Church Weddings in Scotland
Church weddings in a number of religions or denominations have full legal recognition in Scotland and you will not need to have a separate civil wedding.
Documents Required
No matter what church you chose to marry in you will need to comply with all the civil requirements and to produce to the celebrant of your wedding a Marriage Schedule issued by the local Registrar before the marriage can take place.
The normal paperwork and procedures for an overseas wedding within your religion must also be followed.
See general information about the requirements of theRoman Catholic Church andother religions, but you will also need to contact the clergy in your chosen venue well in advance both to determine if they have any special requirements and if the venue is available on your preferred dates.
Roman Catholic Weddings
Roman Catholicism is a minority religion in Scotland but there are many Catholic Churches especially in larger towns and cities.
In general churches will require at least six months notice of a wedding. Some parishes will require that you meet in person before they agree to celebrate your wedding.
If you have not already chosen a church, this list of links toCatholic Churches in Scotland is a good starting point for your research.
Anglican Weddings
The Scottish Episcopalian Church is the Anglican Church in Scotland.
You will need to make contact with the clergy at the church were you wish to marry at least 3 months in advance. Be aware though that to ensure you can book the church for your preferred dates, earlier contact is advised, especially in popular places for weddings, such as Edinburgh.
A good place to start if you are looking for a suitable church is this list of the Dioceses of the Scottish Episcopalian Church.
Methodist Weddings
There is a list ofMethodist Churches in Scotland here, but your first port of call should be your local minister who will probably be able to help.
Presbyterian Weddings
The Church of Scotland is a reformed Presbyterian Church and has numerous churches everywhere in Scotland.
You do not need to be a member of the Church to marry in a Presbyterian Church, but marriages will be carried out at the discretion of the minister.
There is a good page ofgeneral information about weddings, and alist of churches with websites at the Church of Scotland website.
Jewish Weddings
There is quite a significant Jewish population in Scotland and a number of synagogues, mainly in large towns and cities.
This is the best place to make your initial enquiries:
Scottish Council of Jewish Communities
Jewish Community Centre
222 Fenwick Road
Giffnock
Glasgow G46 6UE.
Tel: 0141 577 8248
Fax : 0141 577 8202
e-mail: j-scot@j-scot.org