LEGAL STEPS
A simple guide to the legal process in Scotland
Getting legally married in Scotland is a straightforward process, and this page gives you a clear overview of what needs to happen and when. You don’t need to memorise anything — your Ceremony Planning Guide and your JotForm walk you through each step in the same order.
You’ll find the full legal checklist in your Ceremony Planning Guide, including timelines and everything you need to submit.
1. Submitting Your Marriage Notice (M10 Forms)
Every couple must submit Marriage Notice forms (M10s) to the registrar for the district where the ceremony will take place.
You’ll find:
- the forms
- the guidance notes
- the registrar contact details
- all on the National Records of Scotland website.
Your Guide explains exactly what to send and when.
2. Supporting Documents
Along with your M10s, you’ll need to provide documents such as:
- proof of identity
- proof of address
- evidence of nationality
- divorce or dissolution documents (if applicable)
- death certificate of a former spouse (if applicable)
Your Guide lists these clearly so you can tick them off one by one.
3. Fees
Registrars charge a statutory fee for processing your marriage paperwork. The amount is set nationally and is paid directly to the registrar.
4. Registrar Approval
Once your paperwork is submitted, the registrar reviews and approves it. If anything is missing, they’ll contact you directly.
5. The Marriage Schedule
The Marriage Schedule is the legal document that allows your ceremony to take place.
- It is issued by the registrar a few days before your wedding.
- You must collect it in person (or arrange for someone to collect it on your behalf).
- You must bring it to the ceremony — we cannot proceed without it.
Your Guide explains when and where to collect it.
6. Signing the Schedule
During your ceremony, the Marriage Schedule is signed by:
- both of you
- your two witnesses
- your authorised celebrant
This is the legal proof of marriage.
7. Returning the Schedule
After the ceremony, the signed Schedule must be returned to the registrar within three days. Most couples hand it in the next working day.
Your Guide includes a reminder of this deadline..
How We Support You
Our team keeps everything simple behind the scenes. Three months before your ceremony, we send you:
- your celebrant’s full details (needed for your M10s)
- a reminder of the dates your paperwork must be submitted
- a clear summary of what happens next
If you ever feel unsure, you can contact us — we’re here to help you stay on track.
A Little Reassurance
The legal process looks more complicated than it feels. Your Guide, your JotForm, and our reminders keep everything clear and manageable, step by step.
Your only job is to follow the timeline and bring your Marriage Schedule on the day — we take care of the rest.