Marriages and civil partnerships

Civil marriages and partnerships

This is a non-religious ceremony conducted by a registrar. You can book a ceremony with us and we will contact you to confirm a registrar is available.

Whilst we hope that all weddings can go ahead as planned, be aware as we work in line with Scottish Government guidance, all bookings and ceremonies are subject to change, and to restrictions, during this time.

Book a civil ceremony

You are encouraged to meet with us before the ceremony to discuss what you would like. You can have it as simple, personal or traditional as you wish. Please also discuss photographs and video recording with your registrar.

What you can include in your ceremony

  • Music - live or recorded
  • Personal vows
  • Readings
  • Additions to your ceremony such as handfasting, lighting a unity candle. Read about ceremony enhancements

If you are planning a civil partnership registration, you have the options of a full ceremony or a simple registration.

Where to have your ceremony

Venues

You can get married or have a civil partnership registration anywhere in the Highlands, from an ancient castle, to a village hall or a high quality venue. You can also have a ceremony in a suite in one of our registration offices.

Registration offices

We have ceremony rooms in a number of our offices in Highland. Silk flowers and music are usually provided, but you may bring your own. Please see our directory of offices for contact details for all venues with ceremony suites. Our main offices are:

  • Highland Archive and Registration Centre - our attractive ceremony suite has seating for parties from 4 to 130. You are welcome to make an appointment to view the rooms. Parking is available with space for bridal or civil partners' cars at the entrance
  • Portree - there is seating for up to 100 persons and disabled access. The building is situated in the centre of Portree, only a few minutes walk from the picturesque fishing harbour, the bay with spectacular views of the Cuillins and the main village square
  • Wick - the Town Hall is an attractive Victorian building which has recently been completely refurbished with wood-panelling and some of the town's collection of paintings. It has two rooms. One is suitable for parties of up to 25 people and the other can accommodate 60. There is disabled access to the room on the ground floor
  • Dingwall - the chamber can accommodate up to 60 guests and has disabled access. The town hall can accommodate up to 160 people
  • Fort William - the civic and ceremony room can accommodate up to 25 people, is easily accessible on the ground floor in a freshly renovated historic building. Situated close to Loch Linnh

Inverness Town House

The Townhouse is an attractive building which has recently undergone major renovations. It has 3 rooms, 1 is suitable for up to 20 people, another up to 40 people and the Town Hall can accommodate up to 100 people.

The Town House must be booked separately. Email inverness.registrars@highland.gov.uk for further information before booking a Registrar to attend.

Times for ceremonies

Times for a Registrar to attend will be by agreement between the couple and the Registration Service. We are not available for ceremonies on 25 and 26 December and 1 and 2 January.

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