Figures from National Records of Scotland reveal that nearly a quarter of all marriages in Scotland last year were for couples who do not reside in the country. Out of 27,191 weddings recorded in 2025, 6,596 involved neither partner being a Scottish resident.
Gretna Green remains a significant draw, accounting for more than half of these destination weddings. The Dumfries and Galloway town hosted 3,492 marriages for non-Scottish residents last year, continuing its association with romance that dates back to 1754.
Couples from various countries, including the US, Poland, Chile, and Moldova, chose Scotland for their weddings. Reasons cited include the appeal of historical venues like castles, dramatic scenery, and the opportunity to incorporate Scottish traditions such as Celtic handfasting rituals and ceilidhs.