Diocese of Argyll and The Isles
A Diocese of the Scottish Episcopal Church
Marriage
In marriage, a couple become one in love before God. At a marriage service the Church, through its ordained ministers, bears witness to, and celebrate, this pledge to live in love together before God, alongside the friends and families of the couple who witness and participate in the Service.
Getting married with the help of the Scottish Episcopal Church
The Scottish Episcopal Church has been involved in the blessing and registration of marriage for centuries. Marriages in the Scottish Episcopal Church are conducted by priests according to the marriage rite. Couples have freedom to create a unique and special occasion by working collaboratively with the priest to plan the wedding. This includes selecting readings, hymns and music. You do not necessarily have to be a member of a SEC congregation. Weddings are officiated by Priests in the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney. These have been held in churches, chapels and other spaces (the latter needing the approval of the Bishop).
How we can help with your wedding plans?
Is same sex marriage allowed?
In 2017, the canon law of the Scottish Episcopal Church changed to allow for the marriage of same-sex couples. Several priests in the diocese are registered to conduct marriages between people of the same sex. To find out more, please contact the Diocesan Office.
How we can help with your wedding plans?
If you are planning your wedding, the first place to go is to the Rector of the church, in which you would like to get married in. The Rector will explain the process for their church and can help if you wish to be married in another place other than the church. The rules for getting married in Scotland are governed by the Registrar General for Scotland. You must go through the process of applying for a ‘schedule’ from your local Registry Office. Please note that there are strict timescales for the registration process. Our churches are situated in three different council areas, all have have informative sections on their websites which explain the process of getting married: