Scottish Wedding Ideas and Traditions

Our spectacular 5-star hotel in Inverness is the perfect venue for a beautiful Scottish wedding. Originally a 19th-century house, our building has been lovingly restored, with the perfect mix of traditional features and modern design. We’re ideally located in Inverness, on the doorstep of the magnificent Scottish Highlands, and yet well connected by transport links. Our hotel is available to hire exclusively for your wedding party. Welcoming up to 60 guests comfortably in our opulent Riverbank Room, there’s additional space in the courtyard and lush gardens to continue the celebrations. What’s more, luxury accommodation is available onsite for you and all of your guests.

Bride and Groom looking at one another and holding hands — Ness Walk is our stunning 5-star venue, available for exclusive-use weddings

Planning your Scottish wedding from afar

For those planning a wedding from overseas, we can show you around by video call, and we’ll be with you every step of the way to connect you with local suppliers and help plan every detail. When the time finally arrives, we can arrange private transfers to bring you straight here from Inverness Airport. Our dedicated events team is on hand to ensure everything goes smoothly from the moment you get here. Nothing is too much trouble, just ask!

Scottish wedding venue ideas at Ness Walk — Our light-filled Riverbank Room is perfect for your wedding celebrations

Scottish wedding ideas to make your day special

Wedding celebrations in Scotland are rich in tradition. They follow a recognisable format seen in other parts of the world, usually starting with a ceremony, followed by a drinks reception, then a meal and an evening dance. However, there are special customs you can incorporate into the proceedings to add a Scottish twist. Here are some of our Scottish wedding ideas:

Tartan – It’s customary for Scottish men to wear Highland dress at weddings, which includes a tartan kilt. Brides and female guests may also choose to wear a touch of tartan, such as a scarf or ribbon.
Luckenbooth Brooch – A heart-shaped silver brooch gifted between engaged couples as a love token, and could be worn on the wedding day.
Celtic knots – Celtic knots symbolise eternity and interconnection. You can bring knotwork into the wedding decorations, or choose wedding rings with knot designs.
Thistles – Include the Scottish thistle in your wedding bouquets, button holes and flower arrangements.
Bagpipes – A piper often plays traditional Scottish music to welcome guests, as the wedding party walks down the aisle or during the drinks reception.
Handfasting – This is an ancient Celtic tradition, which you can add to the wedding ceremony. The symbolic tying of hands with a cord or ribbon represents the couple’s union.
Oathing Stone – The couple places their hands on a stone while saying their vows to symbolise the strength and permanence of their promises.
Quaich – The wedding couple drink from a two-handled cup called a quaich, symbolising their shared life.
Ceilidh dancing – A lively traditional dance at the evening reception. Features reels, jigs and group dances, often with a live folk band and caller.

Bride's bouquet with white roses and blue thistles — The thistle is the national flower of Scotland, perfect for your wedding flowers!

Start planning your Scottish wedding today

So, contact our wedding planners today and start planning your dream wedding in Scotland. If you are unable to come to us due to distance, we are more than happy to arrange a video call to show you around and answer any questions you may have. Find out more and contact us here.