Gretna Green on the southern border became
a go-to for elopements. Ceremonies by a black-
smith priest took place over an anvil, and still
do today. For a rather more elegant affair,
there's the castle wedding. Restored 13th-
century Eilean Donan Castle, outside the vil-
lage of Dornie, en route to the Isle of Skye, has
proven picturesque enough to host not only
weddings but also films such as 007 's The
World Is Not Enough. Say "I do" on the castle
grounds, which are bound by three lochs and
set against rolling highland hills, then make
your way to a quaint local hotel for a reception,
with bagpipe music echoing in your wake. Pre-
or post-wedding, play a round of golf (Scot-
land is the sport's birthplace, after all), cruise a
loch or sample a wee dram at the Talisker Dis-
tillery. For a list of castles that can be booked
for ceremonies, receptions or photos, visit:
historic-scotland.gov.uk.
Local charm: Of course, there's the kilt. But
other customs include hiding heather in the
bride's bouquet or placing a sixpence coin in
her shoe for good luck.
Good to know: A marriage notice form must be
submitted to the relevant district registrar at least
15 days prior to the wedding ceremony, along
with any applicable birth certifi cates, affi davit or
certificate of no impediment to marriage, and
documentation of divorce, annulment or death of
a former spouse. A marriage schedule must then
be returned to the registrar within three days after
the wedding for registration, so that the couple
can obtain a copy of the marriage certifi cate.
The 13th-century Caerlaverock Castle,
in southern Scotland, can be rented for
ceremonies or photos.
Getting married?
Include CAA Travel on your gift
registry. Our travel consultants
can help you with your
destination wedding planning.
caask.ca/travel/vacation-
packages/weddings
