If you’re interested in exploring your heritage and honoring Scottish traditions at your elopement here are a few that I think would be perfect to modernize. 

Drinking from the Quaich (also called the loving cup) is the act of holding a silver bowl with your partner and each drinking from it. The best part? Typically this bowl is filled with whiskey, however you can fill it with anything- including water.

Wearing  a Kilt: Kilts are significant in Scottish history and tradition as a sign of respect and reverence to a certain event. Kilts are also patterned specifically for a family and passed down through that family. Much like a family crest, there’s a family tartan pattern. 

There’s always the blackening which involves planning the kidnapping of the groom/marrier, taking himself somewhere quiet and then dousing him in raw chicken eggs and feathers- all before the elopement of course. You could always switch out the chicken bits for water or turn it into an escape game or scavenger hunt.

Bagpipes: In Scottish traditions the sounds are a representation of home, and are commonly used in elopements. Home, in such a faraway place, grounds us in such stressful moments, when you feel lost and in love. You can often find a bagpiper willing to meet you at your elopement ceremony to play for the “walk down the aisle” or as a send-off. 

Nothing is more important than the feeling of love. One of the Scottish traditions, which has led to many elopements taking place over the seas and on their shores and cliffs, is that you just marry when you are old enough and the love is strong enough. There’s no better reason to commit to someone.

If you’re interested in an elopement highlighted with tradition come holler at me! 

Though I’m based in TN, I travel all over capturing true love with my people. You don’t need to head over to the Scottish Coast- though I wouldn’t be opposed if ya did- to have an elopement focused on Scottish traditions. 

Places To Elope Reminiscent of The Scottish Country Side In The USA:

Glenlaurel, Hocking Hills, Ohio

Bannerman Castle, Near New York City

Ecola State Park

Haystack Rock

Canon Beach

Peter Iredale Shipwreck

Coal Creek Falls

Oceanside Beach