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Interview with Highland Country Weddings
continued from part 1
What are some of the most requested sites in Scotland for wedding ceremonies?
Ancient castles! There are over 3,000 ancient castles and fortified houses in Scotland - some are ruined castles, some are privately owned and are let out for wedding parties, some are converted into luxury spa hotels and others are bought up by Historic Scotland or the National Trust - there are a huge variety from which to choose! We have visited a fair number of these (and are continually looking at 'new' venues) and can recommend those that are truly special and match up to the desires of the bride and groom. If you want a medieval castle surrounded by mountains and lochs and with an ancient Inn just down the road filled with local Scots, then we would advise a castle in the Highlands of Scotland. If you prefer to be close to or in a large city and want luxury pampering, then we would advise on choosing a castle or other special venue in Edinburgh perhaps, in the South.
Is it difficult for non-residents to get married in Scotland? What are the wedding regulations for non-residents?
Scotland is one of the easiest places to get married, because there are no residency requirements, unlike with most other countries in Europe. For couples coming from the States/Canada, they are required to apply to their local British Consulate for a 'marriage visa' - this is a very straightforward process and usually takes five days to acquire. Once obtained they then submit a copy of this along with the required marriage paperwork, to the registrar's office in Scotland. The required marriage paperwork consists of a simple form (M10 form) together with a birth certificate and if appropriate, divorce decree. For further Q+A on legal paperwork issues, visit http://www.highlandcountryweddings.co.uk/faq.htm The legal paperwork process takes place from 3 months to 2 weeks before the wedding.
In every case, HCW will advise on the legal paperwork process – including information on which paperwork to mail, and to which Registrar's office. HCW will liaise with government officials and will also forward payment to the Registrar, therefore saving the bride & groom any hassle in trying to obtain a bankers draft or cheque in pounds sterling.
Can you suggest any Scottish wedding traditions that couples can incorporate into their nuptials?
Celtic hand-fasting - which can be incorporated into any ceremony. The couple usually exchanges vows and rings. They then have a ribbon or cord placed over their hands, thus binding them together. They usually each read a declaration of their love for each other, and their hopes for a future together. It really is lovely to do this and very personal and wonderfully moving for those who are attending such a ceremony. Often this is accompanied with lighting the unity candle (celtic design as
well!)
A Piper is also a must for a Scottish wedding - the piper usually pipes the bride down the aisle and then pipes the married couple back up the aisle at the end of the ceremony. And, usually he will pipe away in the background outside while pictures are being taken, often letting children try on his impressive hat and attempt to play the pipes. And, of course, the piper will often pipe the married couple to the reception table and at cutting the cake ceremony. Pipers also rarely refuse a wee dram of whisky before they leave the wedding party!
'Scottish tablet' is a traditional sweet often taken with coffee and tea at the end of the banquet (or presented in favor boxes as gifts) - it is a mouth watering sweet buttery fudge often laced with whisky. Delicious!
Scottish heather in a buttonhole or in a bouquet, is also traditional and said to be a token of good luck
The quaich (pronounce "quake") or 'loving cup' is often a traditional part of the Scottish wedding ceremony too - a silver plated or pewter engraved cup with 2 handles, filled with whisky or other such drink for both the bride and groom to drink from - a symbol of shared love and partnership. The quaich is often also given as a gift or favor to all the wedding guests at the 'top table'.
Kilts made from different tartans are almost a must too at Scottish wedding ceremonies. Often the men will wear the family tartan.
Jewellery - the Luckenbooth - This Scottish brooch, made of engraved silver in the shape of a heart (or two entwined hearts) is worn as a symbol of a 'love token' or betrothal brooch. Sometimes there is a crown added to this. The heart (love) and crown (loyalty) both appear on the claddagh ring too (a Celtic silver heart ring clasped by 2 hands with a crown). Luckenbooth brooches date back to the 19th century. Sometimes the brooch was pinned to the couple's firstborn's blanket as a good luck charm. Luckenbooths are usually worn by women.
Castle weddings are becoming increasingly popular. How would you describe the romantic ambiance that a castle setting provides as opposed to other wedding venues?
A Scottish Castle sets the scene for one of the most special and romantic days you will ever encounter. Imagine your arrival at your chosen castle, the day before your wedding... you drive up to the historic building with turrets and towers and view the surrounding and breathtaking scenery. When you check in to the four poster bridal suite, adorned with luxurious and ancient materials, you are warmly welcomed to the castle and invited to treat it as your home for the next couple of nights. Each and every castle has its own special characteristics and features, but most of them provide you with hundreds of years worth of history (often you can trace back your own ancestry to have a link somewhere over the years), the Great Hall with long tables where many a banquet took place, an armoury full of swords, helmets and many battle artifacts, spiral staircases leading into the turrets where you have to lower your head to avoid banging it on the low doorways! Grand staircases, high vaulted ceilings, candlelight ceremonies in the private chapel and much more - a castle in Scotland is the epitome of romance. And, for once in your life you can truly be a princess in your castle.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about Highland Country Weddings?
HCW has expanded into wedding travel with a website that searches through hundreds of airline carriers, hotel websites e.g. hotels.com and other discount travel companies like travelocity, to come up with the best prices and deals. It saves everyone a lot of time by having everything on one site. It also has a free bridal website page as well as a Honeymoon Bridal Registry. Internet Guide to Wedding Travel .
A new website is also in the making which will be about 'everything you need to know about having a wedding in Scotland' - from the legal paperwork issue to Scottish ceremonial traditions. The website will be non commercial and will be review based - straight from the people who have had their weddings in Scotland, so very informative and unbiased. Due for completion by end of December 2007.
Honeymoon in Scotland - Itinerary Planning. Do you want to experience the REAL Scotland? HCW has recently teamed up with a former officer of the 'King's Own Scottish Borders' who has since written 2 guide books on Scotland and is also a member of the Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board. You will truly receive the most current and best information from one of the most 'passionate about Scotland' people we know! You are guaranteed to visit fabulous places both on and off the beaten track, visiting ancient monument, castles, lochs, medieval cities and towns. Sleep in a 400-year-old Inn, an historic Castle or romantic country hotel, dine and
'schmooze' with the locals in their gorgeous pubs and ancient Inns. Your tour is tailor made for you - we just need to know your interests and the time available, and we will fit all this into your budget.
Gifts and Favors - HCW is also currently putting together a comprehensive website on luxury favors from Scotland and Italy.
GIFT OFFER!
And, finally, we at Highland Country Weddings would like to offer a gift for wedding bookings made to us (just mention this article in Lovetripper.com). We will offer you a gift or favors completely free of charge (to the value of 200 Pounds inc. VAT i.e. $400), to be ordered/selected from our new gifts and favors website (shortly to go live!). Please contact Natasha Honan at weddings@hcweddings.com and visit our website at www.highlandcountryweddings.co.uk
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