Marriage (Scotland) Act 2002

A proposal was lodged in the Scottish Parliament for a Member's Bill on 24th March 2000:

To permit civil marriages to be solemnised at locations other than registration offices; and to authorise local authorities to meet related costs and for connected purposes.

This Bill eventually became the Marriage (Scotland) Act 2002 and in June 2002 Local Authorities in Scotland were permitted to accept applications for licences for civil marriages outwith registration offices.

The Act allows couples to be married in a place of their own choosing, subject to certain criteria.

The place in question must not:

Compromise the solemnity and dignity of civil marriage.
Have a recent or continuing connection with any religion or religious practice.

In addition, any application must meet with safety etc. requirements.

There are two types of licence available for all civil ceremonies, including civil marriage, civil partnership, renewal of vows ceremonies and child naming ceremonies:

A Period Approval is valid for 3 years and covers all civil marriages, renewal of vows, child naming ceremonies and civil partnerships at that particular place.
This would be most suited to hotels, football clubs, restaurants etc. where several marriages are anticipated.
A Temporary Approval is valid for a single specific wedding, renewal of vows, child naming ceremony or civil partnership and will allow couples to apply for a licence for any place of their choosing where there is no Period Licence.

Licence fees vary greatly throughout Scotland but the fees in Dundee are as follows:

Type of Licence	Cost
Period Licence	£450
Temporary Licence if the place already has a liquor licence	£75
Temporary Licence where no licence already applies	150

Applications for Period and temporary Licences are available from the City Registrar or the Council Licensing section at 20 City Square, Dundee.

Tel: 01382 434468, Email: elsie.burnett@dundeecity.gov.uk

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This information is provided by the Support Services Department