What kind of ceremony you can have
You can have a:
- religious marriage
- civil marriage or civil partnership.
For all marriages and civil partnerships, you need to book an appointment to register your marriage or civil partnership.
This is called ‘giving notice’.
Religious marriage
A religious marriage, which includes any belief system, can take place anywhere in Scotland.
It can only be performed by a minister, clergyman, pastor, priest, or other person entitled to do so under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977.
Civil marriage and civil partnership
A civil marriage or civil partnership can take place at a registry office or at another venue with a registrar.
It can only be conducted by an authorised registrar or assistant registrar.
It cannot be a religious or beliefs-based ceremony.
Civil partnership signing
You can register a civil partnership with no ceremony at either of our registration offices.
You’ll still need to book the signing, give notice, and pay the registration fees.
You can take photos at the venue after the signing if you wish.