This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Marriage proposals now in effect
10/06/2002
Couples wishing to have a civil marriage can now get
married almost anywhere they like - as long as the place
does not compromise the solemnity and dignity of civil
marriage.
Civil marriage ceremonies are no longer restricted to
registration offices, as regulations made under the
Marriage (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended by the Marriage
(Scotland) Act 2002) come into effect today.
Euan Robson MSP, who lodged the proposal for a Marriage
(Scotland) Bill in March 2001 said:
"The coming into effect today of the Regulations that I
signed on 30
th May means that the entire legislative package
is now in place to allow greater choice to couples who wish
to have a civil marriage.
"Owners and operators of hotels, castles and all sorts
of places may now seek approval from their local authority
for their place to be a venue for civil marriages.
"The legislation is not limited to buildings. Local
authorities may approve any place that meets the criteria
set out in the legislation. For instance, it would be
possible for a couple to apply to have their own home or
garden approved as the location for their marriage.
"This extension of choice will also bring advantages for
businesses and the tourism industry.
"Scotland is undoubtedly a romantic setting for a
wedding. We have castles, breathtaking scenery and some of
the best hotels in the world.
"The legislation puts people first while giving Scottish
tourism a welcome boost."
On 24 March 2000, Euan Robson MSP lodged a proposal for
a Marriage (Scotland) Bill.
"To permit civil marriages to be solemnised at locations
other than registration offices; to authorise local
authorities to license locations for that purpose; and to
charge fees to meet related costs and for connected
purposes".
The Bill proposal followed extensive consultation
carried out in 1998 by the Registrar General for Scotland.
The civil marriage proposals and draft legislation were
published on 21 June 2001 in the Scottish Executive's White
Paper
Civil Marriages Outwith Registration Offices.
Copies of the White Paper were circulated widely It was
also made available on the General Register Office for
Scotland (GROS) website.
Subsequently, the Marriage (Scotland) Bill was
introduced in the Scottish Parliament on 13 November 2001.
It was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 27 February
2002 and received Royal Assent on 4 April 2002. The Act
came fully into effect on 25 April 2002. Copies of the Act
can be purchased from HMSO. The text of the Act is
published on the Internet at:-