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International couple Margret (who’s from Iceland) and Jamie (who’s Scottish) said I do on the beach of North Uist island in Scotland on a windy day in June. Waking up in their van the morning of the elopement and exchanging their vows with just their dog by their side, made this elopement as personal as it gets!
Why Did the Couple Choose North Uist island for Their Elopement?
Margret & Jamie: The beautiful thing about Scotland is that you can legally get married anywhere. We wanted to travel to the Outer Hebrides for the stunning beaches and machair, special wild flower meadows of the isles. It was then a little mix match of where there was availability between the local registrars and our photographer, Maureen.
We wanted a marriage, not a wedding. The fuss, the planing and the chaos around a traditional wedding did not fit with what we wanted. So we eloped and did what we wanted instead of having to think about everyone else on what was to be our day.
Can You Get Legally Married in Scotland?
Margret & Jamie: you can legally get married in Scotland with the correct paperwork to get a license. We had a Civil Ceremony with the local registrar.
What Sustainability Considerations Were Made (if any) For This Elopement in Scotland?
Margret & Jamie: Our rings where made from recycled materials by Scottish jeweller. We also chose a local photographer and a local florist who incorporated wildflowers into the bouquet. I would say a big part was we didn’t need much and what we chose, we chose with care and with supporting the local community in mind.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Scotland into Their Elopement?
Margret & Jamie: Jamie is Scottish so he of course wore a kilt. We also had a handfasting ceremony and ‘tied the know’. Other than that it was mostly complimented by the beautiful local nature on North Uist.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Scotland During June?
Margret & Jamie: It was perfect. The flowers were in bloom and we were really fortunate with the weather.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement On North Uist island?
Margret & Jamie: Ask the locals. We had the great help of our photographer, Maureen. She was also our private tour guide for the day and showing us her favorite spots and capturing some amazing moments from the day.
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Margret & Jamie: It was just us and our dog. I can’t see how more personal it can get.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Scotland, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Margret & Jamie: Getting married legally in Scotland requires you to get a license. Part of the license is to put a notice of marriage up for 28 days, and on the 29th you can get married. I had to have some documentation sent from another country so it was slightly stressful to try to get everything there. We also ended our travels on getting married and had to take the final ferry from Lewis & Harris to North Uist the day before but we got bumped to the following day! We got to move it forward a day instead and thus had more time to explore the lovely North Uist and try their local gin.
What Advice Would the Couple Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Scotland?
Margret & Jamie; Consider the unexpected like the weather or ferry delays. Having a help from a few locals is also brilliant.
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Margret & Jamie: The five promises that our registrar read out as part of the ceremony. We hadn’t much reach the script of the ceremony and those promises were just so beautiful and heart warming.
Why Is North Uist One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Margret & Jamie: Scotland as a whole is so beautiful and full of amazing places. All of which could be your wedding venue, so to speak. The Outer Hebrides, and North Uist, are blessed with so many beautiful white sand beaches and then there is a stark contrast in the landscape. It felt close and intimate. It’s such an extraordinary experience to come to a white sand beach and we were alone. We felt no rush. There was no one about. It was a peaceful, loving moment wrapped in nature.
