A LOCAL'S GUIDE
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES
Planning a wedding on an island is different, and that's part of the magic. Ferries, tides and a small number of wonderful local suppliers all need a little more thought than a wedding on the mainland. I've lived in the Bays of Harris for many years and spent over two decades at weddings across Harris and Lewis, so this is the guide I wish every couple had when they first get in touch.
Whether you're dreaming of a barefoot elopement on Luskentyre, a quiet ceremony on a clifftop, or a celebration with all your family at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle or Lews Castle, there’s somewhere in the Outer Hebrides that will feel like yours
In this guide you'll find information about getting legally married in Scotland. the best venues and beaches, trusted local suppliers, places to stay, and how to get here
THE LEGAL SIDE
GETTING LEGALLY MARRIED IN SCOTLAND
In Scotland, you can legally marry at almost any indoor or outdoor location, including a beach, clifftop or the garden of your holiday cottage, provided your ceremony is conducted by an authorised celebrant or registrar.
GIVING NOTICE
Submit your marriage notice forms to the registrar for the area where you're marrying no later than 29 days before your wedding. In practice, it's best to allow around 10 to 12 weeks, particularly if you're travelling from outside the UK. The Harris registration office is in Tarbert (01859 502367, registrars@cne-siar.gov.uk), and I'll guide you through what's needed.
WITNESSES FOR ELOPEMENTS
Every wedding in Scotland needs two witnesses aged 16 or over. If you're eloping just the two of you, don't worry. You could bring two friends or family members, ask your photographer or another supplier on the day, or ask me, and I can help you find local people who are happy to act as witnesses.
MY TRAINING AND AUTHORISATION
I trained through UKCAPSA and hold a Celebrant and Public Speaking Diploma. I work with the Fuze Foundation, an authorised belief body registered with the National Records of Scotland.
I am currently working towards my own authorisation under Section 9 of the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977. In the meantime, Fuze applies to the National Records of Scotland for temporary authorisation under Section 12 for each legal wedding I take on. Once granted, this authorisation allows me to legally solemnise that particular marriage.
Fuze also has a backup system in place, so if temporary authorisation were ever not granted, another authorised Fuze celebrant would conduct the legal ceremony.
NOT GETTING LEGALLY MARRIED?
VOW RENEWALS, SYMBOLIC WEDDINGS AND NAMING CEREMONIES
Not every ceremony needs paperwork. If you've already married at home or abroad, want to renew your vows, or would like to welcome a new baby into the family, I create personal, heartfelt ceremonies that can take place anywhere on Harris and Lewis, on any day you choose.
With no legal forms or notice periods, they're simple to arrange, and just as meaningful.
WHERE TO MARRY
WEDDING VENUES ON HARRIS AND LEWIS
Whether you're dreaming of an intimate ceremony in a clifftop house, a beach wedding followed by dinner, or a celebration with all your family in a castle, Harris and Lewis have some truly special places to marry. These are the venues I know and love.
Scarista House
Isle of Harris
A Georgian house overlooking Scarista beach, known for its wonderful food.
Talla Na Mara
Isle of Harris
A light-filled community venue on the west coast, with views out to Taransay.
Lews Castle
Isle of Lewis
A Victorian castle set in wooded grounds above Stornoway harbour.
Caberfeidh
Isle of Lewis
A welcoming Stornoway hotel, ideal for larger celebrations and travelling guests.
Rodel Church
Isle of Harris
A medieval church at the southern tip of Harris, full of history and quiet.
Callanish Stones
Isle of Lewis
Ancient standing stones around 5,000 years old, for a ceremony like no other.
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle
Isle of Harris
A Victorian castle by the sea in North Harris, available for exclusive use.
The Harris Hotel
Isle of Harris
A historic, family-run hotel in Tarbert, at the heart of island life.
BEACH WEDDINGS AND ELOPEMENTS
MARRY ON THE BEACHES OF HARRIS
Harris has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and I know them well. After more than sixteen years photographing this landscape, I know where to stand, when the tide is right and where to shelter if the wind picks up.
A beach ceremony here can be as simple as the two of you, barefoot on white sand, or a gathering of family on the machair with a piper. We'll plan around the tides and the light, and always have a sheltered backup ready.
LUSKENTYRE or SEILEBOST
Wide white sands and turquoise water looking out to Taransay. Especially beautiful for an elopement
HORGABOST or BORVE
Sheltered bays close to the road, easy for guests and families with little ones or older relatives.
SCARISTA
A long sweep of sand beneath the hills, just minutes from Scarista House for dinner afterwards.
HUISINISH or UIG
At the end of a winding road in North Harris, or across on the west of Lewis. Remote, quiet and wild.
WHERE TO STAY
Places to Stay on Harris and Lewis
Where you stay becomes part of the story of your wedding. Waking up to the sound of the sea, walking the beach before breakfast. Here are a few places I know and love.
HARRIS HIDEAWAY
West Harris · For two
Built into the clifftop with a turf roof and views to Taransay. Sauna, wave bath and outdoor copper tub.
GNEISS HOUSE
Quidinish, Harris · For two
A luxurious home for two at a quiet road end. Big windows, a sauna and a wood-burning stove.
SCARISTA BOTHY
Scarista, West Harris · For two
A hand-crafted luxury bothy moments from Scarista beach. Simple, special and perfect for an elopement.
ORAN NA MARA
South Harris · Luxurious
A thatched stone cottage looking across the machair to a white sand beach. Romantic and timeless.
FLODABAY FARM
Bays of Harris · Adults only
Award-winning chalet and B&B on a 50 acre farm, with a hot tub looking out to Skye.
FINSBAY LODGES
Bays of Harris · Families
Tucked into the rocky Bays of Harris. A peaceful base for families and friends.
THE SHEEP STATION
South Harris · For two
Stylish contemporary houses with big windows and wide views. Perfect for couples
CEOL NA MARA
Near Tarbert · Five star B&B
A five star guest house overlooking Loch Kindebig, a mile from the Tarbert ferry.
Hotels: The Harris Hotel and Hotel Hebrides in Tarbert are close to the ferry, while Scarista House overlooks the beach on the west coast. On Lewis, the Caberfeidh Hotel in Stornoway suits larger groups
A few tips: book as early as you can, especially between May and September, as many places book up a year ahead. Stay close to your ceremony location, as single-track roads take longer than you expect. If you'd like recommendations for your date, just ask me.
Trusted Local Suppliers
Onboard Hebrides
Catering, grazing and wedding planning
Rosemary from Onboard Hebrides is my go-to recommendation for couples who want beautiful food and a calm, organised day.
Based on the Isle of Lewis, she offers everything from luxury grazing tables and bespoke wedding catering to elopement picnics, retreat and event hosting.
Rosemary knows all the local suppliers across the Outer Hebrides and can help plan your whole celebration from start to finish. Fully insured and registered, and wonderful to work alongside.
Elopement picnics
Bespoke catering
Wedding buffets
Sweet treats
GOOD TO KNOW
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR YOUR ISLAND WEDDING
The little things that make a big difference. Click on each question to find out more, and if there's anything else you'd like to know, just ask me.
Getting to Harris
By ferry, CalMac sails from Uig on Skye to Tarbert, from Ullapool to Stornoway on Lewis, and from Berneray to Leverburgh if you're travelling through the Uists. By air, there are flights into Stornoway from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness, and Tarbert is about an hour's drive from there. Having a car makes getting around much easier, particularly if you're staying outside the main villages.. Ferry spaces for vehicles fill up quickly in summer, so book as soon as your date is set.
Best time of year
May to September brings long, light evenings, and in midsummer it barely gets dark at all. Spring and early autumn are quieter, with beautiful soft light and fewer visitors. Winter weddings are wild and romantic, with dramatic skies, but days are short and ferries can be disrupted by storms, so it's worth building in a little extra time.
Sundays on the islands
Sunday is traditionally a quiet day here. Many shops, cafés and services close, and some ferries and buses run reduced timetables. It's worth planning supplies and travel around it.
Weather and backup plans
The weather can change in minutes, often from rain to bright sunshine and back again. We'll always plan a sheltered option for your ceremony, and the light after a shower is often the most beautiful of the day.
Midges
Midges are mostly a summer thing on still, damp evenings. A sea breeze usually keeps them away, but it's worth packing repellent, especially for evening photographs.
Mobile signal
Signal can be patchy in places, particularly on beaches and in the hills. Share timings and directions with your guests in advance rather than relying on phones on the day.
GET IN TOUCH
LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR DAY
Every ceremony I create starts with a conversation. Tell me a little about yourselves, your date if you have one, and the places you're dreaming of, and I'll get back to you personally.
There's no obligation and no rush. Whether you're still dreaming or ready to book, I'd love to hear from you.
Already know your date and ready to book? Bookings are made through Fuze Ceremonies, the celebrant organisation I'm authorised with. Check my availability and book here.