Getting hitched in Scotland is incredibly straightforward and for those couples amongst us who run for cover at the thought of guest-lists, table plans and ceremony rehearsals, a Scottish elopement has got your names written all over it!

If you’re dreaming of the dictionary definition elopement experience (just the two of you running off into the wilds), then you’ll be pleased to know that all that is required to become legally married in Scotland is a happy couple, their Celebrant (hello Paula!), two witnesses and a Marriage Schedule. That’s it!!

The Marriage Schedule

The Marriage Schedule is the form on which the couple, their witnesses and their Celebrant will fill out on the wedding day and it is granted by the Registrar local to the couple’s wedding venue/location.  The Schedule can be collected in person up to seven days before the big day.  

To be issued with a Marriage Schedule, the couple must each fill in a Marriage Notice form (M10 form) or a CP10 if it is a Civil Partnership (the forms along with further information can be downloaded here).  This form can be submitted (along with a £70 processing fee) no earlier than twelve weeks and no later than 29 days before the wedding day. 

Alongside the M10 forms, couples will also need to send their birth/adoption certificates, passports and proof of residence.  Further paperwork such as divorce certificates or a Certificate of No Impediment (CONI), which is required for couples coming from abroad to marry in Scotland, may also be required.

If couples are travelling from out-with the EU to elope in Scotland, they will also need to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa and fill in a Declaration of Immigration form.

Witnesses

The wedding ceremony must be witnessed by two people over the age of 16.  If you are looking to elope, just the two of you, Trevor can double up as a witness/photographer and we ALWAYS have loads of friends and family members chomping at the bit to join us on our elopement adventures, so we can easily organise your witnesses for you.

The Marriage Certificate

Once the couple, the Celebrant and their witnesses have signed the Marriage Schedule, the form will need to be returned to the local Registrar within three days of the wedding ceremony.  Once the Registrar receives the Marriage Schedule, the couple’s Marriage Certificate will be processed and sent to the newlywed’s home address.  Voila!