Elopements
Throughout history Orkney has been a known destination for elopements with both local and visiting couples opting to keep their wedding small, intimate and personal. The buildings and landscape of Orkney are ideally suited to these very special ceremonies with locations varying from 5000-year-old neolithic monuments, via deserted beaches and hidden woodlands, to brand-new eco-friendly distilleries.
The ancient rituals were described in 1784 by Rev Henry "They repaired from this to the stone [known as Wodden’s or Odin’s Stone], and the man being on one side and the woman on the other, they took hold of each other’s right hand through the hole, and there swore to be constant and faithful to each other.".
With the addition of a few modern legalities your elopement in Orkney can be as simple and heartfelt as it was hundreds of years ago.​
What is elopement?
The traditional definition of elopement is “to run away secretly to get married” and that’s still true for some couples, it’s a complete secret from everyone. Many couples though include those closest to them and in modern terms elopement is getting married with just the two of you or a small gathering of family and friends.
Why elope?
The greatest thing about elopements is that the focus is on you as a couple, it’s your special day with the location, the ceremony, the guests, the photographs all exactly as you want them.
If you want a romantic wedding, full of emotion and for everyone there to cry, you can have it. If you want to start your married life laughing at your funniest memories and with your vows including all your personal jokes that no-one else would understand, you can do it.
​It really is the most personal of wedding ceremonies.
Why Orkney?
I’m biased having lived here for 11 years and visited for over 10 years before that, but I think it’s the most beautiful, unspoilt, welcoming, historic, magical place in the world. Orkney maintains a sense of remoteness and mystery that is quite unique, but at the same time is relatively easy to travel to, with an average of 7 flights and 6 ferries from Scotland every day.
The boundary of the North Sea creates a strong community here and Orkney contains an abundance of high-quality services and suppliers to make your elopement extra special and maintain your individuality.
Is it legal?
Absolutely! Since 1754 Scotland’s marriage laws have been more progressive than the rest of the UK, since 2005 Humanist weddings have been legally recognised, and same sex marriages have been legal here since 2014.
If you’re coming from England, Wales or Northern Ireland you don’t need to do anything in your home country, your ceremony in Scotland is legally recognised throughout the UK.
Your wedding ceremony must be witnessed by 2 people over the age of 16. Don’t worry if you’re not having any guests, if you’re having a photographer they can be one witness, and I have friends who are always delighted to act as your witnesses if needed.
I will also guide you through the paperwork you submit electronically from 3 months to 29 days before your marriage and you will return home legally married!
Why me?
I’m a registered celebrant with Humanist Society Scotland which means I’m permanently authorised to conduct legal ceremonies in any location that is safe and dignified, with the land-owner’s permission. I love all weddings, but I particularly love elopements, starting from a blank page, telling your love story and all the little steps it’s taken to reach this point of marriage. I’ll work with you to craft the ceremony you want and reflects the couple that you are.
And we’ll have fun through the whole process, I laugh a lot, mostly at myself. We have an initial chat before you book so we can suss each other out, and I provide guidance on vows, readings and the content of your ceremony. I can advise on locations and, if you require them, contacts for photography, accommodation, restaurants, tour guides, wedding rings, flowers, cake, and any little extras to make the day uniquely yours and uniquely Orcadian.
We don’t live in the UK can we elope to Orkney?
Yes, the legalities vary from country to country so please get in touch to discuss.