Getting Married in Scotland: Edinburgh & Highlands Wedding Guide
To marry in Scotland, each of you completes an M10 marriage notice form and sends it, with your documents and a £45 fee per person, to the registration office for the district where the ceremony will take place. The registrar must receive your notices at least 29 days before the wedding, and National Records of Scotland recommends sending them 10–12 weeks ahead. Non-UK nationals can marry in Scotland but may be subject to immigration control and need extra documents.
Step by step: the legal process
- Contact the local registration office. Contact the office in the council district where you will marry. They explain how to submit your notice — some accept emailed copies first, but originals must arrive before the ceremony.
- Complete the forms. Each of you completes an M10 marriage notice form; together you complete the celebrant and witness details form.
- Gather documents. Birth (or adoption) certificate, a valid passport or other proof of nationality, and evidence of usual residence such as a utility bill no older than 3 months. Extra documents apply if you were married before or are a non-UK national.
- Pay the notice fee. £45 per person. The registrar or celebrant confirms their own fee for conducting the ceremony.
- Submit in time. The registrar must have your notices at least 29 days before the wedding; 10–12 weeks is advised so documents can be checked. Late notice can mean the wedding is postponed.
- Hold the ceremony. Choose a civil ceremony with a registrar, or a religious or belief ceremony with an approved celebrant, following what the ceremony must include.
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Notice form | M10, one per person, plus celebrant and witness details form |
| Notice fee | £45 per person |
| Minimum notice | 29 days before the wedding |
| Recommended | Submit 10–12 weeks before |
| Proof of residence | Utility bill or similar, no older than 3 months |
| Non-UK nationals | May be subject to immigration control; extra documents may be required |
Non-UK couples marrying in Scotland
National Records of Scotland confirms that non-UK nationals can marry in Scotland but may be subject to immigration control. Council guidance asks non-UK nationals to complete a declaration of status and, depending on circumstances, provide a certificate of no impediment from their country.
If you are travelling to Scotland to marry, check the UK Government's current visitor rules for marriage before booking, and ask your registration office which extra documents apply to you.
Official sources
- National Records of Scotland — Registering a marriage or civil partnership
- National Records of Scotland — Marriage in Scotland leaflet (RM1)
Frequently asked questions
How much notice do you need to get married in Scotland?
The registrar must receive your marriage notices at least 29 days before the wedding; National Records of Scotland advises 10–12 weeks.
How much does it cost to give notice of marriage in Scotland?
£45 per person. The registrar or celebrant charges separately for the ceremony.
Can non-UK citizens get married in Scotland?
Yes, though you may be subject to immigration control and need extra documents such as a declaration of status or certificate of no impediment.
Where do I send my marriage notice in Scotland?
To the registration office for the district where the ceremony will take place — not to National Records of Scotland.