7 Brilliant Advantages of a Wee Wedding in Scotland

Big weddings are grand, but have you ever considered the charm of a “wee wedding”? Think intimate, personal, and—let’s be honest—less faff. Whether it’s in your granny’s garden, the pub where you met, or your own cosy living room, here are seven reasons why a small wedding might just be the best decision you ever make (other than saying ‘I do’, of course!).

1. You Save a Fortune (More Money for the Honeymoon!)

Large weddings can cost the equivalent of a small castle, but a wee wedding? That’s a budget-friendly dream! Spend less on chair covers and canapés, and more on a spectacular honeymoon—or even a deposit on a house. Imagine sipping cocktails in the Maldives instead of stressing over a seating plan.

2. Less Stress, More Fun

Fewer guests mean fewer logistics. No need to wrangle a hundred people into a group photo or worry about distant relatives falling out over the chicken or fish. A wee wedding means you actually get to enjoy your day instead of micromanaging it.

3. The Venue Can Be Somewhere Truly Meaningful

Why book an expensive venue when you can say your vows in the pub where you had your first date? Or in your best friend’s garden, under fairy lights? A small wedding lets you choose a place that actually means something to you, rather than a generic wedding hall that smells faintly of stress and Prosecco.

4. Everyone Actually Gets to Speak to Each Other

At a big wedding, you spend half the day nodding politely at distant cousins you’ve never met. A wee wedding means real conversations, proper belly laughs, and an actual chance to soak in the love. No need for awkward introductions when everyone already knows each other!

5. The Food Can Be Exactly What You Want

Forget the mass-produced chicken supreme! With a small wedding, you can have fish and chips, a barbecue, or even a takeaway from your favourite curry house. One couple even got married in their living room and ordered in pizza—pure genius!

6. No Obligatory Plus-Ones or Distant Relatives

No offence to your mum’s work colleague’s daughter, but does she really need to be there? A small wedding gives you permission to invite only the people who truly matter. No guilt, no awkward small talk, just your nearest and dearest celebrating with you.

7. It’s Unique, Personal, and Unforgettable

Big weddings can sometimes feel a bit “copy and paste”—same structure, same routine. But a wee wedding? That’s all about you. Whether it’s a DIY setup in your house, a surprise elopement, or a handfasting in your pal’s garden, your day will be one-of-a-kind.

Final Thought

A wee wedding isn’t just a budget-friendly option—it’s a chance to have a day that’s all about love, laughter, and zero stress. So whether you’re tying the knot in a tiny cottage, your favourite pub, or your own back garden, remember: size doesn’t matter, but memories do!

For more about Wee Weddings Click Here!

Legal or not?

In Scotland, tying the knot, or getting married, is a legal process governed by specific regulations.

The differences between a non-legal and legal wedding are very specific and the ceremony needs to reflect this. As a celebrant I cannot stand in front of guest and an any way ‘pretend’ a wedding is legal if it is not.

To make it legal I need to have the schedule issued by the Registrar of Scotland and the date and venue must be correct. If there are any discrepancies I would phone the Registry office of who issued the schedule and they would decide if the wedding would, or should not go ahead.

These are not decisions we can make because that is Scots law!

Here’s a summary of the key points regarding marriage in Scotland:

Legal Weddings:

Age: Both parties must be at least 16 years old.
Capacity: Both parties must have the mental capacity to understand the nature of the marriage.
Notice of Marriage: Notice must be given to the registrar at least 29 days before the intended date of marriage.
Residency: No residency requirement for marriage, but notice must be given to the registrar in the district where the marriage will take place.
Documentation: Both parties must provide documentation including birth certificates, passports, and, if applicable, divorce or death certificates from previous marriages.
Consent: Both parties must freely consent to the marriage.
Prohibited Degrees of Relationship: Parties cannot be closely related by blood or adoption.

Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is issued following the ceremony, confirming the legal status of the marriage.

During the ceremony, both parties must declare that they accept each other as legally married in the presence of the celebrant and two witnesses.

If you have any specific questions about the legalities or processes related to marriage in Scotland, feel free to ask!

To find out more about how to become a celebrant click here!

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