How do you get married abroad in Scotland?

Short answer

If you mean getting married in Scotland while living abroad, you must submit a marriage notice to the registrar for the district where the wedding will take place. Do this at least 29 days before, and ideally 10 to 12 weeks ahead. Two witnesses aged 16 or over are needed.

Getting married in Scotland is straightforward, even if you live abroad. You do not give notice in your home country first. Instead, each partner submits a marriage notice to the registrar for the district where the wedding will be held. The notice must be submitted at least 29 days before the ceremony, but registrars advise sending it 10 to 12 weeks early to allow for checks.

You will need to provide your passports, birth certificates and, if you have been married before, evidence of how that marriage ended. If you are from outside the UK, you may need extra documents or translations. The registrar will confirm what is needed when you contact them.

Scotland is flexible about venues. You can marry almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, as long as the registrar or celebrant agrees. Religious and belief celebrants, including humanist celebrants, can conduct legal weddings in Scotland. You need two witnesses aged 16 or over. After the ceremony, the registrar will issue your marriage certificate, which is recognised across the UK. If you live abroad, check with GOV.UK whether you need to register the marriage in your home country, though for UK recognition it is not usually required.