Marriage Registration and Civil Weddings in Shetland

 

Civil Weddings in Shetland

Whether you choose to get married in our Registration Offices, at an approved venue or you can apply for a temporary approval at a location of your choice our Registrars will be happy to offer assistance and advice.

When you have decided on a date and a venue for your marriage, contact the appropriate registration office to check availability. Please make your booking as soon as possible. The Registrar will ask you for a £10 non-refundable deposit at the time of booking.

A change to the Marriage (Scotland ) Act 1977 took place in June 2002. This allowed a civil marriage not only to be solemnised at a Registration Office but at any approved place, including any premises, fixed buildings, temporary structures and enclosures or vessel in Scottish waters. Forms for temporary approval (one day) or period approval (three years) of places are available from the Lerwick Registration Office.

The couple must understand that only a civil non-religious ceremony can be permitted by the registrar. Couples are encouraged to create their own unique ceremony, in conjunction with the registrar. Nowadays many couples wish to make personal promises to each other before exchanging their vows, these can by romantic, serious or humorous. You must each make a declaration during the ceremony but these may be amended to include wording that you feel is appropriate. You may also wish to include readings by family or guests durings the ceremony. Consideration should also be given to the entrance of the bride. Many couples record music on CD or tape. Some couples have also arranged for musicians to perform as part of the ceremony.

The registrar will be happy to show examples of all the above elements and assist you in planning your "order of service".

 

Religious Marriages

If you wish to have a religious marriage ceremony you must contact and arrange your marriage with the minister or priest. In addition to consulting with the minister, etc you must also contact the Registrar. You must complete Forms M10 and submit them with the appropriate documentation and fees.

 

Marriage Registration

Marriage notice has to be lodged with the Registrar not less than 14 clear days before the proposed date of marriage, and not more than three months before the date. It is recommended that the forms should be lodged about 4 - 6 weeks before the marriage date. Marriage notice forms are required for both civil and religious marriages.

Marriage notices can be delivered in person or by post. However, both parties may be required to attend the Registrar's office to clear up any queries which may arise.

 

What documents should I take to the Registrar?

  • M10 (marriage notice) forms. These can be obtained from any registration office in Scotland or downloaded from the General Register Office for Scotland.
  • Birth Certificates
  • Passport may be required
  • Divorce papers if you or your partner have been previously married
  • If you are a widow or widower, the death certificate of your former spouse.
  • A foreign national may have to submit other documentation. Contact a Registration Office, visit the General Register Office website or Home Office website.
  • The full names and address of two witnessess to the marriage.
  • If any document is written in a language other than English it should be accompanied by an authorised translation.

Documents issued by the registrar

  • For a religious marriage, a marriage schedule. This will only be issued to the bride or groom up to 7 days before the marriage. For a civil marriage the Registrar is responsible for the schedule. A Marriage Schedule is the document signed by both parties to the marriage, along with the two witnesses, who must be at least 16 years of age and the celebrant. The signed marriage schedule is a very important document and great care should be taken of it. Following a religious marriage, the marriage schedule should be returned to the Registrar within three days.
  • A marriage certificate. If requested and paid for, is issued once the marriage schedule is returned and the marriage is registered.

 

Fees

  • Contact the registrar for up to date information on the current fees chargeable.