Legal or not?
In Scotland, tying the knot, or getting married, is a legal process governed by specific regulations.
The differences between a non-legal and legal wedding are very specific and the ceremony needs to reflect this. As a celebrant I cannot stand in front of guest and an any way ‘pretend’ a wedding is legal if it is not.
To make it legal I need to have the schedule issued by the Registrar of Scotland and the date and venue must be correct. If there are any discrepancies I would phone the Registry office of who issued the schedule and they would decide if the wedding would, or should not go ahead.
These are not decisions we can make because that is Scots law!
Here’s a summary of the key points regarding marriage in Scotland:
Legal Weddings:
- Age: Both parties must be at least 16 years old.
- Capacity: Both parties must have the mental capacity to understand the nature of the marriage.
- Notice of Marriage: Notice must be given to the registrar at least 29 days before the intended date of marriage.
- Residency: No residency requirement for marriage, but notice must be given to the registrar in the district where the marriage will take place.
- Documentation: Both parties must provide documentation including birth certificates, passports, and, if applicable, divorce or death certificates from previous marriages.
- Consent: Both parties must freely consent to the marriage.
- Prohibited Degrees of Relationship: Parties cannot be closely related by blood or adoption.
Marriage Certificate
A marriage certificate is issued following the ceremony, confirming the legal status of the marriage.
During the ceremony, both parties must declare that they accept each other as legally married in the presence of the celebrant and two witnesses.
If you have any specific questions about the legalities or processes related to marriage in Scotland, feel free to ask!
To find out more about how to become a celebrant click here!
MM The Celebrant 