If a religious marriage is being planned, the bride and groom should contact the minister who is to conduct the ceremony well in advance of the proposed date of marriage. Couples who do not wish to be married in a church, but prefer to have their wedding in another venue, e.g. hotel, must also contact a minister. Advice on celebrants can be sought from the Registrar.

For a civil marriage, you should make advance arrangements with the registrar. You can Request a copy of the East Lothian Marriage Brochure.

In all cases, the bride and groom must each complete a marriage notice form and submit the completed forms to the registrar for the district in which they intend to be married, together with the appropriate fee and documents.

Marriage Notice forms can be obtained from any registration office or downloaded from the General Register for Scotland website on the right.