How to plan a small, intimate wedding in Scotland
Are you dreaming of a small, luxury wedding in Scotland, enveloped by breathtaking landscapes and filled with heartwarming personal details?
Scotland, with its spectacular highland vistas, historic castles and lush greenery, is the perfect setting for such a special life event - and has become a popular backdrop for intimate weddings of 20-30 guests.
As seasoned wedding planners specialising in luxurious Scottish nuptials, we’ve shared our advice and considerations on how to plan a small, intimate wedding in Scotland so you can gather inspiration and make your dream wedding a reality…
Only invite your VIp’s
One of the essentials when it comes to planning a small, intimate wedding in Scotland is being selective with your guest list, which can have multiple benefits for both you and your guests. Firstly, it ensures that the atmosphere remains intimate and makes every guest feel a part of your celebration - adding to the exclusivity factor of a luxury wedding. Not only that, it gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with each guest on the day, creating cherished memories and a more enjoyable day.
Scotland is also an idyllic setting for an exclusive ceremony and refined guestlist, as the more remote but popular wedding locations such as Isle of Skye, Glencoe and The Highlands often only have smaller venues to offer, with breathtaking scenery to add to the intimate atmosphere.
We know that keeping your guest list concise can be tricky, but if an intimate wedding is what you aspire to have, remember that this day is about celebrating your love story. Instead of feeling pressured to invite every acquaintance or distant relative, focus on the most important people in your life – the ones who hold a special place in your heart and have played a significant role in your journey as a couple.
If you wish to share the magic of your wedding day while keeping your special day reserved for your closest loved ones, investing in a high quality videographer on the day can help to capture the occasion for sharing with a wider audience later.
Splurge on your must-haves or plan some special extras
A smaller guest list means you can choose to allocate more of your budget per guest, and gives you the financial freedom to spend more on other aspects of your big day. You could spend more on the essentials to elevate your wedding day into a luxurious day to remember. For instance, hiring a premium photographer and videographer to make sure every moment is beautifully captured, or statement floral arrangements to add an extra wow factor to your venue.
Alternatively, you could use your extra budget to indulge in some special extras that you perhaps wouldn’t be able to consider if your guest list was larger. Think spectacular firework displays, luxury transportation - like a vintage car or horse-drawn carriage - an owl ring bearer or even a lavish tasting menu for your wedding breakfast. A more modest guest list gives you the opportunity to spend your budget on making your wedding day truly memorable and, with the help of an experienced wedding planner, the sky really is the limit.
Choose your dream location and accommodation
To make a small, intimate wedding in Scotland memorable, you want to choose a beautiful location that will impress your guests and set the scene for an unforgettable day. Scotland is renowned for its rugged beauty and is home to some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the world. Despite it being a relatively small country, there are so many breathtaking wedding locations to choose from which can make it tricky to decide.
You could choose from one of the many historic castles for a fairytale setting, or a landmark in the capital such as Edinburgh Castle, the Signet Library or the Royal College of Physicians. Alternatively, you could incorporate the stunning landscapes Scotland has to offer with a scenic countryside backdrop, such as the prestigious Gleneagles Hotel or overlooking one of Scotland’s serene lochs. The options really are endless, so consider what feels most aligned with your taste as a couple.
For a high-end wedding, you might also want to check that your venue is available to book for exclusive use, to ensure that your day isn’t crowded by members of the public and keeps your special day intimate. Scotland is home to a number of exclusive use castles and stately homes which operate on a self-catered basis, perfect for an intimate wedding of around 30 people. Alternatively, you could arrange luxury accommodation for your guests as this adds an exclusive touch and ensures there is someone to cater to your guests' every need.
Hire a Wedding Planner
It’s a common misconception that a smaller wedding will be more straightforward to organise, however, a more modest guest list can unlock an array of options when it comes to choosing your venue or how to spend your budget and making sure your special day is high-end, which can be difficult to decide or achieve without an expert opinion.
Hiring a wedding planner is often a game-changer - even for a small wedding - as it takes a lot of the stress away and ensures that your special day is the intimate wedding in Scotland you’ve always dreamed of.
With years of experience and a deep knowledge of the local vendors and venues, a wedding planner can guide you smoothly through the planning process so the entire experience is more enjoyable - and is especially useful if you’re not a Scottish native. A good planner will ensure every detail, from the floral arrangements to the menu, resonates with your vision and exceeds your expectations.
Add personalised details
Personalised details and special touches are what can truly set your luxury wedding apart, and is more realistic with a smaller guest list. Not only that, personalised elements help to create the intimate, meaningful wedding experience you’ve dreamed of, both for you and your guests.
Don't be afraid to dream big here; think custom-made invitations, high-end cutlery and crockery, personalised favours and a unique wedding cake designed just for you. You could also give a nod to the Scottish backdrop of your nuptials by incorporating the family tartan into your décor or creating table settings that reflect your Scottish heritage. Adding luxurious styling details gives more depth to the look and feel of your special day - and, in smaller quantities, bespoke designs are more affordable and accessible than for large scale weddings.
These personal touches that marry the location with your love story are what makes a wedding day even more special and unforgettable, so don’t forget to think of the small ways you can personalise your big day.
Combine luxury with relaxation
A small, intimate wedding can evoke a more relaxed atmosphere, but this doesn’t have to take away the luxury you’re looking to infuse - in fact, the most memorable luxury weddings often combine sophistication with comfort. Choose a serene Scottish lakeside or a tranquil garden setting to create a peaceful ambiance. Opt for soft, ambient lighting, gentle live music, or even a string quartet playing in the background for added elegance.
For a small wedding of 20-30 guests, you can get creative with your seating layout to create an intimate atmosphere with your nearest and dearest - such as a horseshoe seating arrangement for the ceremony or one large banquet table for the wedding breakfast.
Consider offering plush seating areas or cosy lounges where guests can relax and soak in the breathtaking surroundings. Remember, luxury doesn't always shout; sometimes, it's found in the quiet, refined moments that make your guests feel pampered and at ease.
Planning a small, intimate wedding in Scotland may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and the help of experienced professionals, you can create a beautiful, luxurious event that reflects your love story. Whether you dream of a historic castle wedding or a meaningful ceremony amidst Scotland's stunning landscapes, the possibilities are endless.