Updated 4th March 2025
WEDDING PLANNING: How to Plan a Wedding Ceremony That Feels Like You
Want to have a ceremony that feels like you?
In this handy guide, I’ll help you to create a ceremony that expresses you both as a couple.
Your wedding ceremony is the heart of your day—the moment you make your vows, celebrate your love, and officially begin your next chapter together.
Whether you’re planning something traditional, modern, or totally unique, making your ceremony feel personal is key.
Here are my top tips to help you plan a ceremony that’s meaningful, seamless, and truly you.
1. Types of Wedding ceremony
In Scotland, you have two main types of wedding ceremonies to choose from:
Civil Ceremonies
A civil ceremony is conducted by a registrar and can take place at a registry office or at a location approved by the local council, such as a hotel, castle, or even a scenic outdoor venue. These ceremonies are legally binding but typically follow a set structure with little room for personalisation.
Religious or Belief Ceremonies
These ceremonies can take place anywhere, as long as they are conducted by someone legally approved to perform weddings. Humanist ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular in Scotland because they offer couples the most flexibility in choosing their location and customising their vows. If you want to include traditions such as handfasting, a quaich ceremony, or even a pagan broom jump, a Humanist or belief-based ceremony is the perfect choice to make your wedding truly personal.
A quick note about photography: Depending on where you’re getting married and who is conducting your ceremony, there may be restrictions on photography. Some religious ceremonies have strict rules, requiring photographers to stand at the back or in a designated area. It’s always a good idea to check these details in advance so I can plan accordingly—I’ll always do my best to capture amazing moments while respecting the venue’s guidelines!
2.When To Have Your Ceremony
When choosing your ceremony time, think about how it fits into the flow of your day. An earlier ceremony gives you more time to celebrate, while a later one can feel more intimate and relaxed. Also, consider the lighting—especially if you’re dreaming of golden-hour couple photos! If you’re having a winter wedding, remember that daylight disappears quickly, so a mid-afternoon ceremony will give you more natural light for photos afterward.
3. Where To Have Your Ceremony
Outdoor Ceremonies
Outdoor weddings can be stunning, but Scotland’s unpredictable weather means having a backup plan is a must. I’ve photographed weddings in the pouring rain, so if you’re going for an open-air ceremony, make sure to have plenty of brollies for your guests and an indoor space where you can sign the paperwork (no one wants a soggy marriage certificate!).
Consider the time of day—midday sun is the harshest, often creating unflattering shadows on faces, so a shaded spot is ideal. A cloudy sky? Perfect! Soft, diffused light from the clouds makes for beautifully flattering photos.
Indoor Ceremonies
If you’re having an indoor ceremony, aim for a bright and airy space. If you have the option, choose a room with large windows for plenty of natural light—it makes a huge difference in how your photos look! Darker spaces can create an intimate, moody atmosphere, but make sure there’s enough lighting (and avoid red up-lighting, which can make skin tones look unnatural).
Top Tip: If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, allow twice the travel time you think you’ll need. It’ll help keep the day stress-free and ensure you have plenty of time to soak in every moment.
4. Personalising Your Ceremony
One of the best ways to make your ceremony feel unique is to add personal touches. Think about:
Symbolic Elements: Handfasting, ring warmings, candle lighting—there are so many ways to incorporate meaningful rituals into your ceremony. If you’re not sure what fits your style, your celebrant or officiant can help guide you.
Your Vows: Writing your own vows (even if just a short line or two) can add a deeply personal touch. If public speaking isn’t your thing, consider private vows before the ceremony.
Readings & Music: Choose words and songs that truly resonate with you. Whether it’s a heartfelt poem, a meaningful lyric, or a passage from your favourite book, these small details make a big impact.
5. The Logistics: Making It Run Smoothly
To keep your ceremony stress-free and seamless, a little planning goes a long way:
Plan for the best photos: Talk to your photographer about the setup—consider the backdrop, lighting, and positioning to get the most beautiful shots.
Communicate with your officiant: Make sure they know your preferences, from the length of the ceremony to any personal elements you’d like to include.
Have a wet weather plan: If you’re having an outdoor ceremony in Scotland, an indoor or covered backup space is essential!
6. Walking Down the Aisle
For many couples, this is one of the most emotional and nerve-wracking moments of the day. Unless you’ve had a first look, this is the first time you’ll see each other—so take a deep breath and soak it all in!
Planning Your Entrance
Before the big day, decide on:
- Your music – Pick something that feels meaningful to you.
- Who is escorting you (if anyone!) – Traditionally, one partner is escorted down the aisle, but you could also walk together or have a family member, friend, or even both parents accompany you.
- The order of your wedding party – Bridesmaids and groomsmen typically walk in first, but some couples switch it up—I’ve even photographed weddings where the bride led the way!
Check with your officiant if you need guidance, as different ceremonies have their own traditions. Typically, the groom or first partner waits on the right (when facing the front), while the bride or second partner walks down the left. But remember, this is your wedding—do what feels right for you!
How to Walk with Confidence
Walking down the aisle isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s a moment. To make the most of it:
- Lock arms with your escort (if you have one) – This helps ease nerves and keeps your pace steady.
- Hold your bouquet lower than you think – My go-to advice? “Hold it between your tits and your bits!” (It sounds funny, but trust me, it works!).
- Relax your shoulders and take deep breaths – Close your eyes for a second, breathe in, and loosen up before you start walking.
- Walk slowly and naturally – It’s easy to rush, but this is your moment—savour it!
- If you have a long dress, gently kick it forward with your shoe – This helps it fall naturally and prevents tripping. If it’s extra long, consider having it altered so it just grazes your shoes.
- Smile and take it all in! – Look at your partner, your guests, and enjoy every second.
No matter how you walk down the aisle, this is your moment—so own it, enjoy it, and let it set the tone for the rest of your day!
7. Confetti and that just married feeling
The moment you walk back up the aisle as a newlywed couple? Unbeatable! Make it even more fun with a confetti toss, ribbon wands, or bubbles for a truly magical exit. Your guests will love getting involved, and the photos? Absolutely epic! (Pro tip: Let your guests know when to throw the confetti for the best effect—right as you step into the crowd!)
Want to add even more drama? Consider a dip kiss in the middle of the aisle! A well-timed dip—whether it’s a gentle lean or a full-on Hollywood-style swoop—creates a breathtaking moment, and trust me, it looks incredible in photos. Hold it for a second or two to let your guests (and my camera!) capture the magic. Whether you’re sharing a big, beaming smile or going all in for a romantic kiss, this is your moment—own it!
8. Should We Have an unplugged ceremony
With the rise of smartphones, almost every guest will turn up to your wedding with a camera in their pocket. While it’s lovely that people want to capture memories, it can sometimes take away from the moment. An unplugged ceremony is where you kindly ask your guests to put their devices away and be fully present as you exchange your vows.
Why Have an Unplugged Ceremony?
- Your guests will be in the moment – Instead of watching your ceremony through a screen, they can focus on you and soak in the emotions of the day.
- No distractions in your photos – You’ll see the genuine expressions of your loved ones, rather than a sea of screens, selfie sticks, and flashing cameras.
- No one blocking key moments – The last thing you want is a guest stepping into the aisle with their phone and accidentally blocking the shot of you walking down the aisle!
- It creates a more intimate and emotional atmosphere – There’s something truly special about a room full of people simply being present.
How to Let Guests Know
To encourage guests to embrace the moment, you can:
- Mention it on your invitations or wedding website.
- Display a sign at your ceremony entrance as a gentle reminder.
- Ask your officiant to make an announcement before the ceremony begins.
Many couples opt for a partially unplugged ceremony—where guests can take a few quick photos at the end before putting their phones away. You could also reassure them that you’ll be sharing the professional photos later, so they can relax and enjoy the day without worrying about capturing the perfect shot.
Whatever you decide, the most important thing is that your ceremony feels exactly how you want it to—whether that means an unplugged, fully connected, or somewhere-in-between approach!
9. remember it’s your day
At the end of the day, your ceremony is about you two. Whether it’s traditional, alternative, short and sweet, or packed with personal moments, it should feel authentic to your love story. So, take a deep breath, soak it all in, and enjoy every second—it’s the start of something amazing!
“Thank you so much, the photos are better than we ever could have dreamed of! You are so incredibly talented, everyone who has seen our preview photos are amazed at how beautiful they are. Thank you again, from the bottom of our hearts.”
– Brogan & Michael, Edinburgh eLOPEMENT
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EDINBURGH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Based in Edinburgh, Scotland. I capture wedding and elopement photography worldwide.
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