Marriage and Civil Partnership

We pride ourselves on the beauty of our countryside and the friendliness of the people you will meet. We have the perfect surroundings to make sure that your wedding or civil partnership is a day that you and your family will remember for the rest of your lives.

These pages will guide you through the steps leading up to the big day.

We have also included a checklist of the essential deadlines and a map of the district.

We hope that you find this information helpful and we look forward to helping you to make your day so special.

What to do first...

What happens...

And finally...

People who may solemnise marriages

In Scotland, a religious marriage (which includes belief systems such as Christian, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus and Humanists) may be solemnised only by a minister, clergyman, pastor, priest or other person entitled to do so under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977. Authorisation can only be granted to someone who is affiliated to a religious body and who is supported by office bearers of that body or other belief system to conduct a marriage ceremony on its behalf.

A civil marriage will be solemnised by an Authorised Registrar or Assistant Registrar who has been appointed by the Registrar General.

People who may conduct civil partnership registrations

You may form a Civil Partnership in Scotland in the presence of an Authorised Registrar or Assistant Registrar who has been appointed by the Registrar General. There is no requirement for couples entering a civil partnership to hold a ceremony as part of the registration. However, the person conducting the registration will be more than happy to incorporate it in a ceremony, in their capacity as an officer of Scottish Borders Council.