Getting Married in Stirling

Civil Marriages & Civil Partnerships in Scotland

What is a Civil Marriage?
A civil marriage can only be conducted by a Registrar or Assistant Registrar. Couples have much greater flexibility and choice in how they want their special day to be, allowing them the opportunity to personalise it to their own particular requirements.

What is the difference between a Civil Partnership and a Marriage?
Civil partnership is a written contract, which means you do not have to make legal vows to each other, you can just sign the schedule with your witnesses if you prefer, although we always offer our couples the choice of a ceremony or a simple signing.

A marriage is solemnised by the couple making a statutory declaration to each other, which is often incorporated within their vows.

Where and when can a Civil Marriage/Civil Partnership take place?
A civil marriage can take place almost anywhere and at any time including Saturdays and Sundays. You
can be married in our designated room/s or at the top the National Wallace Monument, at Stirling Castle, at one of the beauty spots at the Trossachs National Park or a hotel in the area. Any location that is special to you.

Can I choose what to have in my ceremony?
Registrars will encourage couples to make their own contributions to the ceremony, and there is huge scope to include friends, children, family members and even guests!

Can I include enhancements in my ceremony?
Registrars can advise you on many different options, such as Handfasting, Sand Ceremonies, Oathing
Stone, Unity Candles or the well-known Scottish tradition of drinking from the Quaich but many more
are also available.

Can I have a religious reading?
Although traditionally civil ceremonies were entirely non-religious, there is now no set format and religious
content can be included if the couple wish it.

Why should I choose a registrar to conduct my ceremony?
The role of the registrar is unique. Only registrars can guide you through the whole marriage/civil partnership process from the initial enquiry – lodging notice of your intention to marry/civilly partner – tailoring your ceremony to suit you – to registering your marriage/civil partnership and issuing your certificate.

A civil marriage/civil partnership gives you the chance to have a ceremony that truly reflects you and your partner’s personalities and a Registrar will help you every step of the way to make sure that you have a day to remember forever.

About this Venue

Stirling Registrars

01786 233961

[email protected]