Gay Weddings in Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle
Lesbian & Gay
Civil Partnerships & Commitment Ceremonies in Scotland

Frequently Asked Questions

gay wedding

CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS

DOCUMENTS

DIVORCE

COMMITMENT CEREMONIES

SCOTLAND GAY WEDDINGS SERVICES

GENERAL

CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS

What is the Civil Partnership Act?
November 17th, 2004, the House of Lords passed the Civil Partnership Bill. The Act relates quite specifically to the relationship which is formed between 2 people of the same sex when they register with the State as civil partners. It bestows upon both partners legal rights and responsibilities in respect of such things as inheritance, taxation, joint state pension benefits. A civil partnership ends only on death, dissolution or annulment. The Act was implemented on December 5th 2005, and the very first Civil Partnerships took place on December 21st 2005.

What is a Civil Partnership Ceremony?
It is a civil ceremony exclusively for same sex couples. Both partners are required to sign a civil partnership document. The ceremony can take place at a registration office or at any other place which the local registration authority agree is to be the place of registration. This can be at a registry office or at a suitably licensed hotel or castle, for example. The ceremony is non-religious and is performed by a Registrar.

Is it possible to have the ceremony in a church or cathedral?
No, registration cannot take place at a place of worship. However, you could have a blessing later in the church after signing the documents at a different venue, subject to the agreement of the church.

Is it possible for either or both partners to take part in a Civil Partnership ceremony in Scotland even though resident outside of Scotland or be resident in another country?
Quite simply, yes, providing they complete and submit the correct documents (click here).

Will my civil partnership ceremony be recognized by my own country of residence?
Your civil partnership will have legal recognition in countries that already recognize some form of civil partnership, but it is different in each country. You should contact the Embassy of the country to clarify your status.

DOCUMENTS

Must all documents be in English?
Yes, or certified translated copies.

  1. Civil Partnership Notice Form - Form CP10 (available from General Registrar's Office for Scotland)
  2. Birth Certificates (original or certified copies, which must be in the English Language or translated certified copies)
  3. Divorce, Annulment or Dissolution papers (if applicable) - If you are divorced, your previous marriage was annulled or your previous Civil Partnership has been dissolved, the original papers or certified copies are required. If your former spouse or civil partner is deceased you are required to provide their death certificate. All documents must be in the English language or translated certified copies. For non UK residents, the completion of the Form for persons submitting foreign divorce papers, must also be completed. (To view the relevant PDF file - click on Questions to be answered by persons submitting foreign divorce/dissolution documents).
    For more details on this see Divorce below
  4. If you are subject to immigration control, you will be required to obtain an 'entry clearance' or visa, for the purposes of registering a Civil Partnership in Scotland. Contact the British Embassy/Consulate in your own country for details.

Where do I submit these documents?
These need to be submitted to the Registrar closest to the location of your ceremony (view list of registrars). Alternatively, Gay Weddings in Scotland can do this on your behalf.

When do we need to give notice and submit the documents to the Registrar?
Notice must be given in the three month period prior to the date of Civil Partnership registration and not later than 15 clear days before the date of registration of the Civil Partnership.

Will we require a 'Certificate of No Impediment' (CONI)?
No, A CONI is not required for Civil Parterships.

What are the fees for registration of Civil Partnership and the ceremony?
The total cost to have your ceremony at a Registrar's office, to include the legal paperwork fee and Civil Partnership registration certificate is 103.50 Pounds. The cost to have a Registrar perform your ceremony at a venue of your choice (provided it is appropriately licenced) is extra. The fee will vary from office to office and will vary depending on the day and time in the week. Please check with the local Registrar or with us at Gay Weddings in Scotland.

Do they accept credit cards?
Some Registrars do. Please check with Gay Weddings in Scotland. Normally, the Registrar will request a cheque drawn upon a British bank, or a draft cheque in pounds that your bank can draw up.

Can Gay Weddings in Scotland submit this amount on our behalf?
Yes, we can for most Registrars. Please check with us.

I am sending original documents. How soon can I expect these back from the Registrar?
The Registrar will need to check and verify the document and will return to you - almost by return mail. You should receive these back usually within a week of them arriving at the Registrar's office.

Can I submit documents in a foreign language?
If any document is in a language other than English, you must also provide a certified translation into English.

Where can I obtain a certified translation?
Please check with your local authority who will be able to advise.

I have submitted all documents. Will we need to present ourselves to the Registrar prior to the ceremony?
Yes, legally at least one of you will be required to pick up your schedule (the document prepared for your ceremony) from the Registrar. You will need to bring this to your ceremony. The schedule is a most important document - your civil partnership ceremony can proceed without it.

Will we receive a certificate after the ceremony?
Yes, you will receive a Civil Partnership registration certificate.

Will we need witnesses?
Yes, the registration must take place in the presence of two witnesses both of whom have attained the age of 16. If you don't have witnesses for your ceremony, let Gay Weddings in Scotland know and we will provide them for you.

DIVORCE

I am divorced. What divorce documents does the Registrar require?
The divorce documents must relate to a final decree and should have an original certification from the issuing authority. This should be submitted at the same time as you submit your documents.

I have a foreign divorce. Is there anything I need to submit with this?
Yes, this should accompany the answers to a list of questions on the Form for persons submitting foreign divorce papers. And, remember to have this translated if it is not in English, and certified.

COMMITMENT CEREMONIES

Do I need any special documents for a commitment ceremony?
There is no legal documentation required in relation to the ceremonies, but you may a need a visitor's visa, depending on your nationality and country of residence. The UK Visas website gives you an instant indication of whether you will need a visitor's visa.

SCOTLAND GAY WEDDINGS SERVICES

Why should I choose Gay Weddings in Scotland to help me organise my civil partnership ceremony?
We can help you every step of the way and take much of the burden of arranging such an important event from your shoulders. Click here to see what we can do for you.

Can you arrange accommodation for ourselves and our party?
Yes. We can arrange whatever standard of accommodation you require for however many guests you might have.

Can I have my ceremony anywhere in Scotland?
Yes. We cover the whole of Scotland and can either suggest suitable venues for you or you can request a specific venue.
Depending on the policy of individual local councils, the venue for ceremonies in some areas may be restricted to registrars offices.

Will there be a local Gay Weddings in Scotland contact when I am in Scotland before and after the ceremony?
Yes. We will always be contactable at any time and will meet with you if you wish before the ceremony.

Will Gay Weddings in Scotland staff be present during the ceremony?
Yes. A Gay Weddings in Scotland representative will always be there to guide you through the day, iron out any last minute hitches and liaise with all the other people, from registrar to photographer to piper. We will help to make your special day a day to remember forever.

Can you offer me a choice of photographer, videographer, florist and other suppliers?
Yes of course. We have contacts with a wide number of first class suppliers in every region of Scotland, and will work with you to find the best ones for you.

We have a limited budget. Can you arrange a simple wedding?
Yes. However small or large your budget, we can arrange a ceremony to suit your pocket. For an idea of what you could get for your money, click here.

Do you have agents in my home country who speak my language?
We have international agents in a number of countries who will discuss all your requirements with you by phone or email, in your own language in many cases.

Will Gay Weddings in Scotland guide me through the process of completing and submitting all the necessary documents?
Yes. We will make sure that all the correct documentation is in place at the correct time for your wedding to go ahead smoothly. Our international agents will help you with this process where appropriate.

Can Gay Weddings in Scotland arrange activities for ourselves and our guests to take part in during our stay?
Yes. Whether you fancy sporting activities, guided tours, theatre visits, or some luxury pampering, Gay Weddings in Scotland will arrange whatever takes your fancy.

GENERAL

Where can I find information about visiting Scotland?
VisitScotland have tourist information for the whole of Scotland.

What can I see and do in Scotland?
These websites will give you plenty of ideas.

Other useful links:

For Legal Services regarding the preparation of your Will, contact us for a list of recommended consultants
who are members of the Society of Will Writers (UK).

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External Links

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