Civil Partnerships

Q - What is a Civil Partnership?
Q - Who can register a Civil Partnership in Scotland?
Q - Can I get married anywhere in Scotland that I like?
Q - Can I get married in a castle?
Q - Can I have a religious ceremony?
Q - Will my Civil Partnership be legally recognised when I go home?
Q - Do I have to wear a kilt?
Q - Can a woman wear a kilt?
Q - Is there anything else I should know?
Q - What is a Ceilidh?

Q - What is a Civil Partnership?
A - In Scotland, Civil Partnerships are weddings specifically designed for same sex couples, giving them all the same privileges and protections as heterosexuals.

Q - Who can register a Civil Partnership in Scotland?
A - 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.

Q - Can I get married anywhere in Scotland that I like?
A - In theory, yes. We have a huge variety of venues, but they must have a license to host civil partnerships, or have agreement to do so by the local authority. If you have somewhere special in mind, just ask us and we'll do our best to make it happen.

Q - Can I get married in a castle?
A - Yes. We have a large number of castles available to us to hold civil partnership ceremonies and celebrations. They are hugely varied and there is usually something appropriate, no matter what the size or budget of the wedding.

Q - Can I have a religious ceremony?
A - The legal registration of a Civil Partnership in Scotland must be conducted by a District Registrar and is not permitted to have any religious content. We can however arrange a seperate religious or humanist blessing before or after the civil ceremony takes place.

Q - Will my Civil Partnership be legally recognised when I go home?
A - This largely depends on where you live. Many countries who allow domestic Civil Partnerships, or Gay Weddings, will legally recognise a UK registered Civil Partnership. You can check this with your own local or national government representative, or ask us and we may be able to get this information for you.

Q - Do I have to wear a kilt?
A - No, you can wear anything you like. If you would like to hire formal wear, from top hats to ballgowns, we're happy to help.

Q - Can a woman wear a kilt?
A - Of course. The nice thing about Civil Partnerships is that you can take or leave any traditions that you like. If you fancy wearing the kilt, let us know and we can help arrange it. There are other contemporary and traditional forms of highland dress available. Just ask us for more information.

Q - Is there anything else I should know?
A - We will send you a comprehensive information pack at the point of booking, but do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions

Q - What is a Ceilidh?
A - A Ceilidh (pronounced "Kay-lay"), is a traditional Scottish party where any number of people can gather to dance and hear the ceilidh band play. It is quite different from Scottish Country Dancing, which is usually competitive. Dancing at a ceilidh is purely for the enjoyment of dancing. It is great fun can be quite fast and energetic with people calling out and whooping during the dances. Don't worry about learning the steps before hand as there will always be a 'caller' there to explain what to do before each dance begins.