Scotland is one of the simplest and most flexible places in Europe to get legally married, which is exactly why so many couples choose it for destination weddings. There’s no residency requirement, the paperwork is manageable and you can choose from civil, religious or humanist ceremonies – all fully recognised under Scottish law.
If you’re just starting to explore the country as a wedding destination, you may also find our Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Scotland helpful.
All information below is accurate as of December 2025.
Can Foreigners Get Married in Scotland?
Yes, absolutely. Scotland allows couples from any country to marry legally. You don’t need to be a UK citizen or hold any kind of residency. As long as you meet the legal criteria and file the required paperwork on time, you can marry here.
Do We Need to Be Resident in Scotland?
No. Scotland has no residency requirement for marriage. As long as you submit the correct paperwork on time, you are free to arrive whenever suits your plans. The only part that must be handled in person is collecting the Marriage Schedule (for religious and humanist ceremonies) within the week before the wedding.
The Legal Paperwork (Made Simple)
Every couple must complete an M10 Marriage Notice, one for each person, and send it to the registrar in the district where the ceremony will take place. Notices must be submitted between 3 months and 29 days before the wedding date.
Most couples will need to provide:
- Passport or approved ID
- Birth certificate
- Proof of marital status (e.g. divorce decree absolute or death certificate of a former spouse)
Registrars may ask for additional documents depending on your nationality. Fees apply for notice submission and marriage certificates, and these vary slightly by region.
Arriving in Scotland: How Early Do You Need to Be Here?
There’s no mandatory arrival period. Many couples arrive only a few days before their wedding. The key thing to remember is that the Marriage Schedule must be collected in person if you’re having a religious or humanist ceremony. Civil ceremony couples don’t need to worry about this – the registrar brings everything with them.
Where Can We Legally Get Married?
This is where Scotland really stands out. You can legally marry in an enormous range of locations:
- Castles and historic estates
- Hotels and private venues
- Lochsides, beaches and mountain viewpoints
- Private homes and gardens
- Contemporary urban spaces
Religious and humanist celebrants can legally marry you in almost any location. Civil ceremonies are slightly more regulated – they must take place in a registration office or another non-religious venue that the registrar agrees is suitable. Many registrars are open to outdoor locations, but approval must be confirmed in advance.
Civil, Religious and Humanist Ceremonies Explained
Civil Ceremonies
Conducted by a registrar. Simple, neutral and ideal for couples who want a straightforward legal ceremony. The location must be pre-approved.
Religious Ceremonies
Led by an authorised religious celebrant. These can follow the customs of the faith tradition and take place in a place of worship or another suitable venue.
Humanist Ceremonies
Scotland is one of the few places where humanist ceremonies are fully legal. These ceremonies are personalised, story-driven and can take place almost anywhere, which is a major draw for modern couples.
Are Same-Sex Weddings Legal in Scotland?
Yes. Same-sex marriage is fully legal and recognised across Scotland. LGBTQIA+ couples can choose civil, humanist or certain religious ceremonies, depending on the denomination.
Understanding the Marriage Schedule
This document allows your wedding to legally proceed. Without it, the ceremony cannot take place.
- For civil weddings, the registrar handles the schedule and registers the marriage afterward.
- For religious and humanist weddings, you must collect the schedule from the registrar within seven days before the ceremony and return it within three days after.
Many destination couples ask their planner or a trusted guest to help manage the collection and return.
Are Outdoor Weddings Legal in Scotland?
Yes – although temperamental weather means it is important that you have a strong Plan B. You can legally marry outdoors via a religious or humanist ceremony almost anywhere in the country. Civil ceremonies can also take place outdoors, as long as the registrar approves the site.
Symbolic Ceremonies
Some couples prefer to complete the legalities at home and host a symbolic ceremony in Scotland. This is common for elopements, multi-day events or when timing makes the legal process abroad easier.
Planning Your Destination Wedding in Scotland
With flexible legal options, no residency requirements and some of the most striking wedding venues in the world, Scotland is one of the strongest destination choices for couples who want a legally binding wedding with minimal barriers.
Explore our full collection of luxury venues on the Scotland Wedding Venues page to start planning your celebration.