George Boyle
Scotland is a popular place to get married, with its rich history of elopements and flexible wedding laws. Weddings are allowed in Scotland for anyone over the age of 16, and the country has different options for religious, civil, humanist, or spiritual ceremonies. There are various legal requirements for getting married in Scotland, including submitting a marriage notice form and providing supporting documents. Same-sex marriage is also permitted in Scotland.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to marry | 18 |
| Minimum age to officiate a wedding | 18 |
| Age requirement for marriage license | 16 or 17 with parental consent |
| Allowed officiants | Ministers of the Gospel, Jewish rabbis, officers of the state who are legally entitled to administer oaths, and leaders of recognized Native American Indian tribes |
| Allowed locations | Charleston, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island |
| Cost of marriage license in Lexington County | $30 |
| Processing time for mail-in requests | 7-10 working days |
| Application timings in Lexington County | Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage license requirements
To obtain a marriage license in South Carolina, both members of the couple must be at least 18 years old. However, 16 and 17-year-olds living with their parents may marry with the consent of their parents or legal guardians, which must be proven through sworn affidavits. If the parents are separated or divorced, the parent with custody must confirm custody with a separation agreement or divorce decree. The minor applicant must also present their birth certificate or a hospital or baptismal certificate with the names of their parents, issued and dated within one year of birth.
Marriage license applications can be made in person or by mail. In-person applications are taken from Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. Both applicants must appear in the Probate Court of any county in South Carolina, as there is no residency requirement, and provide identification that includes proof of age. This can be done through a valid photo ID, a social security card, or another legal document that verifies their name and social security number, such as an insurance card or tax records. Non-US citizens can meet this requirement by presenting a valid passport with a current visa, a US government-issued Resident Alien card, or other suitable identification issued by the US Department of Homeland Security.
Once the marriage license has been issued, it must be delivered to the minister or officer who will perform the wedding ceremony. This can include ministers of the Gospel, Jewish rabbis, officers of the state who are legally entitled to administer oaths, and leaders of recognized Native American tribes. The minister or officer will then fill out the necessary documents and deliver one to the contracting parties without charge, and the other two to the officer who issued the license within 15 days.
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Minimum age to marry
In Scotland, the legal minimum age to marry is 16 years old, and parental consent is not required. This has been the case for centuries, and in the late Middle Ages and early modern era, girls could marry even earlier, from the age of 12, while boys could marry from the age of 14. In comparison, England and Wales only recently raised the minimum age to marry to 18, previously allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to marry with parental consent.
In Scotland, the minimum age of 16 has raised concerns among campaigners and the UN, who describe marriage before the age of 18 as a "fundamental violation of human rights". Campaigners argue that young girls are vulnerable to grooming and coercion, and there is a push to introduce new safeguards to prevent coerced marriages for under-18s.
In South Carolina, the minimum age to marry is also 18 years old. However, 16 and 17-year-olds living with their parents may marry with the consent of their parents or legal guardians. To prove consent, the couple must provide sworn affidavits from their parents or legal guardians.
In summary, while the minimum age to marry in Scotland is 16 years old with no parental consent required, other countries like South Carolina and England have set the minimum age at 18, previously allowing younger individuals to marry with parental consent.
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Who can officiate weddings
I assume your query is about weddings in Scotland. If not, please clarify your request.
In Scotland, all registrars authorised by the Registrar General for Scotland can conduct marriage or civil partnership ceremonies. This can take place in their office, in ceremony rooms, or at a venue agreed upon between the registrar and the couple. The registrar is the only celebrant who can process the necessary marriage or civil partnership paperwork. The fee for the registrar includes the costs for the legal paperwork and certificate.
Ministers of religion or celebrants can also conduct wedding ceremonies, but their fees do not include the costs for legal paperwork or the certificate. These will need to be paid for separately and provided by the local registrar. Not all celebrants are authorised to conduct weddings or civil partnerships, so it is important to check that they are authorised by the Registrar General of Scotland. If not, you may need to have another ceremony to make your marriage legal.
If you are instead interested in weddings in South Carolina, the following persons are permitted to serve as officiants:
- Ministers of the Gospel
- Jewish rabbis
- Officers authorised to administer oaths
- Spiritual leaders of recognised Native American tribes
Ministers ordained by the Universal Life Church are also permitted to officiate weddings, provided they are at least 18 years old.
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Documents required for marriage license
To obtain a marriage license in South Carolina, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Both parties must be unmarried, mentally competent, and not closely related by blood or affinity as outlined in S.C. Code Section 20-1-10.
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old. In the case of 16 or 17-year-olds, written consent from a custodial parent, relative, or legal guardian is required, along with a birth certificate or similar document to prove lawful age.
- There is a 24-hour waiting period from the time of application until the license can be issued.
- A marriage license must be issued prior to the marriage ceremony, and it can be used in any county within South Carolina.
When applying for a marriage license, the following documents are typically required:
- A completed marriage license application form with accurate information.
- Photocopies of both applicants' social security cards and valid forms of identification. If either applicant does not have a social security card, they must obtain a replacement.
- If either applicant is under the age of 18, written consent in the form of a sworn affidavit from a parent or legal guardian is required.
- The applicable fee, which is determined based on the address on the identification documents. Only one license fee is due per couple, and it must be paid by money order payable to the relevant county's Probate Court.
It is important to note that specific requirements and documents may vary slightly between counties in South Carolina, so it is always advisable to check with the local Probate Court or relevant official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Popular wedding locations
Scotland is a popular place to get married, with its stunning landscapes, fairy-tale venues, and diverse locations. From castles to stately homes, rustic barns to elegant hotels, there is something for everyone.
Castles
If you're looking for a fairy-tale castle setting, Scotland has plenty to offer. Scone Palace, just outside Perth, boasts the longest room in Scotland, the aptly named Long Gallery. Dundas Castle, close to Edinburgh, offers a range of spaces, from the intimate to the grand, and even a Scottish pipe band to end the day. Neidpath Castle is another option for those seeking a secluded and private castle wedding venue.
Stately Homes
For those who dream of a grand stately home, there is the 450-year-old Arniston House, just 11 miles from Edinburgh, with its elegant Orangery boasting stunning views. The Edinburgh Grand, in the heart of the city, is perfect for small and intimate weddings, hosting exclusive ceremonies in its duplex Penthouse and Director's Suite. Archerfield House, with its gorgeous spa and stunning views of the East Lothian coast, is another luxurious option.
Outdoor Spaces
Scotland's magical cities, mystical Highlands, and vast glens provide the perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding. Dunskey Estate in Dumfries offers a picturesque setting for an outdoor ceremony. Marthrown of Mabie, deep in Mabie Forest outside of Dumfries, allows couples to get married in a roundhouse or teepee in the woods. For a quirkier option, couples can even get married on a boat or a train, such as the Strathspey Railway in the Cairngorms.
Rustic Venues
For a rustic wedding, Comrie Croft in the Perthshire hills offers a unique setting, with weddings taking place in the woods followed by a party in the pretty byre. Fruin Farm, near Loch Lomond, provides a barn wedding experience with an emphasis on local produce, accommodating up to 60 guests. The Secret Herb Garden, near Edinburgh, is another unique venue, offering weddings in its glasshouse, along with fine dining in a retro environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Both parties must be at least 18 years old and unmarried. They must also not be blood relatives closer than first cousins. If one or both members are between the ages of 18 and 25, they must be physically present to apply for a marriage license and bring a valid photo ID or a social security card.
Yes, 16 and 17-year-olds may marry with the consent of their parents or legal guardians. They must provide sworn affidavits from their parents or legal guardians to prove consent.
South Carolina law only allows certain individuals to perform marriage ceremonies. The group of approved officials includes ministers of the Gospel, Jewish rabbis, officers of the state who are legally entitled to administer oaths, and leaders of recognized Native American tribes.
South Carolina has many cities suitable for exchanging vows, including Charleston, which is known for its historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and vibrant culinary scene. Some noteworthy Charleston wedding venues include Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton, The American Theater, and the Gibbes Museum of Art. Bluffton is also a popular coastal town for its seaside charm and proximity to Hilton Head Island.
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