Scottish Wedding

The Scottish wedding is an intricate blend of ancient highland tradition mixed in with modern. Present day Scottish wedding traditions can trace their origins as far back as the 13th century. In ancient times, the medieval Celtic church would proclaim the 'banns of marriage' for three successive Sundays. This practice of announcing a forthcoming marriage lasted for 600 years. The modern standard in Scotland is to 'give notice of intent' to a registry office several weeks before the intended event. The main thing to remember is that Scottish weddings are lively celebrations that continue for hours and include lots of eating, drinking, dancing and fun.

Today, it is the bride's prerogative to create the wedding of her dreams; from simple to elaborate, from traditional with a Scottish flair to full Scottish regalia. Whatever your plans, we can assist with products and services to give just the right touch.

Books & CDs

Scottish Tartan Weddings: A Practical Guidebook by Eric Merrill Budd

The Scottish Wedding Book by G W Lockhart

Your Scottish Wedding: A Modern Bride's Guide to Planning Her Big Day by Marianne Rogerson

A Scottish touch for your wedding by W. R McLeod

Scottish Customs: From The Cradle To The Grave by Margaret Bennett

Handfast: Scottish Poems For Weddings And Affirmations by Lizzie MacGregor and Liz Lochhead

Getting Married in Scotland (Scotland's Past in Action Series) by Iona McGregor

Where and How to Get Married in Scotland by Nicola Taylor

Related resources

• Scottish Wedding Traditions
• The definitive religious reference from the Church of Scotland is the Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland by Church of Scotland Panel on Worship. It is 700 pages and available in hardback. It covers services for all sort of occasions and has 55 pages on marriage services including wording of vows, scripture readings, order of service, marriage blessings, etc. Approx 1/4 of this book has been translated into Gaelic for those wanting a Gaelic service. The Gaelic book includes sections on weddings and has the vows.
• Bagpipe Wedding Music CD by Michael Hamilton
• Scottish Love Poems: A Personal Anthology by Antonia Fraser