We had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Bauer, owner and founder of Tartan Weddings! Tartan Weddings specializes in planning destination weddings in Scotland on any budget. Tartan Weddings is a provocative take on typical event planning; enabling clients to experience an over-the-top experience that won’t break the bank. Lisa’s ties to her native country gives her the knowledge to guide couples with well respected and traditional wedding vendors, including numerous castles across the country.
What inspired you to start Tartan Weddings?
Actually after my own Scottish Castle Wedding in 2017. I thought everyone needs a Scottish castle wedding and so I started Tartan Weddings. Very niche business but it’s doing very well.
Tell me about your planning process for destination weddings.
First determine a date and availability of various castles within your budget, whether that be a castle hotel or an exclusive use castle. Secure the venue, then the officiant, photographer/videographer first and then book the rest of your vendors before honing in on the finer details.
What are some considerations before getting married in a Scottish castle?
Do you want it to be legal? If so you need to apply for a marriage visitor visa three months prior to the wedding as well as submitting paperwork to the local registry office in Scotland.
Tell me about some traditions unique to Scottish weddings.
Handfasting ceremony – Handfasting, the centuries-old marriage ritual, where a piece of ribbon or cord is used to bind a couple’s hands together in order to signify their joining. The expressions ‘tying the knot’, ‘giving one’s hand in marriage’ and ‘bound for life’ all derive from handfasting, which is a ritual so ancient that its origins can’t be 100% ascertained. The earliest accounts of handfasting derive from Scotland & Ireland where the ritual has been performed for thousands of years.
Quaich ceremony – “Drinking from a Quaich is an ancient Scottish ceremony, symbolic of trust, love and peace between two people. It was traditionally used when offering a guest the ‘cup of welcome’ and again when offering the farewell or parting drink.
In a marriage ceremony it is used as a symbol of the life couples will share together and the Quaich represents the cup of life. In drinking from the same cup, couples are symbolising your commitment to share all that their future may bring.”
What are some tips for guests attending a destination wedding in Scotland?
Book flights and hotel early, plan transportation to the castle and do not book an early flight the day after the wedding. Do not bombard the couple with questions, first check their website, all the information will be there or contact their wedding planner. Pre book any tours prior to your arrival to avoid disappointment.
Follow Tartan Weddings on Instagram & Facebook for more Scottish castle wedding inspiration!
Photographer Credit
Neil Thomas Douglas
Del and JJ weddings
Lynne Kennedy
Sam Brill
Susie Olzen Photography
The Ferros
