In Scotland you can get married almost anywhere. In a church or registry office, in a castle or country house, on a beach or on a mountain top.
Who can be married in Scotland
Any two persons, regardless of where they live, may marry in Scotland provided that:
Both are at least 16 years of age on the day of their marriage.
They are not related to one another in a way which would prevent their marrying.
They are unmarried and not in a civil partnership (any person who has already been married or registered as a civil partner must produce documentary evidence that the previous marriage or civil partnership registration has been ended by death, divorce, annulment or dissolution).
They are not of the same sex.
They are capable of understanding the nature of a marriage ceremony and of consenting to marrying.
The marriage would be regarded as valid in any foreign country to which either party belongs.
Types of marriage
You can be married in Scotland either – by a religious ceremony, by a civil ceremony or by a humanist ceremony:
A religious marriage, which may take place anywhere, may be solemnised only by a minister, clergyman, pastor, priest or other person entitled to do so under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977
A civil marriage, which may take place in a registration office or at an approved place, may be solemnised only by a registrar who has been authorised by the Registrar General for that purpose. You can obtain a list of approved places for the area in which you wish to be married from the registrar of births etc. for that area.
Humanist marriages can now also be carried out in Scotland. Humanist marriages performed by a Humanist Society Marriage Celebrant – authorised by the Registrar General for Scotland – are fully legal marriages.
Willkommen in Schottland
Bienvenue en Ecosse
Email this page
Print this page
