This country of five million occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Officially part of the United Kingdom, it's culturally a land all its own. Home to inspiring historic figures like William Wallace (brought to life by Mel Gibson in Braveheart), Mary Queen of Scots and writer Robert Louis Stevenson, the country also gave us tartan, bagpipes, golf and single-malt scotch. Plus, how can you not love a country whose official animal as the unicorn?
Wedding Requirements Scotland's natural beauty is enhanced by its ease: There are no residency requirements, and no language barrier. Religious and spiritual ceremonies can be performed anywhere, as long as the celebrant agrees. Civil weddings can only take place in the civil registrar's office during working hours. Also, because Scotland's weather is so unpredictable and the summer season is so short, outdoor venues get booked far in advance, so plan ahead. Forego the champagne and make your wedding toast with single-malt scotch whisky; the country has approximately 100 distilleries. For more info, see visitscotland.com.
What to Do
Edinburgh Scotland's capital city is dominated by a thousand-year castle that sits high on a hill in the city center. Make this your first stop on a city tour, both for the historical overview (the austere St. Margaret's chapel dates to the 12th century, and is the city's oldest structure) and the incredible vistas. There's plenty to see outside the castle walls, too, from the winding, narrow streets of medieval Old Town to the stately Georgian townhomes in the New Town district. Book a hotel within walking distance of the Royal Mile, a cobblestone street lined with shops and restaurants that leads down from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a museum and the private residence of Britain's ruling family. An array of lively tours, from literary pub crawls to ghost walks through haunted cemeteries, are an entertaining way to learn more about the city's storied past. The city's population nearly doubles every August, thanks to the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest festival for the performing arts.
Inverness and the Scottish Highlands Scotland's cities are fascinating, but to get to know the country's soul, head north. A boating tour of famed Loch Ness is worth it for the beauty alone, even if you don't make acquaintance with its most famous resident. Further north is the quaint town of Inverness, where rolling hills are great for hiking and stately manor houses-turned-inns provide royal accommodations. Near the western coast you'll find Ben Nevis, the highest point in the British Isles; at 4,406 feet it can be summited in a single day, weather permitting. (This is Scotland, so you can't take that for granted; most outfitters sign hikers up for two days to up their chances.)
Off the Beaten Path
Isle of Skye, Hebrides and Shetland Islands The mainland is beautiful, but you'll also want to spend some time on one of the western isles. The Isle of Skye gets the most buzz (and deservedly so, with its spectacular windswept hills), but there are literally hundreds to choose from. The northernmost Shetland Islands are actually closer to Norway than the UK, and home to lots of wildlife including seals, sea lions and, of course, Shetland ponies. (In winter months you can also see the Aurora Borealis.) Further south, the inner Hebrides have strong Gaelic ties and many impressive historic sites, from castle ruins to Iona Abbey, an early burial place for Scottish kings. — Susan Moynihan
