Elope in Scotland legally

ElopementsResources
Written By Kaitlyn Hill

Eloping in Scotland is one of the most incredible adventures you’ll ever experience. Between the Highlands, unique culture, and moody scenery, it’s easy to understand why this place attracts those that have fallen in love with fairytales! 

But eloping to Scotland as a Canadian or American might feel overwhelming and confusing trying to find out how to elope legally. 

This guide will teach you how to elope in Scotland legally and where to apply for legal documents.

WHO CAN GET MARRIED IN SCOTLAND

  • Over the age of 16

  • Opposite or same sex partners

  • Not married or in a civil partnership with another person

  • Not closely related

  • Capable of understanding what getting married means and consenting to the marriage

TYPES OF CEREMONIES

  • Civil ceremony

    • Can take place in a registration office or anywhere agreed with the registrar, except on religious premises

  • Religious or belief ceremony

    • Can take place anywhere by someone approved to conduct a ceremony

STEPS

  1. Choose a location

  2. Apply for your Marriage Visitor Visa

    • Apply no earlier than 3 months before you travel

    • Allows you to stay in Scotland up to 6 months

    • Takes about 3 weeks to obtain

  3. Marriage Notice Form (M10)

    • Each of you must fill out the M10 as early as 3 months before your elopement and no later than 29 days before your elopement.

    • Contact the appropriate registrar's office to get a copy of the M10 form, information on pricing, and their mailing address.

    • Once you’ve filled out the M10 form, send it by post to the local registrar’s office of the area your ceremony will take place in. 

    • Additional forms you need to submit with your M10:

      1. CONI - Certificate of No Impediment

        1. Your country declares there’s no reason why you two can’t marry

      2. Declaration of Immigration

        1. Provides proof that you have your Marriage Visitor VISA or exempt from immigration control

      3. Celebrant & witness form

        1. This form provides the information of who your celebrant and witnesses are

        2. Find a list of celebrants HERE

        3. You will need 2 witnesses, anyone over the age of 16. They can be friends or family you are travelling with or vendors you’ve hired for your elopement.

      4. Birth/adoption certificates

      5. Evidence of residency

      6. Valid passport

      7. Decree of divorce or dissolution or death certificate to prove you are no longer married - if applicable

  4. Receive Marriage Schedule

    • Pick up 7 days before your elopement from the local registrar’s office you’ve been in contact with. This means your travel plans must accommodate picking up your Marriage Schedule on a weekday before closing hours.

    • Bring your Marriage Schedule to your ceremony, you cannot legally marry without it.

    • The Marriage Schedule must be dropped off at the local registrar’s office 3 days after your elopement (3 consecutive days, not business days)

  5. Get married!

RESOURCES

Kaitlyn Hill
Previous

Best pubs in Banff
Next

Banff Elopement Guide