Scottish Registrars

Civil Marriages in ScotlandThe nature of civil marriage has changed dramatically since it was first introduced in Scotland in 1940. Historically, civil marriages were governed by strict rules, and could only take place in the office of an authorised registrar, on Monday to Friday, in a short ceremony which focused mainly on the legal requirements of marriage. However, today this couldn’t be further from the case. The rules have changed and there is much greater flexibility – there are almost as many different kinds of civil marriage ceremony as there are couples.

Registrars understand the diverse needs of people today, and can reflect the culture and social mix in our communities. As a result, many civil marriages now include personal touches such as live music, readings and additional vows, making the ceremony unique to the couple. A modern registrar will encourage couples to make their own contributions to the ceremony, and there is huge scope to include friends, children and family members. Guests can also be encouraged to take an active part in the ceremony, and these changes make everyone feel really involved.

Although traditionally civil marriages were entirely non-religious, there is now no set format and religious context can be included if the couple wish. If you are considering a civil marriage, you may want to think about hand fasting, sand ceremonies, remembrance candles or the well-known Scottish tradition of drinking from the Quaich, all of which are now possible.

Civil marriage ceremonies take place almost anywhere, and at times including Saturdays and Sundays. Local authorities no longer need venues to be licensed for a wedding, and this freedom allows for much greater choice of venue – you can be married in a hotel, castle, beauty spot, on a beach, in your garden or even on a boat; essentially any location that is special to the couple. The role of the registrar is also unique – only registrars can guide you through the whole marriage process, including:

• Choosing a venue• Submitting marriage notices and checking all the required documentation• Tailoring the ceremony• Registering the marriage• Issuing a marriage certificate

A civil marriage gives you the opportunity to have a ceremony truly reflecting your personalities, and registrars will assist you every step of the way to make sure it is a day to remember.

your day, your way

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Scottish Registrar leaflet.pdf 1 09/02/2017 09:39

Council Name Email Address Phone

Aberdeen City registrars@aberdeencity.gov.uk 01224 522616

Aberdeenshire Peterhead.registrar@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 01779 403740

Angus regmontrose@angus.gov.uk 01674672351

Argyll and Bute Gemma.cummins@argyll-bute.gov.uk 01631 567908

Clackmannanshire registration@clacks.gov.uk 01259 723850

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar registrars@cne-siar.gov.uk 01859 502367

Dumfries and Galloway dumfriesregistrar@dumgal.gov.uk 01387 245906

Dundee registrars@dundeecity.gov.uk 01382 435222

East Ayrshire registrar@east-ayrshire.gov.uk 01563 576695

East Dunbartonshire Registration.services@eastdunbarton.gov.uk 0300 123 4510

East Lothian haddingtonregistrars@eastlothian.gov.uk 01620 827308

East Renfrewshire registrars@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk 0141 577 3008

Edinburgh registrars.lothianchambers@edinburgh.gov.uk 0131 529 2600

Falkirk registration@falkirk.gov.uk 01324 506580

Fife fife.registrars@fife.gov.uk 03451 550077

Glasgow Mar&cpr@glasgow.gov.uk 0141 287 7658

Highland inverness.registrars@highland.gov.uk 01463 256400

Inverclyde registrars@inverclyde.gov.uk 01475 714250

Midlothian registrar@midlothian.gov.uk 0131 2713281

Moray elgin.registrar@moray.gov.uk 01343 554600

North Ayrshire Registrarsirvine1@north-ayrshire.gov.uk 01294 310000

North Lanarkshire Registrars-coatbridge@northlan.gov.uk 01236 856430

Orkney Chief-registrar@orkney.gov.uk 01856 850854

Perth and Kinross Perth-registrars@pkc.gov.uk 01738 475121

Renfrewshire Registrar.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk 0300 300 0310

Scottish Borders lisa.davenport@scotborders.gov.uk 0300 100 1800

Shetland registrar@shetland.gov.uk 01595 744562

Stirling registrar@stirling.gov.uk 01786 233961

South Ayrshire Ayr.registrars@southayrshire.gov.uk 01292 617617

South Lanarkshire Lindsay.robertson@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 01698 406080

West Dunbartonshire Dumbarton.registrars@west-dunbarton.gov.uk 01389 738350

West Lothian registration@westlothian.gov.uk 01506 282916

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Prinect PDF Report 3.1.098 - 1 - 02/09/2017 11:16:37 AM

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