Marriage

Laura – Islay

Samantha Gillies — Fri, 15 May 2026 15:14:19 +0000

Laura MacAffer – Assistant Registrar

Based on the Isle of Islay

Started in Registration – July 2024

Iona – Oban

Samantha Gillies — Fri, 15 May 2026 15:09:53 +0000

Iona Welsh - Assistant Registrar

Based in Oban

Started in Registration – 2024

Christina – Helensburgh

Samantha Gillies — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:25:59 +0000

Christina Byrne – Assistant Registrar

Started in Registration – April 2025

'Being a part of one of the most momentous days of someone’s life is so special and rewarding. I really enjoy getting to know the couple, from hearing the story of how they met, the proposal and most importantly what type of ceremony they are looking for. Making every couple’s ceremony unique is the fun part for me. Every couple is unique so I believe their ceremony should always feel like it’s tailored to them. The big day itself is so exciting! I am on hand to help relax any nerves and guide you through the ceremony with ease. I love seeing the whole process come together on the day and hopefully make it a truly memorable experience for the couple and their guests.'

Christina Byrne

Iona Village Hall

Stephanie Wright — Tue, 12 May 2026 15:15:43 +0000

Create your unique Scottish island wedding experience. We provide a stunning setting, the rest is up to you. Our modern village hall is a blank canvas for you to transform, creating the do it yourself wedding of your dreams.

Whether you get married on the beach or in our gorgeous venue is up to you. Iona Village Hall is not just an evening venue, you can host a weekend celebration where loved ones from afar can come together.

We offer an intimate, relaxed space for you to have your wedding, your way. We’d be happy to introduce you to local suppliers to bring your unique vision to life.

The registration office for this venue is Oban, please click below for the contact details for contacting the registrar to discuss conducting your ceremony or to submit your marriage paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions – Copy

Kirsty McDonald — Thu, 07 May 2026 09:44:15 +0000

Marriage and Civil Partnership Questions and Answers

Before the day

Are all couples required to wait the minimum 29 day notice period?

Yes, unless they are granted dispensation under exceptional circumstances. The date that notices are lodged will begin the 29-day minimum notice period.

Can couples who lodge notice now extend their notice period if required?

No, notices are valid for a maximum of 3 calendar months. After this time, new notices must be submitted if there are any changes to the date.

What are the differences between a marriage and a civil partnership?

Couples of any gender can now choose to enter into either a marriage or a civil partnership. The Scottish Government has released a guide on the differences and legalities of each to help couples make an informed choice.

Do I need to pay a deposit when I book my Marriage Ceremony?

Yes, we require a £90 non-refundable deposit at the time of booking.

Can you provide witnesses?

You will need two witnesses for your wedding, both aged 16 or over. A registrar may be able to provide witnesses for ceremonies taking place Monday to Friday — this can be discussed when booking.

Have the regulations on face coverings changed since the last update?

There are no current regulations regarding face coverings. However, members of the public are advised to follow Scottish Government guidance and are, of course, welcome to wear a face covering if they wish.

I am in the UK on a working VISA, can I get married in Scotland?

If you are a national of a country outside the UK and intend to get married or register a civil partnership in Scotland, you will need an entry clearance. If you are already in the UK and are subject to immigration control but do not have a visa specifically for the purpose of marriage or civil partnership, we must refer your marriage to the Home Office for approval. This can increase the notice period from 29 to 70 days, so we recommend submitting your paperwork to the registrar as early as possible.

On the day

What difference is there between a Registrar and a Non-Belief/Faith Celebrant?

If the ceremony is conducted by a registrar, the paperwork and ceremony arrangements are included as one service. A civil ceremony is conducted by a registrar who can add personalised content. When using a non-belief or faith celebrant, you still need to contact the local registrar to complete the legal paperwork. The marriage schedule must be collected during the week of the wedding by the couple and returned to the registrar within 3 days after the ceremony.

Where can I have my ceremony?

Anywhere with the owner’s permission! That could be a hotel, boat, beach, garden, old school, tea room — even the place where you first met. We’ll just need a copy of the venue’s public liability insurance and will arrange a pre-ceremony visit. Each area also has its own ceremony rooms available for bookings.

What if something changes on the day?

If any details on your marriage or civil partnership schedule are no longer correct (e.g. a witness changes or weather affects the location), please refer to our Amendments to a Schedule page for guidance.
Important: Under no circumstances should you or your celebrant make changes directly on the official schedule (the yellow paper).

Amendments to a Schedule

If we are getting married outside, what happens if it’s raining on the day?

When booking your ceremony, your registrar will explain that you must have a wet weather alternative in case of poor conditions.

How much does it cost for a civil wedding?

Fees vary depending on where and when your wedding takes place. Please see our fees and charges page for details, or contact us for a quote.

Fees and Charges

What time/days of the week do you conduct your ceremonies?

Ceremonies are carried out Monday to Saturday during times set by the local registrar. If you have special requirements, please let us know and we will explore options with you.

How long can a ceremony last?

Your ceremony can be as short or as long as you wish! We’ll discuss ideas and timing with you after you’ve submitted your paperwork.

How can I make my ceremony special or unique?

Our website has lots of ideas for enhancements. You’re also welcome to discuss your thoughts with a registrar by phone, email or in person when submitting your paperwork.

Make you ceremony Unique

Can we include music?

Absolutely! We have music available in our offices, or you can bring your own. Bluetooth and CD playback are available. Live music is also an option — it’s your day, your way!

If I wanted my ceremony to have some religious element to it, would that be okay?

You can include religious elements if you wish. We simply ask that a guest or family member reads out any religious wording during the ceremony.

What pen can I use to sign my marriage schedule?

Signatures must be made with a fountain pen using archive-quality permanent black ink, as schedules are permanent legal records.

What name do I sign on my marriage schedule?

You must sign using the name that appears on your marriage schedule, as declared on your marriage notices.

Do we have to have wedding rings?

Rings are optional. Choosing not to exchange rings won’t affect the validity of your marriage. Your registrar will confirm this with you before the big day.

Can we have photographs taken and a film recording of our ceremony?

Yes — we’re happy for photos and video to be taken during the ceremony, as long as it doesn’t distract from the dignity of the occasion.
We may also ask for permission to use a few photos on our social media or website (entirely optional, of course).

Can we throw confetti?

Confetti is welcome — but only outside the building. Please ask guests to dispose of packaging responsibly.

Married

How long do I need to wait after my wedding before getting my marriage certificate?

If you have a civil ceremony, your registrar will register the marriage upon returning to the office and post your certificate the same day.
For a religious or other belief ceremony, the signed marriage schedule must be returned to the registrar within 3 days. Once returned, your marriage will be registered and the certificate posted that day.

I’ve lost my marriage certificate — how much is a replacement?

A replacement costs £10 within the calendar month of your marriage. After that, it’s £15.
You can order additional copies of your marriage certificate online or by contacting one of our registration offices.

Order copies of your marriage certificate

How do I change my name once I am married?

In Scotland, there’s no formal name change process after marriage. You may assume your spouse’s surname, double-barrel your names, or simply keep your own. The choice is entirely yours!

Here’s what to know, depending on your choice:

Taking your husband’s or wife’s name after marriage

Send a copy of your marriage certificate to the relevant authorities — such as the DVLA, your bank, and your employer. Always check if they need an original or will accept a copy.
You can also apply for a new passport. If you’re planning to honeymoon under your new name, you can apply in advance.

Keeping your surname

If you choose to keep your surname, no action is needed. Your personal records and identification will remain unchanged.

Using a double-barrelled name

To double-barrel your surname, simply send copies of your marriage certificate to relevant authorities along with a note stating your new name (and whether it’s hyphenated or not).

TidesMeet (former Colintraive Church)

Stephanie Wright — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:56:20 +0000

A former church resting neatly on the Kyles of Bute at Colintraive.

This building is now owned by the Friends of Colintraive Church for the community and it therefore available not only for religious services but also for celebrant or non-registrar led marriages. It is a small property enabling marriages for up to about 80 guests in total.

The registration office for this venue is Dunoon, please click below for the contact details for contacting the registrar to discuss conducting your ceremony or to submit your marriage paperwork.

Victoria Hall

Stephanie Wright — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:08:20 +0000

The Victoria Hall is located overlooking the scenic view of Campbeltown Loch. The hall can accommodate 150 seated guests for the meal and an additional 100 evening guests. As we do not have our own in-house catering, we can supply you with the details of some superb outside caterers who regularly use Victoria Hall. Each wedding at the Victoria Hall receives full attention to detail, making the day special for each couple.

The registration office for this venue is Campbeltown, please click below for the contact details for contacting the registrar to discuss conducting your ceremony or to submit your marriage paperwork.

Victoria Halls

Stephanie Wright — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:40:50 +0000

Weddings at Victoria Halls can cater for up to up to 120 seated guests for the meal and an additional 20 evening guests in our Main Hall, or enjoy a more intimate meal in the Pillar Hall with space for up to 70 guests. We can offer the complete package to include the wedding ceremony in one of our smaller rooms. Each wedding at the Victoria Halls receives full attention to detail, making the day special for each couple.

The registration office for this venue is Helensburgh, please click below for the contact details for contacting the registrar to discuss conducting your ceremony or to submit your marriage paperwork.

Corran Halls

Stephanie Wright — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:12:52 +0000

The Corran Halls are beautifully located overlooking Oban Bay. Our beautiful gardens make a picturesque location for any photographs with superb views over the Bay to Kerrera and Mull.

Corran Halls can cater for 150 guests and an additional 150 guests for the evening reception. We can even offer the complete package to include the wedding ceremony in one of our smaller rooms. Each wedding at the Corran Halls receives full attention to detail, making the day special for each couple.

The registration office for this venue is Oban, please click below for the contact details for contacting the registrar to discuss conducting your ceremony or to submit your marriage paperwork.

The Queen’s Hall

Stephanie Wright — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:59:47 +0000

Our main hall is an adaptable space and can be set up especially for you. It can accommodate 180 seated guests for the meal and an additional 120 evening guests, has a full stage with theatre lighting and has a generous dance hall. Overlooking the River Clyde, the Argyll Suite is a great space for more intimate weddings, with a capacity of 130 dependent on seating/standing arrangements.

Each wedding at the Queen’s Hall receives full attention to detail, making the day special for each couple.

The registration office for this venue is Dunoon, please click below for the contact details for contacting the registrar to discuss conducting your ceremony or to submit your marriage paperwork.