Real Destination Wedding: Scotland BridalGuide

An Alaska-based couple brought Hindu traditions and modern mult-culturalism to a romantic lakeside castle.

scotland destination wedding

When the entire wedding party — including the bride and groom — needs to travel, the destination is determined by its luxe amenities, impeccable service and undeniable beauty. Such was the case for Kavya Kelagere and David Wilkinson, who live in Anchorage, Alaska by way of India (her) and Scotland (him). Family and friends "flew in from the USA, Canada, India, and Scotland, which was the halfway point for many," explain the couple. "Cameron House was the perfect location," they say. "From first arriving, being met by the helpful concierge staff with their quirky Scottish jokes, reception staff and wedding coordinator, we felt welcomed." Add the incredible offerings — outdoor pursuits among the natural surroundings, and emblematic-of-Scotland adventures like falconry and golf — plus a spa, seaplane, "even a cinema," and the setting was a fairy tale realized for the couple and their guests.

scotland wedding

Coming Together

The uniting of Kavya and David was also a marriage of their individual customs and cultural traditions. "The style of the wedding was split into a South Indian traditional Hindu wedding ceremony in the morning, followed by South Indian and Scottish themes in the evening." There was a mandap (wedding canopy) "decorated with many of the traditional items — coconuts, kumkuma (red powder), cumin, turmeric and many flowers." The evening welcomed a whiskey-tasting experience, a Scottish hand-fasting ceremony, and a festive array of tartan touches.

scotland wedding ceremony

According to the couple, the top excursions on offer at Cameron House include local whiskey tours, hiking around Loch Lomond, boat tours on the lake, seaplane experiences and the hotel's private cinema.

scotland wedding

Fantastic Fusion

Cultures weren't the only elements that came together at this celebration. "Our evening menu was made up of dishes from India, U.S., Scotland and Indochina. This represents where we were from and where we have lived,” say the couple. Menu items included dosa (crepes from South India); haggis (a savory pudding of organ meats), neeps and tatties (mashed potatoes and turnips), chili chicken (an Indochinese appetizer), paneer tikka shashlik (cheese skewers), dhaba chicken curry (a Punjabi dish), lamb dum biryani (air-cooked on rice), and sticky toffee pudding (a Scottish dessert). Favors included wooden peg dolls from the bride’s hometown and Irn Bru (Scotland’s national soft drink) fl avored chocolates, among other delights.

David and Kavya have some local favorites: "A unique Scottish delicacy, haggis [savory pudding containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver and lungs)] went down well with our guests. Other Scottish treats such as shortbread, fudge and Scotland’s most popular carbonated drink, Irn Bru, were also hits."

scotland wedding

On the Ground

A blissful appeal of hosting a destination wedding lies in the property’s amenities. While they didn’t plan extra activities for their guests, Kavya and David chose the Cameron House for its wealth of offerings. Among their favorites are the spa, pool, luxurious in-room amenities and hospitable concierge service. On non-celebration days during their stay, the couple and their guests also savored the unbeatable Scottish breakfasts and traditional afternoon tea experience.

Legally Wed: There are no residency requirements to marry in Scotland, however, all must be registered and licensed. A marriage notice must be completed prior to the ceremony. It includes an intent to marry, which must be filed between 90 and 29 days before the wedding, along with birth certifi cates, the names of two witnesses, the name of an approved celebrant, the necessary fee and, if applicable, a death decree or divorce certifi cate. Licenses are issued seven days before the ceremony.

scotland wedding

Travel Notes

This cinematic setting, where endless greens meet an inky lake fortified by a historic castle, is located just 30 minutes from buzzy central Glasgow. Sprawling over 400 acres, the stately 208-guest-room Cameron House, a castellated mansion, was built across the 15th and 17th centuries. The ultra-luxe hideaway boasts two golf courses, a pool and spectacular spa complete with sauna and steam, trekking opportunities across the nearby hilly environs, falconry and horseback riding, plus an unbeatable lochbased activities menu that extends to adventures via seaplane. The pubs and restaurants refl ect the history of Cameron House with traditional Scottish breakfasts and tea service, as well as a collection of clubby grills and bars. Private dining offerings are also a standout. Accommodations across the property are a blend of grand guest rooms, sprawling suites with spectacular views and a collection of offerings in the Auld House—the duplexes are especially romantic. In addition to weddings, the accommodating concierge team can arrange proposal packages (room rates start at about $470 a night and include breakfast).

scotland wedding