Wedding Questions and Answers

Can I get married on the boat or in Inchcolm Abbey?
You can do either, to make your Wedding Day really special and unusual. Inchcolm Abbey is a truly unique and beautiful setting for a wedding.
The options which are available are very dependant on the date and timing you wish for your ceremony and we will be pleased to advise you of these specifically if you can give us a proposed date.

How many people can the vessel carry?

The boat is fully licenced to carry up to 225 passengers of which up to 100 can be accomodated in the heated main saloon and glass enclosed aft lower deck. We therefore recommend a maximum number of around 100 so that whatever the weather, it cannot adversely affect your day. The trip to the island takes 30 min. within the sheltered Forth Estuary.

Some popular options and costs as a guide

Firstly this is your day, and we help you do it your way, We organise the boat, the abbey and if required, a minister. Most of our brides want to organise all the other details themselves and we can help by putting you in touch with all the other local resources you might choose to have. Organist, Harpist, Piper, Florists, Photographers and so on.

Option 1 - Inchcolm Wedding using a Scheduled Sailing

This is the best option for a small parties. You will have an hour and a half ashore for your ceremony and photos. Basic fees are £450 (2-10 guests) and £500 (10-100 guests) to cover all fees of the Abbey inclusive of the minister’s fee. In addition to the basic fee you need to pay ferry fares at the current rate for each of your group.

Option 2 - Inchcolm Wedding using a Private Charter

This is a popular option for medium to large groups. It is normally possible to fit in a private charter before, between or after our public sailings giving departure times of mid morning, midday or alternatively late afternoon. Apart from having exclusive use of the vessel, it usually means you have the island to yourself. Basic fees are £450 (2-10 guests) and £500 (10-100 guests) to cover all fees of the Abbey inclusive of the minister’s fee. In addition you pay a fixed fee for the private charter of £1000 to give you exclusive use of the vessel both ways. This fee is fixed regardless of the number of guests you invite.

Option 3 - On Board Wedding during a private cruise

Chartering the vessel for private use for an on-board wedding or reception. The vessel is available at fixed cost charter rate regardless of the number of guests you have. These are £500 for the first hour inclusive of minister and £200 for each subsequent hour. Reception catering costs are typically between £8 upwards per head for a buffet. We can provide various types of band or a disco.

What about the legal side?

You need to contact the Local Registrar in Inverkeithing, 01383 313570 and they will advise you on all the paperwork they require. You should have all the paperwork in their hands about six weeks before your ceremony. One question most often asked is about second marriages, if you are legally eligible to marry then our ministers are happy to bless and perform the ceremony. In Scotland at present outside of a registry office, a legal marriage can only be performed by a minister, a Humanist celebrant or a Registrar. On Inchcolm or aboard the vessel we can offer a minister or Humanist to perform your ceremony, not a registrar.

*PS Even although you may all be on the same sailing, it is possible to embark the bride/bridesmaids early and keep them hidden in the "Captains Cabin" from the groom and guests until she walks down the aisle!