Romantic Beltane elopement inspiration in Scotland
On the 1st of May, when the veil is thin, we celebrate the transition from Spring to Summer. The festival of Beltane, with its ancient Celtic roots, is a time of awakening, energy and rituals to welcome in a new season.
Inspired by our love story
Dave and I met through the Beltane Fire Festival, having each performed in it for well over a decade now. Our story started around a bonfire, barefooted, to the sound of drums and the river flowing nearby. This connection to nature, to rituals, to Scottish heritage didn’t just bring us together but also inspired our elopement business. We’ve long witnessed handfastings and other elemental rituals through the festival. (Which have enjoyed a massive resurgence in popularity over the last 5-10 years, which has been really beautiful to watch!).
It’s truly the heart of why we do what we do. We want to share our love of these beautiful, special rituals in our inimitable soul-laden landscapes with couples who share our passion for place and connection.
The vision
We’ve wanted to create a Beltane-inspired elopement shoot for the last few years. But it was really important to us that this “elopement” was realistic – hopefully showing future couples what is genuinely possible. We worked with a real couple (who hadn’t modelled before) who also met through the Beltane Fire Festival. Mhairi + Kikas were absolutely perfect for this and trusted our vision for the day. The “elopement” ran to time – i.e. we treated it like a real elopement with the same time & logistical constraints.
To honour Beltane, this elopement inspiration paid homage to the 4 elements – earth, air, fire and water. Not just in the ceremony, but also in places and activities outside of the ceremony itself. With the energy of Summer around the corner, Beltane is also a time of passion + intimacy, which is something we tend to shy away from in the wedding industry, but it was important to us to reflect it in this day.
Morning rituals
Mhairi + Kikas’ morning began with a romantic candlelit bath. A very intentional way of setting the tone of connection, freedom and gently introducing the elements. They read from the Silver Bough by Marion F. McNeil, which shares tales of the ancient festivals of Scotland and how they are kept alive today. Getting washed in preparation for the exciting day ahead.
Caroline Stewart (HMUA) of Runes and Rouges expertly created beautiful looks for each of them to suit the pagan/witchy feel of the day.
After helping each other get ready, they took a moment to write vows into their vow books. Lit by candle, sharing space together in this important moment.
Celtic rituals in a heartfelt handfasting ceremony
Mhairi and Kikas had their ‘ceremony’ under an arch created by nature, with the sound of the river running by. Their ceremony was beautifully facilitated by Milque of Border Ceremonies. It incorporated many rituals – starting first with honouring the element of water. They gathered water from the river to cleanse their hands in preparation. Next they cleansed their energy and the energy of the space in a sage smudging ritual in honour of the element of water. They honoured fire by lighting candles. They blessed the earth beneath their feet.
After the 4 elemental rituals were complete, Milque introduced the next part of the ceremony with sound from the singing bowl which led into their private vows whilst holding an oathing stone. With the vows imbued into stone, they tied the knot with a beautiful handfasting ritual using a stunning cord from Ceotha’s Cords.
Find out more about Celtic rituals here.
Water + fire
The day ended in celebration – first by dancing as the sunset glowed and then by wading into a loch to place their oathing stone in water forever.
After this last act of ceremonial ritual, Mhairi + Kikas fire-danced long past dusk into the night. Stripping bare to feel completely connected to each other, to the fire and to the land.
On Beltane night, we raise a toast, to the Earth our mother and the fire, our host.
Suppliers for this romantic Beltane elopement inspiration
A HUGE thank you to all the amazing suppliers who helped bring this vision to life and added their own magic to it (and of course, special thank you to M+K who shared their whole selves for an intense full day of playing with the elements!)
Celebrant – Milque at Border Ceremonies
Hair + Makeup – Caroline Stewart
Handfasting cord – Ceotha’s Cords
Dress – Bibiluxe
Groom’s outfit – Vinted
Planning, styling + head-dresses – Raini Rowell Photography
Inspired to plan your own romantic Beltane elopement?
If a Scottish elopement with pagan + ritual elements sounds like your ideal day then get in touch to start planning now. I’ll be there to help you figure out the best time of year, ceremony location, timeline for the day, local suppliers as well as lots of advice on how to elope in Scotland.
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