Tips for the Four Scottish Wedding Seasons
Your Scottish wedding is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a reflection of your love story, your style, and the season that speaks most to your heart. Whether you envision a garden wedding in the full bloom of summer, an autumnal celebration rich in golden hues, a crisp winter affair, or a fresh and floral spring ceremony, the time of year plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of your day, especially here in Scotland where each season is so different. As an Edinburgh wedding photographer, I’ve photographed weddings all year round. Here are some thoughtful tips to help you embrace the magic of all wedding seasons.
Spring wedding season: A celebration of renewal and romance
The air is fresh, the days are lengthening, and nature is bursting into bloom. If you’ve always dreamt of a wedding filled with delicate florals, soft pastel hues, and the charm of a garden setting, spring is your season. Late spring is perhaps my favourite of the wedding seasons.
Tips for a perfect spring wedding:
- Plan for unpredictable weather: Spring in Scotland can be a drizzly time of year and sometimes winter temps hang on into April. A covered outdoor space, stylish umbrellas, or a clear marquee can add both practicality and charm.
- Embrace the blooms: Your love of cottage-garden flowers will shine with seasonal favorites like daffodils, ranunculus, and tulips—perhaps even incorporating blossoms from your own garden. The pictured florals are from Ochre Botanical Studios.
- Soft and effortless attire: Flowing fabrics like silk chiffon and lace fit beautifully with the romantic atmosphere of spring.
- Signature drinks: A crisp lilac cocktail or a floral-infused spritzer can echo the freshness of the season.
Summer wedding season: Long evenings and golden light
Summer weekends are the most popular dates for a good reason. There’s something undeniably enchanting about a summer wedding—the warmth of the sun, the lingering twilight, and the effortless elegance of an al fresco celebration.
Tips for a Perfect summer wedding:
- Choose a timeless setting: A walled garden, an estate with historical charm, or a countryside villa will provide a stunning backdrop for a season that begs for outdoor celebrations.
- Consider the comfort of your guests: Provide shaded areas, stylish hand fans, or a refreshing welcome drink to keep everyone cool. It’s not often roasting in Scotland, but you never know!
- Light and airy styling: Minimalist, romantic gowns, loose updos, and breathable fabrics will keep you looking and feeling effortlessly elegant.
- Golden hour magic: Summer has the best chance of glorious golden sunsets. Plan your bridal portraits around the soft, warm light of early evening for dreamy, luminous images. Or nip outside with your photographer for ten minutes after dinner. You won’t regret it!
Autumn wedding season: Rich colours and cosy elegance
The shift from summer to autumn brings an undeniable sense of romance—the crisp air, the deepening hues, and the cozy intimacy of gathering with loved ones. The trees in Scotland go fiery reds, yellows and oranges. A gorgeous backdrop for your bridal portraits!
Tips for a perfect autumn wedding:
- Play with seasonal hues: Incorporate warm tones like rust, deep burgundy, and antique gold in your floral arrangements, table settings, or bridesmaids’ attire.
- Layered textures: Velvet ribbons, dried flowers, and candlelit tablescapes will bring depth and warmth to your decor.
- Seasonal menu: Consider a menu that highlights autumn’s bounty—think spiced pear cocktails, wild mushroom tarts, or a dessert of warm apple crumble (perhaps from your own fruit trees!).
- Weather-ready attire: A delicate cashmere wrap or a tailored coat can add an extra touch of refinement while keeping you comfortable in the cooler air.
Winter wedding season: A quiet beauty
The flickering candlelight, the rich fabrics, and the joy of gathering in an intimate, cosy space.
Tips for a perfect winter wedding:
- Create a warm atmosphere: Whether it’s an old-world manor or a candlelit historic hall, a setting with character and warmth will elevate your winter wedding.
- Elegant winter attire: Long-sleeved gowns, sumptuous capes, and sophisticated gloves bring a timeless grace to winter wedding fashion while also keeping you toasty and warm.
- Seasonal scents and flavours: Mulled wine, spiced cider, or a signature cocktail infused with cinnamon or rosemary can add an extra sensory experience for your guests.
- Lighting is everything: The shorter days mean more opportunity to play with twinkling fairy lights, chandeliers, and candlelit ambiance for an utterly romantic setting. However, be extra aware of sunset time and be sure to plan your most important bridal portraits before it gets dark. For Scottish weddings, that might mean doing a First Look and taking your romantic bride & groom photos before the ceremony to make the most of the fragile light.
- Weather Plan B: Winter in Scotland can be the stormiest of the wedding seasons, so it’s wise to choose a venue that has plenty of indoor options that you love. Pay attention to the natural light in the rooms to avoid only having dark spaces available.
Whichever of the four wedding seasons speaks to you, remember that your day is an opportunity to embrace its beauty and celebrate love in a way that feels completely personal. From the thoughtful details to the natural surroundings, a wedding that is in harmony with the season will always feel timeless, elegant, and deeply meaningful.
