Simple Guide to Eloping to Skye
Where to start and how to plan your elopement to the isle of skye
You’ve decided to elope to the Isle of Skye, instead of having a big wedding celebration… but don’t know where to start? Eloping is simpler than a big wedding, and I’m here to help you to get it right and make it as easy as possible!
1: Set the Date!
Start off by deciding when you will get married. When you’re looking to elope to Skye, you are deciding to embrace the unpredictable weather! If you choose a winter date, then you’ll find the island quieter and you may see snow! If you want warmer weather then head here in the summer months, and be part of the hustle and bustle when the island is busier.
Choose your location
When you elope to Skye, you really are spoiled for choice with locations! We have rugged mountains, stunning coastline, fairytale castles, spectacular clifftops, beautiful lochs and iconic structures. Take a look through my photorgaphs and read through my blog to see what appeals to you.
Who will be your celebrant?
Choose who will conduct your ceremony. this is a personal choice and will depend upon what sort of ceremony you want to have. To make the marriage legal, your ceremony must be conducted by someone who can perform legally binding marriages. These are; the registrars at the local Registry Office in Portree, Humanist Celebrants, and church ministers.
You’ll find a list of celebrants and other suppliers in my supplier list.
The legal paperwork
Some people opt to get their legal marriage out of the way at home and have a personal ceremony or celebration once here on Skye. Getting married on the Isle of Skye is not complicated but it does require you to complete some paperwork and submit it to authorities within set timescales.
The whole process probably takes less time than you think, but you need to allow up to six weeks. The people who can perform legally binding marriages are the registrars at the local Registry Office in Portree, Humanist Celebrants, and church ministers.
All marriages must be registered and there is lots of useful advice and all the forms you need here on the National Records of Scotland website. It includes information about the timescales you need to allow for, whether you need a marriage visa (essential if you are subject to UK immigration control) and where you need to register.
Book your photographer!
That’s me! Get in touch and we can have a chat about your plans. I am an experienced photographer and I both live and work on the Isle of Skye. This means I have insider information on the best suppliers and some top tips on how to have the best Isle of Skye Elopement!
Book your other suppliers
It is very much up to you, how little or how many other suppliers you want to involve in your big day, Do you want flowers? A fancy car? A bagpiper? food, drink… the list goes on! Or perhaps you are planning a ceremony, photographs and then a lovely few days together to celebrate. Just the two of you.
You decide. It’s your day!
