Romantic Scotland

The history of St Valentine's Day dates back to Roman times when St Valentine was martyred for refusing to give up his Christian faith.

On the eve of his death he is said to have left a note to the jailer's daughter signed 'Your Valentine'. The date of his death also coincides with the beginning of spring, a time traditionally associated with finding new love. Since that time couples have exchanged cards and gifts on 14 February.

St Valentine's remains are thought to rest in the church of Blessed St John Duns Scotus in Glasgow's Gorbals area, a little-known fact that has led to Glasgow styling itself as the 'City of Love' in recent years.

Scotland's reputation for romantic venues and vistas is already well known throughout the world. Gretna Green is world famous as the place for romantic traditional weddings.

Located on an old coach route between London and Edinburgh, Gretna was the first village you reached when crossing the border into Scotland. Couples eloped there from England so they could be wed under Scots law, which allowed marriage at the age of 16, two years younger than was legal under English law.

In more recent times couples from all over the world, have decided to get married in Scotland, taking advantage of historic castles and classic romantic venues across the country. Famous names choosing Scotland for their special day include Madonna and Stella McCartney highlighting the quality and variety of venues on offer.

Although the charming Scottish Borders region and Gretna are popular choices for weddings, with its dramatic rugged landscape and turbulent history, Scotland has a wealth of different locations to choose from.

Historic Scotland offers a number of suitably historic venues across the country for religious and civil partnership ceremonies. For something completely different why not get married at Edinburgh's Dynamic Earth or even the zoo?

Nowadays couples seem to have less and less time to plan their big day, which is why attending a wedding fair is increasingly popular.

Glasgow's SECC and The Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh both host wedding shows where you can browse suppliers and venues all under one roof. These shows offer all kinds of new and unusual ideas as well as the more traditional options, ensuring there is something for everyone.

The Best Scottish Weddings Exhibition will be at Glasgow's Braehead Arena on 4-5 February and the first Edinburgh Wedding Show at the Highland Hall, Ingliston 4-5 March.

Related Links:

• Read the Scottish Book Trust's choice of Top 5 Romantic Scottish Novels
• Find out why wedding dress designer, Liliana Dabic, chose to move to Scotland to live and work
• VisitScotland's Romantic Scotland  
• Getting Married in Scotland 
• HistoricScotland Wedding Venues
• The Best Scottish Weddings Exhibition
• Edinburgh Wedding Show
• Edinburgh Zoo Weddings
• Dynamic Earth Weddings