article: Breathtaking scenery, beautiful castles and that signature Scottish hospitality. These are just some of the reasons that Scotland has recently been named the most popular wedding destination in the UK, according to a survey by the country's tourist board. And as local tennis hero, Andy Murray, prepares to marry his sweetheart Kim Sears in Dunblane on Saturday, interest in the country is at an all time high. The tennis star will wed Kim Sears in his hometown of Dunblane, north of Stirling, on April 11 . VisitScotland promotes country as the ideal wedding destination, in light of Andy Murray's upcoming nuptuals . In fact, last year, a quarter (24 per cent) of all marriages in Scotland involved couples from outside of the country. And the allure of the picturesque countryside and unusual Scottish wedding traditions has also had a serious economic impact on the region, with the wedding tourism industry bringing in £80 million last year alone. A recent survey has found that Scotland held 5.54 marriages per 1,000 - making it the most popular part of the UK in which to tie the knot. Southwest England was a close second however, boasting 5.40 per 1,000. The pair will tie the knot at the Dunblane Cathedral, a beautiful medieval church in central Scotland . However, the most popular wedding destination in the country is the council area of Dumfries and Galloway . Gretna Green, Dumfries and Galloway . The council area of Dumfries and Galloway, in the southwest of the country, was the most popular, thanks in large part to Gretna Green. The village, historically one of the first in Scotland, is famous for its runaway weddings, which began in 1754 during the time of Lord Hardwicke's Marriage Act. Such popularity can be attributed in large part to Gretna Green, a town famous for its 'runaway weddings' Today, it remains one of the world's most popular wedding destinations, playing host to 5,000 weddings each year. And it's popular among Scots as well, with one in six opting to get hitched in the romantic locale. Argyll and Bute is the second most popular area for weddings in Scotland and is home to Barcaldine Castle . Argyll and Bute . Another popular wedding destination, Argyll and Bute is home to 11.21 marriages per 1,000 in Scotland. Not only is the area known for its stunning scenery, but it's also conveniently located less than two hours north of Glasgow. With plenty of stunning castles littering the countryside, couples are undoubtedly spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a venue, with Barcaldine Castle a popular option. On the coast of the Firth of Clyde, the Culzean Castle in South Ayrshire is a beloved wedding site . South Ayrshire . Slightly further north than Dumfries and Galloway, on the coast of the Firth of Clyde, is the beautiful South Ayrshire council. Rich in historical significance, the area is also known to be the birthplace of Robert Burns - and couples even have the option to get married at the Scot's birthplace museum. Other popular venues include the opulent Culzean Castle, the gorgeous crumbling ruins of the Dundonald Castle, and the sprawling grounds of the Enterkine House Hotel. A-listers have long favoured Scotland for the big day, with Jennifer Connelly marrying in East Lothian in 2003 . 1. Dumfries and Galloway . 2. Argyll and Bute . 3. South Ayrshire . 4. Perth and Kinross . 5. Highland . 6. Stirling . 7. Edinburgh . 8. East Lothian . 9. North Ayrshire . 10. Scottish Borders . According to a VisitScotland report, those who choose Scotland for their wedding usually fall into one of four groups: those with Scottish roots; those who want to get away from it all; those with a university or childhood connection to the area; and those inspired by the romance and celebrity appeal of Scotland, such as Andy Murray selecting the country for his high-profile affair. And the tennis star is keeping good celebrity company. Other A-listers who have opted to marry in Scotland include Madonna and Guy Ritchie, who wed at the Skibo Castle in 2000. Actress Jennifer Connelly married Paul Bettany at Gilmerton House in East Lothian, Scotland, in 2003. And daughter of Paul McCartney and fashion designer to the stars, Stella McCartney, opted to tie the knot at Mount Stuart in the summer of the same year. Fashion designer Stella McCartney wed at Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute in Scotland in summer 2003 . Tourist weddings in Scotland tend to be a bit more expensive than those in other parts of the UK, although the average number of guests is generally smaller. Couples tend to stay in Scotland for six nights around their wedding date and make several weekend trips in advance of the big day to make arrangements. 'Put simply, Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in the world in which to get married,' explained Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland. 'From the splendour and magnificence of our castles and historic homes, to the wild romantic nature of our lochs, mountains, islands and coastlines, there is a uniqueness and magic to having  your big day on Scottish soil.'
highlights: Scotland has been named the most popular wedding destination in the UK .
  A quarter of all marriages in Scotland involve couples from elsewhere .
  Wedding tourism industry has had £80 million impact on the economy .
  Hometown hero, Andy Murray, to wed Kim Sears in Dunblane Cathedral .
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