How to Get a Marriage License in Scotland

If you plan to be married in Scotland's breathtaking surroundings, find out what's required in advance.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Guides
• Wedding Rings
• Internet Access
• Airline Tickets
• Passport Services
• Rental Cars
• Computers
• Rental cars

1. Obtain marriage notice forms from any Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriage in Scotland. Look in a local phone book or call information when you arrive in Scotland to find the one nearest you, or do a search online before you go.

2. Complete the forms and submit them to the registrar in the district where you plan to be married.

3. Note that each of you must submit a separate form.

4. Allow plenty of time for the registrar to process the notice of marriage, and be sure you're both free to marry. A full six weeks is recommended, but the minimum amount of time allowed is 15 days.

5. Supply your birth certificate, and any proof of divorce or death if either of you has been married before.

6. Obtain a certificate of no impediment if you live outside of Great Britain. This states that you're free to marry. Remember that foreign nationals can't marry without this.

7. Ask the registrar how to most easily accomplish this. You can visit the Web page of the General Registrar Office for Scotland (gro-scotland.gov.uk).

8. Translate your no impediment certificate into English if it's written in another language.

9. Remember that once your application has been processed and your license is ready, no waiting period is required before you can marry.

Tips & Warnings

• In Scotland, you can marry without parental consent at 16 years of age.
• Understand that you can't marry a relative.
• Decide whether you want a civil or a religious ceremony. The license is valid for both.