

Are you dreaming of a deeply personal and intimate elopement in the wild beauty of Scotland? Imagine saying your vows with the towering mountains of Glencoe as your backdrop, celebrating with a traditional handfasting ceremony, just like Nikki and Ritchie did in their summer wedding. Scotland is not only a place of breathtaking landscapes but also rich in cultural traditions, including the ancient ritual of handfasting, which can add a meaningful, symbolic touch to your special day.
Nikki and Ritchie’s outdoor handfasting elopement in Glencoe is the perfect inspiration if you’re seeking a unique, heart-centered wedding ceremony.
Let’s explore how to incorporate this beautiful Scottish tradition into your elopement and answer some common questions about handfasting ceremonies.
Yes, handfasting can be part of a legally recognised wedding ceremony in Scotland!
In fact, Scotland is one of the few places in the world where couples can legally marry outdoors, anywhere, as long as the celebrant is authorised. You can combine the symbolic handfasting ritual with your legal vows, creating a ceremony that’s as spiritual and personal as it is official.
But the handfasting itself doesn’t constitute the legal part of the marriage; it’s a symbolic gesture. Your celebrant will guide you through the legal requirements – such as signing the marriage schedule – but the beauty of a Scottish elopement is that you can tailor the ceremony to reflect your love story, including ancient rituals like handfasting.
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual that dates back to pre-Christian times. It involves tying the couple’s hands together with cords or ribbons, symbolizing the binding of their lives and destinies. This practice was once used in Scotland and Ireland to symbolize betrothal or a temporary union, known as “trial marriages,” until more formal marriage ceremonies could take place.
Today, handfasting is often incorporated into modern weddings as a powerful symbol of love and commitment. It’s a visually striking and emotional moment in any ceremony, making it a perfect addition to elopements, especially in a place like Scotland, where the tradition has its roots.
One of the most popular options for couples eloping in Scotland is to work with a humanist celebrant. Humanist celebrants are fully licensed to conduct legal weddings in Scotland and are known for creating deeply personal and meaningful ceremonies. They will often incorporate symbolic rituals like handfasting at the couple’s request.
Nikki and Ritchie worked with a humanist celebrant for their Glencoe elopement, who guided them through the handfasting ritual, helping them choose the right vows and cords that represented their personalities and relationship. Humanist celebrants are great at working closely with couples to ensure the ceremony reflects their unique journey together.
It’s important to choose a celebrant who understands how to guide you in creating a deeper connection during the handfasting, such as pulling the cords together to form a symbolic knot, rather than simply tying a cord around your hands. This technique creates a beautiful visual moment where the couple actively participates in “tying the knot,” representing their unity.
The celebrant can also explain the symbolism of each step and help you choose the type of knot that resonates with your relationship. Look for a celebrant who has experience with these kinds of rituals and can guide you in a meaningful way, creating a ceremony that’s not only symbolic but deeply emotional.
My recommended Scottish celebrants offering handfasting ceremonies are:
If you’re thinking of including a handfasting ceremony in your elopement, there are a few ways to make it even more personal:
If you’ve watched Outlander, you’ve likely seen a handfasting ceremony in action!
The TV series, set in Scotland, famously featured the ritual in the wedding of Jamie and Claire. In this romantic scene, their hands were bound together with a cloth as they declared their love and commitment to one another.
Many couples who are fans of Outlander are drawn to Scotland for their wedding or elopement, in part because of the show’s portrayal of the country’s rich history and traditions. A handfasting ceremony is a perfect way to bring a touch of Outlander magic into your own special day.
Eloping in Scotland offers a chance to experience both the wild beauty of the landscape and the timeless romance of its traditions. Whether you’re a fan of Outlander, drawn to Celtic rituals, have Scottish heritage, or simply looking for a unique and meaningful way to say “I do,” a handfasting ceremony is a beautiful addition to any elopement.
Just like Nikki and Ritchie’s intimate wedding in Glencoe, your handfasting elopement can be personalised to reflect your love story. With the help of a humanist celebrant, you can create a ceremony that blends the legalities of marriage with the spiritual depth of ancient tradition, all in a location that’s as awe-inspiring as your commitment to one another.
If you’re planning an elopement in Scotland and want to learn more about how to include a handfasting ceremony, I’d be honoured to capture these moments for you. Get in touch, and let’s start planning your unforgettable day! And for more planning resources, see the links below.