Are you thinking of eloping to the Isle of Harris? Congratulations! Famous for its stunning golden beaches and turquoise waters, you’ve chosen an incredible place to make your vows. The Outer Hebrides are truly one of the most beautiful parts of the world. I’m lucky enough to live on these isles and to have been able to photograph many gorgeous elopements on Harris. I put this guide together for couples like you to help with your planning. I know it can be a tricky processing not knowing where to start, particularly if you’re travelling from afar! I have included some breathtaking locations to choose from to hold your ceremony, practical advice on what’s involved in terms of the legalities of your marriage, as well as suggesting a few wonderful suppliers you may wish to use to help make your day more special.
First up – THE LEGAL STUFF Scotland is one of the best places in the world to elope to as, unlike some countries, it’s legal to get married *anywhere* as long as your celebrant or registrar is happy to come with you. Meaning, you can get married up a mountain, by the ocean, in a forest – anywhere your heart desires! Unless you’re having a non-legal ceremony or blessing, you will both need to give notice at least 28 days before the wedding (but no earlier than 3 months). You need to complete this M10 form and provide it along with your birth certificate to the local registrar on Harris whose email is: registrars@cne-siar.gov.uk
WEDDING CELEBRANTS
Christine NicCoinnich is the local register for marriages on the Isle of Harris. She conducts lovely ceremonies and can include traditions such as hand fasting and drinking from the quaich. You can email Christine here: registrars@cne-siar.gov.uk
If you would prefer a humanist ceremony, Kay Falconer is based in Lewis. Her website is: https://fuzeceremonies.co.uk/celebrants/kay-falconer/
Davina McCluskie, a OneSpirit InterFath minister, is another wonderful celebrant happy to travel to Harris. Davina has a wonderful way with words and writes the most beautiful spiritual ceremonies, evoking mythology and with a passion for the landscape. You can contact her here: https://scottishhighlandweddings.com
WHERE TO HOLD YOUR CEREMONY
Harris is full of many stunning locations to hold your ceremony, from it’s sandy beaches on the south to the more rugged hills in the north. Some of the most popular locations include: Luskentyre Beach The island’s most visited beach, with it’s huge stretch of sandy shore, giant dunes and beautiful views of the hills in the distance.
Scarista Beach Usually a quieter beach than Luskentyre, this is one of my personal favourites. The sand is more golden and makes a perfect location if pairing it with a stay or meal at Scarista house just across the way (which works well as a ceremony back-up location if the weather is too wild!)
Northton Beach A super private beach, at the end of the cutest village, with wide stretches of sand.
Borve Beach A cute little beach with fantastic opportunities for photos even if the tide is all the way in…
The Golden Road An alternative to Harris’ beaches, on the south east of the island from Tarbert to Rodel, this coastline contains some of the rockiest low level scenery anywhere in Scotland. There’s some hidden gems amongst the rocky terrain full with heather, wildflowers and lochs, and you’re likely to be gifted an even greater level of privacy for your ceremony no matter the time of year.
WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CEREMONY MAGICAL Just because the size of your wedding day is smaller than most, doesn’t make it any less special (quite the opposite really!) You can plan a day that really focuses on you two as a couple. Some traditions you can include in your ceremony include: Personal Vows Handfasting Drinking from the Quaich Pinning on the Tartan Music (play your love a tune!)
AND AFTER? Well that’s up to you! What excites you as a couple? Is it a dip in the ocean, a picnic on the beach, race off the dunes, a drive across the island for sunset, surfing lessons?
ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUR STAY IN HARRIS Some of my favourite places to recommend to couples for their elopements & mini honeymoons include: Borve Lodge Estate – https://borvelodge.com/properties/ Blue Reef Cottages – https://www.stay-hebrides.com Scarista House – https://scaristahouse.com Puffin and Peregrine Tiny-House’s – https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/accommodation/puffin-and-peregrine-tiny-houses-p561731 Beachview Cottages – http://www.beachviewcottages.eu The Crofthouse Bothy – http://www.thecrofthousebothy.com/The_Crofthouse_Bothy/Home.html Taigh Leosaval – https://www.isleofharrisholidaycottage.co.uk Na Bothain, Sandy Bay Wigwams – https://www.wigwamholidays.com/sandy-bay-croft Tràigh Losgaintir – http://traigh-losgaintir.com
FINAL WORDS I hope this guide has helped you with your planning. If you have any questions at all about having an elopement or intimate wedding on the Isle of Harris though, you’re welcome to drop me a message. I am a local photographer based just across from Harris on the island of North Uist, and love working with couples getting married on the islands. If you’re looking for an experienced photographer with local knowledge of the area, please do get in touch. It would be amazing to work with you!
