What are the legal requirements for a same-sex wedding in Scotland?

Short answer

In Scotland, each partner submits a marriage notice to the registrar for the district where the wedding will take place, at least 29 days before the wedding, and two witnesses aged 16 or over are needed.

Scotland has its own system, which is more flexible than the rest of the UK. Each of you must submit a marriage notice to the registrar for the district where your wedding will take place. You should do this at least 29 days before the wedding, though registrars often advise giving notice 10 to 12 weeks ahead to allow for any delays.

One of the great things about Scotland is where you can marry. Weddings can take place almost anywhere you agree with the registrar or your celebrant, indoors or outdoors. This means you are not limited to a register office or a registered building. You could have your ceremony by a loch, in a garden, in a castle or in a remote bothy, as long as the registrar agrees to the location.

You will need two witnesses, and in Scotland they can be aged 16 or over. Religious and belief celebrants, including humanist celebrants, can conduct legal weddings in Scotland, so you do not need a separate civil ceremony. The marriage certificate is issued after the ceremony, and the process is handled by the local registrar.

Because rules can change and individual registrars may have their own preferences, it is worth confirming the details with your local registrar or celebrant. If you are planning a destination wedding in Scotland, they will be able to guide you through the steps.