Ceremonies by a blacksmith priest took place over an
anvil, and still do today. For a rather more elegant
affair, there's the castle wedding. Restored 13th-
century Eilean Donan Castle, outside the village of
Dornie, en route to the Isle of Skye, has proven pic-
turesque enough to host not only weddings but also
films such as 007's e World Is Not Enough. Say "I do"
on the castle grounds, which are bound by three
lochs and set against rolling highland hills, then
make your way to a quaint local hotel for a reception,
with bagpipe music echoing in your wake. Pre- or
post-wedding, play a round of
golf (Scotland is the sport's
birthplace, after all), cruise a
loch or sample a wee dram at
the Talisker Distillery. For a
list of castles that can be
b o o k e d fo r c e re m o n i e s ,
receptions or photos, visit:
historic-scotland.gov.uk.
L ocal charm: O f course,
there's the kilt. But other cus-
toms include hiding heather
in the bride's bouquet or plac-
ing a sixpence coin in her
shoe for good luck.
Good to know: A marriage notice form must be
submitted to the relevant district registrar at least 15
days prior to the wedding ceremony, along with any
applicable birth certificates, affidavit or certificate of
no impediment to marriage, and documentation of
divorce, annulment or death of a former spouse.
A marriage schedule must then be returned to the
registrar within three days after the wedding for reg-
istration, and so that the couple can obtain a copy of
the marriage certificate. W
Start planning your own
fairytale wedding by booking
a villa in Europe with
AMA.
AMATravel.ca/Villas
Spend four days in
Florence, including three-
star accommodation and a
guided walking tour of
must-see attractions, such
as Michelangelo's David.
From $905. 1-866-667-4777
Spend two days exploring
Loch Ness and Inverness
on a small-group trip to the
Scottish Highlands from
Edinburgh. From US$207.
AMATravel.ca/Activities
The 13th-century
Caerlaverock Castle,
in southern Scotland,
can be rented for
ceremonies or photos.
