Register a marriage

In all cases, the partners must each complete a (M10) Marriage Notice Form and submit the completed forms to the registrar for the district in which they intend to be married, together with the appropriate fee and other relevant documents.

Marriage notice forms can be obtained from any registration office or downloaded from the National Records of Scotland website.

For more information on what documents to bring you can visit the Notice of Marriage in Scotland page.

Information about fees can be found in the Marriage Fees page.

You may also be required to bring with you additional information if the following applies:

Previously married or in a Civil Partnership, ending in divorce, dissolution or annulment

You must produce the original court document ie.

• UK - decree absolute, dissolution or annulment.
• Outwith UK - original document from the court and a full translation if applicable

Widow, widower or surviving civil partner

• you will require to provide the death certificate of your former husband, wife or civil partner.
• if you are not mentioned on the death certificate you will require to bring along with you your marriage or civil partnership certificate.

Change of name by deed poll or statutory declaration

• original documentation

What can I expect at my appointment

During your appointment the Registrar will check the (M10) Marriage Notice Forms and accompanying documents, only when the registrar is satisfied that all legal requirements have been met will a marriage schedule (the document which allows a marriage to take place) be prepared and issued to the parties.

When the registrar is satisfied there is no legal impediment to the marriage, they will prepare a Marriage Schedule from the information that you have given. The Schedule is the most important document - no marriage can proceed without it.

Marriage Schedule

• If you are having a religious marriage the Marriage Schedule will be issued to you by the registrar. The schedule cannot be issued more than 7 days before the marriage and the registrar will advise you when to attend to collect it. The Schedule can only be collected by the prospective couple.
• The Marriage Schedule must be produced before the marriage ceremony to the person performing the marriage.
• Immediately after the ceremony the Schedule must be signed in black fountain pen, by both parties, by the person performing the marriage and by the 2 witnesses. Thereafter it must be returned to the registrar within three days so that the marriage can be registered.
• If you are having a civil marriage a Marriage Schedule will not be issued, but the registrar will have it available at the ceremony for signature, they will then register the marriage.
• A fee for the marriage and, if applicable, for the attendance of the registrar at an agreed authorised place is payable to the registrar at the time of giving notice.