Legal Requirements

In Scotland, Civil Partnerships are weddings specifically designed for same sex couples, giving them all the same privileges and protections as heterosexuals. Civil Partnerships are available to all gay couples, but there are a few legal requirements you should be aware of. You can see a full outline of what's involved at the General Registrar's website: www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/regscot/registering-a-civil-partnership-in-scotland.html

We will happily guide you through the legal process, but we have highlighted the key requirements below.

Any two persons, regardless of where they live, may register a civil partnership in Scotland provided that: a) both persons are at least 16 years of age on the day that they wish to register their civil partnership. b) they are not related to one another in a way which would prevent their registering their civil partnership. c) each is unmarried or not already registered as a civil partner (if you have been married before, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of the end of that marriage). d) they are of the same sex. e) they are capable of understanding the nature of a civil partnership and of validly consenting to its formation.

If you are from outside the EU, you must obtain entry clearance granted expressly for the purpose of registering a civil partnership in the UK. Entry clearance is the granting of permission to enter the UK by an Entry Clearance Officer in the British Embassy/High Commission in your own country. It will usually be shown as a visa in your passport or travel document. This is generally very straight forward and can sometimes be done online, but has to be the responsibility of the couple and must be completed well in advance of the wedding date.