Registry office weddings in Scotland are having a stylish revival. Intimate, elegant, and refreshingly simple, they prove that chic doesn’t need to mean grand
Jilly's wedding was curated by Laura McCranor Weddings and Events (Photo: Gemma Purdon Photography)
Registry office weddings are having a major moment. What was once seen as a practical formality is now a stylish, modern choice, with celebrities like Charli xcx proving just how effortlessly cool they can be. For couples looking for intimacy, personality, and pared-back elegance, Scotland’s registry offices fit the bill perfectly.
Whether you’re marrying legally before a destination celebration or curating a small, meaningful city ceremony, here’s how to make your Scottish registry wedding chic, personal, and unforgettable.
What exactly is a registry office wedding in Scotland?
A registry office wedding is simply a civil marriage ceremony conducted by a registrar in a local council office or a local council-owned building. If you're planning a civil wedding ceremony, note that Registrars can typically perform ceremonies at any venue you choose (apart from religious buildings).
The essentials:
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Notice period: You must submit M10 marriage notice forms to your chosen registrar at least 29 days before your date (applications can be made up to three months in advance).
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Documents: Expect to provide documents like birth certificates, proof of address, and, if relevant, divorce decrees or death certificates.
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Marriage Schedule: This is the legal document you’ll sign on the day.
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Witnesses: Two people over 16 are required.
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Guests: Capacity varies – some rooms suit just you and your witnesses, others comfortably host 30–50 or even more.
Tip: Always confirm details with your local council office – each one has its own quirks, rules, costs and room sizes.
Find out more about how to fill out an M10 form here
How much does a registry office wedding in Scotland cost?
One of the best parts about a Scottish registry office wedding is the affordability. Costs typically include:
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Registrar fees
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Venue hire fee
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Civil marriage/partnership notice fee
Example Registry Office Wedding Prices in Scotland:
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Glasgow City Chambers: £1,142–£1,592 for large rooms on weekends; smaller Montrose Street rooms start from £155 (weekday) to £477 (weekend).
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Edinburgh City Chambers: From £325 for a simple ceremony; full packages from £1,900.
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Aberdeen Registry Office: £55 for weekday ceremonies in the Ceremony Room, up to £450 on weekends/holidays.
Where to have your registry office wedding in Scotland
Foregoing a grand, traditional venue doesn’t mean giving up on style. Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most photogenic registry offices – many housed in heritage buildings with stunning interiors and façades.
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Glasgow City Chambers: Opened by Queen Victoria in 1888, Glasgow’s main civic building certainly has a royal feel. Who wouldn’t want to get married in a venue with more marble than The Vatican?
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Edinburgh City Chambers: Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the charm of getting married in this historic building is as much about the gorgeous surroundings as it is about the Chambers themselves.
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Smaller town offices: If you’re looking for something outside of the big cities, Scotland has endless options for smaller, more understated venues to host your ceremony, from Campbeltown to Aberdeen to Dundee.
Find out more about how to have an elopement in Scotland here
How to book a registry office wedding in Scotland
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Choose your location: You’re not limited to your local office – you can marry in any Scottish registry office.
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Book early: Many offices allow bookings years in advance (Glasgow up to two years ahead, Edinburgh one year). Your chosen registry office will have an enquiry form and contact details on their website.
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File your paperwork: Submit your M10 marriage notice forms no earlier than three months before your wedding date.
What to wear to your registry office wedding
Now for the fun part – what to wear. This is where your personal style comes in, and without the expectations of a full-scale traditional wedding, the options are endless. Not sure where to start? Here are a few looks we love:
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The modern mini: Short hemlines paired with statement shoes for a fun, playful look.
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The tailored suit: Sharp tailoring to bring a modern edge – these work great in cream and ivory shades.
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The silk slip: Minimal and elegant for a look of effortless quiet luxury.
Scottish brides have already set the standard. Ava Black stunned in a bold Eleganza Sposa mini at Glasgow’s City Chambers, while Jilly Isabella sported one of her own designs, a timeless dress paired with a tailored jacket.
Celebrity inspo adds fuel to the trend: Sophie Habboo’s understated aesthetic proved that less really can be more, while Charli xcx’s edgy look gave registry-chic its big cultural moment. Remember, registry weddings are a blank canvas for style, so you’re free to get creative.
Flowers that elevate a civil ceremony
Even the most minimalist wedding can be transformed by the right bouquet. A few approaches that never fail:
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Single-flower bunches: Lilies and peonies are having a huge moment right now, but you really can’t go wrong when you keep it simple.
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Seasonal & local: Choosing local Scottish blooms brings a fresh, authentic touch to your special day.
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Monochrome palettes: Crisp whites, soft greens, or one bright colour pop; simplicity goes a long way here.
The must-have wedding photos
Registry office weddings may be short and sweet, but the photo opportunities are endless. If you’re hiring a professional photographer, there are a few shots that are must-haves:
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That first kiss on the registry steps.
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Confetti in the air, candid and full of movement.
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Walking hand-in-hand through busy city streets.
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Details: your bouquet, shoes, rings, and the celebratory glass of champagne.
Want to see some shots in action? Check out our Citation elopement shoot for inspiration.
How to celebrate after your registry office wedding
The beauty of a registry office wedding is that you set the tone. Keep it intimate or stretch it into something bigger – there are no rules.
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A chic lunch or dinner: Toast with champagne and gather your nearest and dearest at a favourite restaurant.
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Cocktails in the city: Rooftops, speakeasies, or hotel lounges all make for great post-ceremony spots.
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Party later: Many couples opt for an understated registry day, then host a larger party (in Scotland or abroad) at a later date.
Doing it before a destination wedding
For couples marrying abroad, a Scottish registry ceremony often handles the legalities. This leaves the overseas celebration free to focus purely on symbolism, style, and experience.
Tip: Treat your Scottish day not as “just paperwork,” but as a chance for chic urban photos and a meaningful moment with loved ones before jetting off.
Final Thoughts
Registry office weddings in Scotland prove that chic doesn’t need to mean complicated. With a fashion-forward look, a bouquet in hand, and your favourite people by your side, a city ceremony can feel every bit as stylish as the grandest celebration. Whether it’s your only “I do” or the prologue to a destination wedding, we think this intimate trend is one to embrace.
FAQs About Registry Office Weddings in Scotland
To legally marry at a registry office, you’ll need to submit M10 marriage notice forms to your chosen registrar at least 29 days before your wedding date (up to three months in advance). You must also provide the required documents, such as your birth certificate, proof of address, and, if applicable, divorce or death certificates. On the day, you’ll sign a Marriage Schedule with two witnesses present.
Costs vary depending on the location, date, and size of your ceremony. For example, small weekday ceremonies can start from around £55 in Aberdeen, while larger weekend ceremonies in Glasgow or Edinburgh may cost £1,000 or more. You’ll usually pay a registrar fee, venue hire fee, and a marriage notice fee.
Yes. You’re not restricted to the registry office in the area you live in. You can marry at any Scottish registry office that has availability, whether it’s in your hometown, where you grew up, or simply a city you love.
It depends on the venue. Some smaller registry offices only fit the couple and two witnesses, while larger civic buildings like Glasgow City Chambers or Edinburgh City Chambers can host more. Always confirm capacity with your chosen council office.
Most registry offices allow you to book the venue well in advance, even before you can file your legal paperwork. For example, Glasgow allows bookings up to two years ahead (one year for the City Chambers), while you can only submit marriage notice forms a maximum of three months before your date.
Yes. You must have two witnesses aged 16 or over present at your ceremony.
