Beyond the Castle Gates: A Curated Ireland & Scotland Venue Index
The allure of the Emerald Isle and the rugged Highlands is undeniable, offering a level of romance and history that is truly world-class. However, planning a wedding across an ocean requires more than just a beautiful vision; it requires an on-the-ground understanding of the land and its unique requirements.
he soul of a destination wedding is found in its history. During our vetting process, we look for sacred spaces that offer a cinematic backdrop for your ceremony.
The Value of Professional Location Scouting At Love, Evermore Events, our destination planning begins long before the guest list is finalized. We prioritize personal location scouting trips to personally vet the unique logistical requirements of the regions we serve. When you see landscape imagery on our site, it represents more than just a beautiful view. It is evidence of our team on the ground, researching the lighting angles for your editorial portraits, identifying transport bottlenecks in remote areas, and vetting the "invisible infrastructure" that protects your event from the unpredictable elements of the North Atlantic.
The Icons of Irish Luxury From 18th-century manor houses to royal grand fortresses, Ireland offers a venue for every editorial vision. Properties like Adare Manor and Castlemartyr Resort provide more than just a backdrop; they provide an experience rooted in heritage. Our team manages the unique complexities of these international locations—from guest travel to local vendor procurement—with the same rigor we apply to our Carolina estate productions.
Adare Manor, Co. Limerick: A 5-star resort featuring a Grand Ballroom for up to 350 guests, a Michelin Star restaurant, and 840 acres of parkland.
Ashford Castle, Co. Galway: A regal estate drenched in history, ideal for a majestic castle wedding experience.
Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare: The ancestral home of the O'Briens with lineage dating back 1,000 years.
A quiet toast to a new legacy. Celebrating in the storied halls of Castlemartyr Resort, where historic Irish grandeur meets modern editorial elegance. This is the art of the intentional destination wedding
Navigating the Legal Landscape Planning a legally binding ceremony abroad involves significant "red tape" that we manage for you to ensure a stress-free experience.
Ireland Legalities: All couples must give at least three months' notice to the registrar in person. This process includes a non-refundable €200 fee and a mandatory meeting with the registrar at least five business days before the ceremony.
Scotland Legalities: Marriage notices must be submitted to the district registrar no earlier than three months and no later than 29 days before the wedding date.
The Symbolic Alternative: Many of our U.S. couples choose to handle the legal paperwork stateside and host a symbolic ceremony in Ireland or Scotland. This "double ceremony" approach allows for maximum freedom in ceremony location and design.
Vetting the invisible infrastructure: We personally evaluate ancient estates to ensure they meet our modern standards for luxury production and guest comfort.
Whimsical Guests: Incorporating the Highland Cow
For couples seeking a truly whimsical Scottish wedding few things create a more iconic "sense of place" than the beloved Highland Cow (or 'Heilan Coo'). During our scouting trips, we have found that these gentle giants are more than just a photo opportunity; they are a character in your wedding story.
How to bring the 'Coo' to your celebration:
On-Site Interaction: Many private estates in the Highlands, such as Achnagairn Castle, have resident Highland cattle on the property. We can coordinate with estate managers to ensure your editorial portraits feature these iconic locals in a safe, managed way.
Whimsical Stationery: Incorporate hand-painted illustrations of Highland cows into your welcome bags or "Day Of" paper goods to set a playful yet editorial tone for the weekend.
Themed Favors: From artisanal Scottish shortbread in custom "Coo" packaging to bespoke cocktail stirrers, these small details lean into the high-growth "whimsical wedding" trend while staying rooted in Scottish heritage.
Embracing the whimsical charm of the Highlands. Beyond the castle gates, we immerse ourselves in the authentic texture of the land to bring a unique sense of place to every Scottish celebration.
The Scotland Influence: Rugged Romance While Ireland is our specialty, our scouting trips often take us into the dramatic landscapes of Scotland. The rising trend in Scotland wedding venues highlights a desire for celebrations that feel both ancient and cinematic.Edinburgh Castle: St. Margaret's Chapel offers an intimate setting for up to 30 guests.
Dundas Castle: A 5-star exclusive-use venue located close to Edinburgh, known for its historic grandeur.
Achnagairn Castle: Nestled in the Highlands, this private estate offers five-star luxury for those seeking a secluded, immersive experience.
Professional location scouting in the Highlands: Researching lighting angles and transport bottlenecks to ensure our couples have a seamless, unshakeable experience in remote destination markets
The Love, Evermore Destination Standard When guests travel for a destination wedding, the experience begins long before they arrive. We manage the guest journey from arrival at major hubs like Dublin or Shannon to their final destination via luxury coach or private transfer. Our FORA travel certification allows us to secure exclusive perks and manage guest travel packs including local etiquette, currency, and packing tips.
Pro-Tip: The Symbolic Alternative
Planning an international ceremony involves significant administrative "red tape," particularly with the mandatory three-month notice period and in-person registrar meetings required in Ireland. To maximize your time and focus on the editorial experience, many of our U.S. couples choose to handle the legal paperwork at their local courthouse before departure.
By opting for a symbolic ceremony abroad, you gain complete freedom over your location—allowing you to exchange vows on a remote cliffside or within a private castle ruins where a legal registrar might not be able to travel. This "double ceremony" approach ensures your destination weekend is dedicated entirely to your guests and your vision, while your legal marriage is safely architected at home.
Does this resonate with you? Talk to us about how we can make your dreams come true.
