Getting Married in Orkney: Unique Venues and Planning Tips

Imagine exchanging vows amidst ancient standing stones, celebrating in a historic manor house overlooking the sea, or eloping to a tiny chapel built with love and faith. Getting married in Orkney offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience, blending dramatic landscapes, rich history, and a touch of magic. Whether you envision an intimate elopement, a spiritual handfasting, or a larger celebration with family and friends, Orkney provides a stunning backdrop and flexible options thanks to Scotland's accommodating marriage laws. This guide covers everything you need to know about planning your dream Orkney wedding.

Why Choose Orkney for Your Wedding?

• Romantic & Atmospheric Settings: From windswept cliffs and pristine beaches to majestic cathedrals and Neolithic monuments, Orkney offers diverse and deeply atmospheric locations unlike anywhere else.
• Unique Venues: Choose from historic houses like Skaill House, characterful hotels in Kirkwall and Stromness, or even outdoor ceremonies at ancient sites (with permission).
• Flexible Marriage Laws: Scotland allows for civil, religious, and belief-based (e.g., Humanist, Pagan) ceremonies to be legally conducted almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, provided you have landowner permission and an authorised celebrant.
• Intimate & Personal: Orkney is ideal for smaller, more personal weddings and elopements, offering privacy and a sense of escape.
• Memorable Guest Experience: Your guests can combine attending your wedding with exploring Orkney's incredible history, wildlife, and culture.

Unique Orkney Wedding Venues

Orkney offers a range of stunning and unconventional venues:

• Historic Sites (Permissions Required):
  • Ring of Brodgar / Stones of Stenness: Popular for Pagan handfastings and spiritual ceremonies. Requires permission from Historic Environment Scotland and the landowner. Celebrant must be authorised (e.g., Spiritual Orkney). Offers an incredible ancient backdrop, but entirely outdoors with no facilities.
  • Italian Chapel: This small, beautifully decorated chapel built by WWII POWs offers an incredibly poignant and intimate setting for small religious or civil ceremonies (check capacity and booking requirements with the Preservation Committee).
  • St Magnus Cathedral (Kirkwall): While stunning, conducting weddings here typically requires a strong connection to the Church of Scotland congregation. Enquire directly well in advance about possibilities and restrictions.
  • Skaill House: A historic manor beside Skara Brae, licensed for civil ceremonies (up to 50 guests). Offers elegant drawing rooms and gardens for ceremonies and photos.
• Hotels & Event Spaces:
  • The Kirkwall Hotel: Harbourside location, licensed for ceremonies (up to 75) and receptions (up to 110). Offers packages and accommodation.
  • The Stromness Hotel: Features an antique ballroom overlooking the harbour (up to 54 ceremony guests).
  • The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms (Kirkwall): Stylish venue for smaller ceremonies (up to 30) or larger receptions (up to 180 evening guests), with boutique accommodation onsite.
  • Other hotels like The Lynnfield or Merkister may also offer wedding packages.
• Outdoor Locations:
  • Beaches: Stunning beaches like the Bay of Skaill or Waulkmill Bay offer beautiful settings, but require landowner permission and a solid weather contingency plan (e.g., marquee hire, nearby hall).
  • Cliffs: Locations like Yesnaby offer dramatic backdrops but pose significant safety and accessibility challenges. Best suited for very small elopements with careful planning.

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Orkney

Getting married in Scotland (including Orkney) is relatively straightforward, but requires specific paperwork:

• Marriage Notice (M10 Form): Both parties must complete and submit an M10 form to the District Registrar for the area where the marriage will take place (usually Orkney Islands Council in Kirkwall). This must be done between 29 days and 3 months before the wedding date.
• Required Documents: You'll typically need original birth certificates, proof of address (like a utility bill), and passports if not UK citizens. If previously married, original divorce decrees or death certificates are required. Check the National Records of Scotland website for full details.
• Types of Ceremony:
  • Civil Ceremony: Conducted by a registrar, can take place in the registrar's office or any approved licensed venue (like Skaill House or hotels).
  • Religious/Belief Ceremony: Conducted by an authorised celebrant (e.g., Church of Scotland minister, Catholic priest, Humanist Society Scotland celebrant, Pagan Federation celebrant like Spiritual Orkney). Can take place almost anywhere with landowner permission.
• Marriage Schedule: Once notice is approved, the registrar issues the Marriage Schedule. This document must be present at the ceremony, signed by the couple, two witnesses (aged 16+), and the celebrant/registrar, then returned to the registrar within 3 days.

Contact the Orkney Islands Council Registration Service well in advance for specific guidance and forms.

Finding Local Suppliers

Orkney has a talented pool of local wedding suppliers, but booking early is essential, especially for summer dates:

• Photographers: Look for photographers experienced with Orkney's unique light and landscapes.
• Caterers: Many venues offer in-house catering, often focusing on local Orkney produce (seafood, beef, cheese). Independent caterers are also available.
• Florists: Local florists can create arrangements using seasonal flowers, sometimes incorporating local wildflowers or grasses.
• Musicians: Consider traditional Orkney folk musicians (fiddlers, accordionists) for ceilidh dancing, or other local bands/DJs.
• Transport: Limited options for coaches or multiple taxis; book well ahead for guest transport.
• Hair & Makeup: Several skilled local artists are available.

Check local directories, venue recommendations, or the VisitOrkney website for supplier listings.

Planning Your Orkney Wedding: Key Tips

• Book Early: Popular venues and key suppliers (photographers, celebrants) can get booked 1-2 years in advance, especially for summer weekends.
• Consider the Season: Summer offers longer daylight but more visitors. Spring and Autumn offer beautiful light and fewer crowds but more unpredictable weather. Winter provides dramatic scenery, dark skies for aurora potential, but logistical challenges.
• Guest Logistics: Provide guests with clear travel information (ferry/flight options) and accommodation suggestions well in advance. Orkney accommodation ranges from hotels and B&Bs to self-catering cottages. Explore options on Orkney Stays.
• Weather Contingency: Essential for outdoor ceremonies! Have a solid indoor backup plan (e.g., marquee, nearby hall, hotel space). Advise guests to pack layers and waterproofs regardless of the season.
• Embrace the Location: Incorporate Orkney elements – local food, music, perhaps even a handfasting ritual at a historic site – to make your wedding truly unique.

To find relevant videos, search YouTube for "Orkney wedding highlights" or "getting married Ring of Brodgar".

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we legally get married anywhere outdoors in Orkney?

Yes, provided you have landowner permission and an authorised celebrant (religious or belief-based) or a registrar for a civil ceremony at a licensed outdoor spot. You still need to submit the M10 forms correctly.

Is it difficult for guests to travel to Orkney?

It requires planning. Guests can fly into Kirkwall Airport (via Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow etc.) or take ferries (NorthLink from Aberdeen/Scrabster or Pentland Ferries from Gills Bay). Booking travel and accommodation early is advised.

What happens if the weather is bad on our wedding day?

Always have a robust Plan B, especially for outdoor elements. Embrace the Orkney weather – dramatic photos are possible even in wind and rain, but ensure guest comfort and safety.

Are there wedding planners based in Orkney?

While dedicated Orkney wedding planners might be few, some venues offer coordination services, and experienced local suppliers can provide valuable guidance.

Getting married in Orkney is an opportunity to create a deeply personal and meaningful celebration surrounded by ancient history and breathtaking natural beauty. With careful planning and an embrace of the islands' unique character, your Orkney wedding will be an unforgettable start to your life together.