone and those in attendance would be able to get to know those people which they didn’t know.
By Jennifer Cox
Scotland is a country with a picturesque landscape that provides an idyllic setting for exchanging vows. However, before you hop on a plane bound for the Edinburgh, there are certain guidelines you need to follow.
Most importantly, you need to fill out all the necessary documents – this includes a Form M10 (Marriage Notice Application) as well as a form with witness details. You will need to contact the local registrar where the marriage will take place – they will help you arrange for a civil or religious ceremony (depending on what you and your partner want), choose a day and time, and find out about necessary fees you’ll have to pay. A list of all local registration officers and approved places in Scotland can be found at the GROSLocate. Filled-out forms need to be submitted 4-6 weeks before the wedding. One of you might be asked to appear in person at the registrar’s office before the marriage. You may also be asked to show a valid passport and you will both need to show them your birth certificate.
The registrar will then create a Marriage Schedule – no wedding in Scotland can proceed without it. You and your spouse will sign the Marriage Schedule (with a black fountain pen, no less) following your wedding and return it to the registrar in no longer than three days after the wedding so that the marriage can be registered.
Other rules of marriage in Scotland include:
– both parties must be at least 16 years old
– you are unmarried
– you are not related
– you are of different sexes (same-sex marriages are not recognized in Scotland)
Once you’ve met all the formal regulations you can book the bagpiper and say your I dos!
Jennifer Cox is a Montreal based freelance journalist who loves everything from weddings to foodie news, photography & candy!
Dreaming of a castle wedding, but don’t want to travel abroad to say ‘I do’?
North Carolina’s Castle Ladyhawke is an authentic reproduction of a Scottish border castle. Its sprawling 60 acres surrounded by panoramic mountain views will create a magical backdrop for you and your ‘prince’ (as well as all your guests).
The venue, which overlooks the Tuckasegee River Valley, only books one event a day, so when you have your wedding at the Castle Ladyhawke you can enjoy all the facility’s majestic amenities to yourself – the on-site catering services, the expansive lawns and gardens, the Great Room for the ceremony (situated in the entrance of the castle), the master bridal suite, the pub, and so much more.
The facility’s helpful and experienced staff has helped couples create their dream wedding for years, and they can bring your wedding vision to life, from “once upon a time” to “happily ever after.”
The picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains are an ideal setting for a beautiful wedding, but what will really put things over the top is exchanging vows at the Castle Ladyhawke. Your guests will be talking about your castle wedding for years to come!
For more info go to weddings at Castle Ladyhawke.
Photo Three, Four, Five, Seven: Aaron Imaging; Photo Six: Nick Breedlove Photography
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Love the idea of a castle wedding? You’ll love this week’s blog posts!
Tomorrow we’re going to let you know about a fantastic castle wedding venue located in the southern U.S.
If a castle wedding in Scotland is more your style, make sure you check out Tuesday’s blog post by writer Jennifer Cox. Jenn is going to tell you all about the rules and regs for having a destination wedding in Scotland.
And you won’t want to miss Wednesday and Thursday’s posts; we’ll be highlighting two fantastic real destination weddings in Scotland by Scottish wedding photographer Margaret McAtier.
Photo: Sneak peek of Reisha and Scott’s destination wedding in Scotland shot by Margaret McAtier.
