Religious marriage
A religious marriage may only be conducted only by a minister, clergyman, pastor, priest or other person entitled to do so.
Who can be married in Scotland
Any two persons who are at least 16 years of age on the day of their marriage, regardless of where they live, may marry in Scotland provided that:
- They are not related to one another in a way which would prevent their marrying
- They are unmarried and not in a registered civil partnership (any person who has already been married or in a registered civil partnership must produce documentary evidence that the previous marriage or civil partnership has been ended by divorce or dissolution or annulment
- If the former spouse or civil partner is deceased , the death certificate of the former spouse or civil partner
- They are not of the same sex
- They are capable of understanding the nature of a marriage ceremony and of consenting to marriage
- The marriage would be regarded as valid in any foreign country to which either party belongs
Marriage Notice
What do I have to do?
- Both parties to a marriage must complete and return Marriage Notice Forms to the registration office for the district they intend to marry in
When and Where?
Marriages Notice Forms can not be submitted more than 3 months before a wedding and not less than 15 days. Usual notice period is 4- 6 weeks
Only in exceptional circumstances will the Registrar General authorise a marriage to take place if 15 clear days notice has not been given
Marriage Notice Forms can be collected from either of our two registration offices or downloaded from the General Register Office for Scotland website. For more information go to the External websites area.
What do I need to provide?
both bride and bridegroom's birth certificates
If you were born in Britain after 1983, the registrar will also require to see your British passport
If you have been married or in a registered civil partnership and the marriage or civil partnership has been dissolved or annulled a decree of divorce or dissolution or annulment or a certified copy decree. A decree of divorce or dissolution granted outwith Scotland must be absolute or final. A decree nisi is not acceptable.
If your spouse or civil partner is deceased, the death certificate of your former spouse or civil partner
If your domicile is abroad, a certificate of no impediment issued by the competent authority to the effect you are free to marry
You must provide the names and addresses of your two witnesses (16 years of age or older) normally your best man and bridesmaid
You will also need to pay the marriage fees
Please note that we do not accept photocopies of documents and if any of these documents are in a language other than English, a certified translation must be provided.
If you are subject to immigration controls, you may have to provide extra documentation to that outlined above. If you are in any doubt about what is required, or if you need information you should consult the Registrar.
