Marriage Ceremonies

• A maximum number of 50 plus bridal party people may attend a ceremony within our Almond Suite, Livingston Registration Office.

• The maximum figure encompasses all those at the ceremony, including Registrar, children, carer's supporting attendees and photographers.

• You can submit your Marriage Notice between 29 days and 3 months prior to your wedding however, we are requesting all documents 10-12 weeks prior to your ceremony.
• You can book a registrar up to 3 years in advance of your ceremony. Book a registrar here: Book a Registrar

Please email registration@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window)  to book an appointment to submit your marriage paperwork. 

Please read this list carefully and ensure you bring all documents, fully completed to our office as this may delay in processing your Marriage Notice.

• Marriage Notice guidance and application form (M10) (PDF, 90 KB)(opens new window) Print off 2 x pages 7 & 8 (one for each party to the marriage)
• Witness Form (PDF, 52 KB)(opens new window)
• Wedding Checklist (PDF, 26 KB)(opens new window)
• Birth certificates (translated in to English where necessary)
• Proof of address i.e. utility bill, dated within the last three months
• Passport
• If a registrar is conducting your ceremony, please complete a Ceremony Requirements Questionnaire (PDF, 83 KB)(opens new window)
• If you are travelling from a non EEA country or are non EEA national further documentation will need to be completed please also download and complete a Declaration of Status by Non-UK Nationals (nrscotland.gov.uk)
• If you have previously been married,divorced or dissolution documents, or if you are widowed, a copy of your spouses death certificate. 
• Anyone divorced overseas we will require a Foreign Divorce Questionnaire.
• If your domicile is abroad, a Certificate Of No Impediment (CONI) issued by the authority in your home town or country to the effect that you are free to marry (translated in to English if necessary)

All the paperwork must be handed into the  Livingston Registration Office with, original documents. 

If you are not able to submit your documents in person, please email registration@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window) to discuss your options. 

There are three types of ceremonies in Scotland, Civil, Religious and Belief Ceremonies.

Civil Ceremony

A Civil marriage between two people (this includes same sex couples) can take place in a registration office or at a venue agreed by the Registrar.

Civil marriages can only be carried out by;

• A Registrar who has been authorised by the Registrar General
• or Assistant Registrar who has been authorised by the Registrar General

Religious Ceremony

A Religious marriage (Christian or non-Christian) can be carried out by;

• Minister
• Member of the Clergy
• Pastor
• Priest
• or other person entitled to do so under the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977.

Belief Marriage

A Belief marriage can be carried out by someone authorised by the National Records of Scotland. 

For more information please visit National Records Scotland - marriage, civil and belief ceremonies (opens new window)

You can book a registrar online whether having your ceremony in a registration office or a venue of your choice.

You should contact the Registrar in the district where your marriage will take place up to 3 years in advance of  your wedding. 

For further information, email us registration@westlothian.gov.uk

Religious or Belief Marriage

• If you are having a Religious or Belief Marriage, either party to the marriage will need to collect the Marriage Schedule from the registration office, no earlier than 7 days prior to the wedding. This will not be issued to anyone other than the parties to the marriage.
• The schedule then needs to be returned to the registration office within three days of the ceremony, anyone can hand this into the office and your marriage certificate will be produced thereafter. You can discuss with your Registrar if you would like to collect your certificate or have it posted to your address.

Civil Ceremony

• If you are having a Civil Ceremony, the registrar will bring the schedule to the ceremony. Once the ceremony is complete the registrar will return the schedule to the office to create your marriage certificate. This can then either be picked up from the office or posted out second class post.
• Your fees include one marriage certificate. If you require further certificates please discuss this with the registrar.

You should contact the UK border agency (opens new window) for advice on entry requirements to the UK under immigration rules for marriage and civil partnerships.

If you are unable to provide proof of your Immigration status in the UK or a valid Visa, your Marriage Notice period may increase to up to 70 days pending Home Office Clearance. If you are a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland such as, for example, Australia, Canada, New Zealand South Africa or the United States etc.

If you intend to visit Scotland to get married or to register a civil partnership, then you will need relevant entry clearance to enter the UK.