Nearly a Quarter of Scotland's 2025 Weddings Were Destination Weddings
Nearly a quarter of all marriages registered in Scotland in 2025 involved couples who did not live in the country.
Couples from abroad are increasingly choosing Scottish locations for their ceremonies. Nearly a quarter of all marriages registered in Scotland in 2025 involved couples who did not live in the country. Official data shows 6,596 of the 27,191 weddings recorded that year involved neither partner being a Scottish resident.
Hayden and Savannah, from Pennsylvania in the United States, traveled to Scotland for their wedding in May. They chose the country after seeing a photo of a castle wedding online. The couple selected a castle near Edinburgh for its scenery and historical significance. They incorporated a Celtic handfasting ritual using fabric from their grandmothers. Many of their guests extended their stay for holidays or joined the couple on their subsequent Highlands honeymoon.
Patryk and Angelika, both 27, traveled from north-west England to Gretna Green. They have visited Scotland regularly since meeting in 2015. The pair had been together since age 15 and became engaged on the shores of Loch Ness.
Chihon from Chile and Anna Maria from Moldova met at the University of Edinburgh in 2018 through a dance society. They married on the Isle of Arran in 2024. Their wedding included a ceilidh and a group karaoke singalong of 'Sunshine on Leith' led by Scottish guests.
Savannah stated Scotland exceeded every expectation. "Scotland is like nothing we've ever seen before. We were just blown away by how beautiful everything was," she said.
Gretna Green remains a top destination for non-residents
Gretna Green accounted for more than half of Scotland's destination weddings in 2025. The famous venue hosted 3,492 of the 6,596 marriages involving non-Scottish residents. It has been a wedding destination since 1754. Changes to English marriage laws that year prompted runaway couples to marry in Scotland without parental consent.
Couples incorporate local traditions into ceremonies
International couples are weaving Scottish culture into their wedding events. Rituals like Celtic handfasting are popular choices. Local music events, such as traditional ceilidh dances, also feature prominently. These elements allow couples to create a unique ceremony deeply connected to their chosen location.
Couples continue to choose Scotland's historic wedding destinations for these unique ceremonies.
