The Beach Blog
- annearmstrongceleb
- Sep 13
- 5 min read
Want to get married on a beach in Scotland?
Why not? Here’s how…
Ever fancied getting married on a beach in Scotland? With over 6,000 miles of coastline (and that’s not including all the lovely Scottish islands), you are spoilt for choice.
Not only that, but Scotland’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the world, and you’ll often have them all to yourself.
AND, thanks to the enlightened marriage laws north of the border, where you can get wed practically anywhere, including the legal bit with a celebrant like me – it’s an easy thing to do.
There are things to consider, of course, but if it’s something you’ve always dreamed of: get planning!
Scotland enjoyed some lovely spells of warm and sunny weather in the spring and summer of 2025. This is not always the case, admittedly, but I’ve officiated some gorgeous coastal weddings this year, where the weather was the ideal extra guest everyone wanted.
I’ve also been reflecting on my favourite beach weddings in my time as a celebrant, and what made those ones so special.
Beach weddings, or very-close-to-beach nuptials have taken me to some beautiful parts of the country, including the island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, and all along the Solway coast, from Powfoot to Garlieston.
Being based in Dumfries & Galloway, I never tire of trips to the coast, from the flatter expanses of sand in the east to the rockier outcrops of the west.
I spent many happy childhood days with my grandad at Powfoot near Annan, where I grew up, and as an Agnostic Scotland (www.agnosticscotland.org) marriage celebrant, I’ve now enjoyed exploring wonderful locations all along the Solway coast, and beyond, for wedding ceremonies.
So, what do you need to think about when planning a beach wedding ceremony?
Some top tips:
Always have a Plan B – it’s wonderful when the weather goes your way, but this is Scotland. It might not. And it’s not just rain you have to think about – beaches can be VERY windy places.
Noting tip number one, think about the season you want to get married in. Beach weddings are without doubt easier in spring and summer, and perhaps early autumn.
Who owns the beach? Will you need permission to marry there? Do check this out.
Check the tide times!
How will you get to the beach? Will your guests manage too? Appropriate footwear is a must. Save the heels for later.
Parasols or hats – good for sunshine and showers.
Do you need any seating? Will any decorative touches, such as flowers, be ok in windy conditions?
A little celebration there too, or just the ceremony? Any extra festivities may need many more lists….
Will you leave no trace – just your footprints?
Sand may get everywhere…..
Some of the best beach weddings I’ve officiated have been small and intimate affairs – it is possible to plan a bigger occasion, of course, but that takes things to a whole other level, and may need extra help (such as a wedding planner, or a venue with its own beach).
A few of my favourite beach love stories…
My first beach wedding, in 2023, took me to Islay for Ashley and Ian’s nuptials. They came from the USA, but have close family ties to the island. The sun shone beautifully in early June, for a ceremony on the Seven Sands which featured a handfasting. They continued the celebrations with close family at The Machrie, the hotel beside the beach, and we toasted the marriage with a quaich ceremony after dinner.
When Hamish & Sam moved to Garlieston on the Galloway coast, they knew they wanted to get married at home. They did just that – turning their garden – a stone’s throw from the beach – into a magical ceremony space and outdoor venue. The sun shone in early September, and it worked like a dream.
Cally has been coming to Cardoness, near Gatehouse of Fleet, with her family since she was a child, and tiny Cardoness Chapel above the bay was the perfect spot to marry Chris. The little chapel, perched on a rocky outcrop above the beach, was a beautiful backdrop as their families gathered on the beach below. Their spring ceremony incorporated an oathing stone ritual featuring a special shell found only on the shore there, and a poem about the chapel by local writer, Mary Smith. We signed the papers inside the 18th century chapel, overlooking Fleet Bay.
Rachel & Alex had a dream of getting married on the shell beach at Kippford, and on a beautifully sunny July day, they did just that, with close family and friends looking on. Their beloved dog, George, was the perfect ring bearer, and we incorporated a sand ceremony and oathing stone rituals, plus beautiful readings and heartfelt personal vows into the ceremony, before heading off to the garden of their holiday house to celebrate. Rachel and her family have been visiting Kippford and Rockcliffe for many years, and return often.
Another island adventure took me to Bute this summer, where Emma & Charlie were married on the beach at Scalpsie Bay, looking over to Arran, in perfect sunny conditions. They wanted their son to be involved throughout the ceremony, and we did that with a sand ritual and handfasting, as well as lovely words and stories. They celebrated with a wonderful beach picnic afterwards, arranged by Sarah and Garry from Wild Scottish Weddings (www.wildscottishweddings.com), who helped plan and put together this fabulous day.
Just a couple of days later, I was back in Dumfries & Galloway, in Carsethorn, for Becca & Jim’s sunny ceremony in Becca’s dad’s garden next to the beach. Many of the village houses here have gardens across the road on the shore, and make wonderful ceremony spots (this was my second such Carsethorn wedding). Becca and Jim incorporated lots of fab readings, plus handfasting with their vows, and toasted their marriage with prosecco rosé in the quaich. Another amazing day on the Galloway coast.
So: is a beach wedding worth it?
When it all comes together, a beach (or near-the-beach) wedding in Scotland is hard to beat. Bringing half the beach home with you in your shoes just adds to the joy.
With love,
Anne xx
