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IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING

If you are looking to get legally married in Scotland, the first question you should ask any celebrant is:

"Are you legally authorised to solemnise (witness) our marriage?"

We are Humanism in Scotland and our answer is YES! 

Our celebrants are fully registered MARRIAGE OFFICERS, giving us the authority to legally witness marriages ANYWHERE in Scotland. (See more about locations below.)

Humanism in Scotland is recognised as a BELIEF GROUP by the National Records of Scotland (NRS). We nominate our members and when approved, they are placed on a national register of APPROVED CELEBRANTS.

IMPORTANT:

Celebrants elsewhere are not necessarily members of (or nominated by) an authorised group, so while they can act as your celebrant, they might not be legally authorised to SOLEMNISE your marriage. 

So ask before you commit. 

If you decide to go ahead with a non-registered celebrant, you will either pay for a registrar to be present at your wedding or you can legally marry in a registry office then have the main ceremony with your chosen celebrant. This is what couples used to do before the marriage laws changed in 2005.

With HUMANISM in SCOTLAND, we do it all!

Before booking your celebrant and paying your deposit, ask if they are legally authorised by the National Records of Scotland. They will have a letter from NRS to confirm this.

Your celebrant should be able to reassure you at your very first meeting, so don't be afraid to ask about the legal aspect of your wedding.

FINAL POINT: Approved celebrants like us only require a small deposit, nothing like £250, which we understand some couples are being asked to pay.

If you are unsure, get in touch. We offer free advice and are happy to help.

Location, location, location!

Approved celebrants can marry couples anywhere in Scotland - up a hill, on a beach, in a fairytale castle or in the gardens of a lovely hotel. With a marriage officer present, (along with two chosen witnesses), your marriage will be legal. 

You must, however, ensure that you have permission to take a wedding party to your chosen location. Most public places are ok, but many do require prior notice with the local council. 

Private locations require permission beforehand. You don't want to be chased off someone's land in the middle of your ceremony! Quite simply, councils and private owners try to avoid disruption to others and misuse of property.

So find your dream wedding location but do check if you require permission to be there first.

Humanism in Scotland celebrants have conducted many 'elopement style' weddings over the years so we can offer suggestions and advice.

To infinity and beyond!

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