Planning a wedding that celebrates your love and heritage can be magical, especially when eloping in the Highlands. Oban, Scotland, offers a stunning backdrop for couples wanting to tie the knot. It’s only an hour from Glencoe’s beautiful landscapes. Oban combines natural beauty with rich cultural traditions. In this post, we’ll show you how to include local customs in your Oban wedding. Think traditional kilts, bagpipes, ceilidh dances, and handfasting ceremonies. Your special day will be both memorable and uniquely Scottish.

Traditional Scottish Attire

Kilts and Tartan

Wearing kilts at a traditional Scottish wedding is not just about looking good; it’s about embracing a rich cultural heritage. Kilts, with their distinctive tartan patterns, have been a symbol of Scottish pride and identity for centuries. Each tartan represents a specific clan, family, or region, allowing couples to showcase their unique backgrounds. In Oban, you’ll find numerous shops offering kilt rentals and purchases, ensuring you can find the perfect tartan to reflect your heritage. Pro tip: One of my favourite tartan vendors in Oban is Connel Bay Highlandwear, they even supplied my husband with his kilt for our wedding. They are exceptional kiltmarkers and if you are looking for a custom handmade kilt, reach out to them.

Accessories

No traditional Scottish wedding attire is complete without the right accessories. The sporran, a pouch worn at the front of the kilt, is both functional and decorative, often made from leather or fur. The sgian-dubh, a small ceremonial knife, is traditionally worn tucked into the kilt hose. Other accessories include brogues, kilt pins, and tartan flashes. These elements not only complete the outfit but also carry their own historical significance. You can get all of this items in Oban at local kilt shops. By incorporating these traditional elements, your wedding will be steeped in Scottish culture, creating a memorable and meaningful celebration.

Scottish Music and Instruments

Bagpipes

The haunting and powerful sound of bagpipes is synonymous with Scottish culture, and no traditional Scottish wedding would be complete without them. Bagpipes add an unmistakable atmosphere, whether playing as the bride walks down the aisle, during the ceremony, or at the reception. Their music can stir emotions and create a sense of grandeur and tradition. In Oban, you’ll find skilled bagpipers who can provide a range of traditional tunes to enhance your wedding day. Many local musicians offer personalised playlists to suit your preferences, ensuring that your ceremony is as unique as your love story.

Ceilidh Bands

A ceilidh, pronounced ‘kay-lee,’ is a traditional Scottish social gathering featuring folk music and dancing. Having a ceilidh band at your wedding brings a joyful and energetic vibe, encouraging guests to join in the fun regardless of their dancing experience. The dances are typically called out by a dance leader, making it easy for everyone to participate. Oban boasts a variety of talented ceilidh bands who can provide lively music and guide your guests through the dances. Whether it’s the Gay Gordons, Strip the Willow, or the Dashing White Sergeant, a ceilidh ensures that your wedding reception is filled with laughter, movement, and unforgettable memories.

Traditional Scottish Wedding Ceremonies

Handfasting

Handfasting is a beautiful and ancient Scottish tradition that symbolises the union of two people. During the ceremony, the couple’s hands are bound together with a cord or ribbon, representing their commitment to one another. This act of tying the knot has its roots in ancient Celtic practices and adds a deeply personal touch to your wedding. Many couples choose to incorporate handfasting into their ceremonies as a way to honour their heritage and create a memorable moment. In Oban, local officiants can guide you through this meaningful ritual, helping you customise it to reflect your relationship and values.

Quaich Ceremony

Another meaningful tradition is the quaich ceremony. In this ceremony, the couple shares a drink from a special cup called a quaich. This loving cup, usually made of wood or metal, represents the couple’s union and commitment to share life together. When you toast with whisky or another drink, you celebrate your love and a cherished Scottish custom. Many local distilleries in Oban offer unique whiskies for the quaich ceremony, letting you personalise this moment. By including handfasting and the quaich ceremony in your wedding, you create a celebration rich in tradition and connected to your Scottish heritage.

Other Scottish Traditions to Research

In addition to handfasting and the quaich ceremony, you can include other lovely Scottish wedding traditions. One tradition is the oathing stone. The couple holds this smooth stone while making their vows, symbolising the weight of their promises. Another charming custom is jumping the broom. This act represents the couple’s commitment to sweeping away the past and starting fresh. It signifies their unity and readiness to face the future together. By incorporating these rituals into your wedding in Oban, you honour Scottish heritage and enrich your ceremony with meaningful symbols of love.

Scottish Food and Drink

Traditional Dishes

Scottish weddings are known for their delicious food, and there are plenty of traditional dishes to enjoy. Haggis, neeps, and tatties are classics you shouldn’t miss. Haggis is a savoury pudding made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oats and spices. It’s often served with turnips (neeps) and potatoes (tatties), creating a hearty and comforting meal. Many local caterers in Oban specialise in traditional Scottish fare. They can create a menu that showcases the best of Scotland’s culinary delights.

Whisky Tasting

No Scottish wedding is complete without a toast featuring Scotch whisky. This beloved drink is rich in flavour and tradition. Many couples choose to have a whisky tasting during their reception, allowing guests to sample different varieties. You can even personalise your whisky selection by featuring local distilleries from the Oban area. This adds a unique touch to your celebration. Sharing a drink from a quaich during the ceremony also enhances this experience. By incorporating traditional dishes and whisky into your wedding, you’ll create a memorable feast that celebrates Scottish culture.

Wedding Photos in Glencoe

Scenic Beauty

Just an hour drive from Oban, Glencoe offers breathtaking landscapes for stunning wedding photos. This area is famous for its dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and serene lochs. The natural beauty provides a perfect backdrop for capturing your special moments. Whether you’re looking for sweeping vistas or intimate settings, Glencoe has it all. The changing light throughout the day creates magical photo opportunities, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Photo Opportunities

When planning your photo session in Glencoe, consider iconic spots like the Three Sisters and Glen Etive. These locations showcase the region’s rugged beauty and provide incredible photo opportunities. Early morning or late afternoon light is best for capturing the scenery. You can also find hidden gems along the winding roads, so keep your eyes peeled. Discuss your vision with your photographer, who can help scout the best locations and angles.

Practical Tips

Traveling from Oban to Glencoe is easy and can be part of your adventure. Make sure to plan your timing, as weather can change quickly in the Highlands. Consider a backup plan for indoor photos in case of rain. By incorporating a photo session in Glencoe, you’ll create lasting memories that highlight the beauty of Scotland and your love story.

Local Customs and Superstitions

Good Luck Charms

Scottish weddings are full of charming customs and superstitions that bring good luck. One popular tradition involves carrying a horseshoe for good fortune. Couples often place the horseshoe upside down to catch luck as it falls. Another common good luck charm is the lucky sixpence, which is traditionally placed in the bride’s shoe. This little token represents wealth and prosperity in the couple’s future together. Including these customs in your wedding adds a fun touch of Scottish heritage.

Other interesting good luck charms: Recently I heard from one of my English brides, that you should bury a sausage the night before your wedding to ensure good weather. She swore by it. I personally haven’t tried it but hey! Why not.

Scottish Wedding Superstitions

Many Scottish wedding superstitions focus on ensuring a happy marriage. For example, it’s believed that seeing a black cat on your wedding day brings good luck. Alternatively, rain on your wedding day is often seen as a sign of good fortune. This belief comes from the idea that the rain represents cleansing and new beginnings. You can embrace these superstitions by sharing them with your guests, creating a light-hearted atmosphere during your celebration.

Honouring Traditions

Honouring these customs and superstitions can make your wedding even more meaningful. They connect you to Scotland’s rich cultural history and add a personal touch. By incorporating good luck charms and acknowledging superstitions, you celebrate your love while embracing tradition. This blend of love and heritage will create a memorable day that you and your guests will cherish.

Conclusion

Incorporating local culture into your wedding makes it unique and special. Celebrating traditional Scottish customs in Oban adds depth to your love story. From handfasting ceremonies to sharing a quaich, each tradition tells a story.

Don’t forget the delicious Scottish food and drink! Traditional dishes like haggis and a whisky toast will delight your guests. Adding a photo session in Glencoe captures the stunning beauty of Scotland and creates lasting memories.

Your wedding in Oban can be a beautiful blend of love and heritage. Embrace these traditions to create a celebration that reflects your journey together. You’ll create unforgettable moments that honour your Scottish roots and celebrate your love.

Looking for a Photographer for your Scottish Wedding?

If you’re getting married in 2025 or 2026 and looking for a photographer and videographer duo reach out! If you’re getting married in the UK or abroad, we’d love to capture your special day. We travel all over Scotland, the UK, Europe, and the United States, bringing our passion for cinematic and fine art photography and videography to each unique celebration. Reach out to secure your date and let us create beautiful memories together! Click here to enquire!