Marriage

To arrange a marriage, please contact the Cathedral clergy. The Diocese asks that at least six months’ notice is given so there is adequate time for preparation.

Where can we get married?

Any Catholic marrying in Scotland must marry in a place of worship in regular use. Normally this will be a Roman Catholic church, preferably the local parish. Other church buildings may be possible only in exceptional circumstances and with the appropriate permission.

Who do you speak to?

The first contact for a Catholic should be the parish priest of the parish in which they are presently living. The priest of the current parish has responsibility for preparing and processing the marriage application.

When should we make any bookings?

Contact your parish priest before confirming other wedding arrangements, including the reception venue. A minimum period of six months is required for preparation of the documents and the ceremony, and some international cases can require longer.

Even if…

A Catholic living in Scotland who is marrying outside Scotland still needs to contact their local priest in Scotland.

Even though…

Even when marrying in a church, the couple must still contact the civil Registrar.

What documentation do I need?

A Catholic normally needs:

• a recent baptismal certificate;
• a letter of freedom;
• a copy of the birth certificate;
• a copy of the passport; and
• a certificate showing completion of marriage preparation.

A non-Catholic marrying a Catholic will normally need evidence of baptism if applicable, a letter of freedom and a copy of the passport. Documents are generally obtained within six months of the proposed wedding date.

The marriage ceremony

The Cathedral can provide guidance on readings and the different forms of the Catholic marriage ceremony.

• Readings for a Marriage
• Marriage with Mass
• Marriage without Mass
• Marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic
• Letter of Freedom
• Certificate of no subsequent marriage – Single spouse
• Certificate of no previous marriage – Convalidation

The Marriage Course offers married couples time to reflect on and enrich their relationship. The evenings combine a meal for two, video material, short teaching and private discussion. Each couple’s privacy is respected: there is no group discussion and no requirement to disclose anything about the relationship to anyone else.

The course is based on Christian principles but is designed to be useful to any married couple, with or without a Christian faith or church background.

Topics include building strong foundations, communication, resolving conflict, forgiveness, the impact of family, intimacy and love in action.