How to Book a Civil Marriage

Visit, telephone or write to the registrar at the office of your choice to find out available dates and times.

When Civil Marriages are Conducted

Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm
Friday 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 3.30pm

As from 4 September 2004, Civil Marriages will be offered within the Haddington and Musselburgh offices on a Saturday, within the hours of 10am until 3.30pm.

Civil Marriage Ceremony

By law, you require two witnesses, aged 16 years or over.  

If you wish the marriage ceremony to be video recorded by someone, permission should be sought from the registrar.

There will be an opportunity to take photographs before and after the ceremony.  In addition, mobile telephones and pagers should be switched off.

Some registration offices offer a selection of background music for your marriage.  Alternatively, by prior arrangement with the registrar, you can provide your own favourite piece of music, however always check with the relevant office.  You will also be offered the opportunity to select a reading or poem, to be included in your ceremony, from a book supplied by the registrar.

The groom and guests should arrive and be seated approximately 10 minutes before the bride is due to arrive.

The bride and groom will make a declaration before the registrar and their witnesses stating that they know of no legal impediment to their marriage and that they accept each other as husband and wife. The registrar will then proclaim them to be husband and wife.   Signing of the marriage schedule by the registrar and the bridal party will then take place following which the marriage will be registered.

To view East Lothian Council’s marriage rooms please select from the links on the bottom right.