January 2003

Front Page Archives

HIGHLAND COUNCIL HELPS WEDDING ORGANISERS TO SAY "I DO"
A special Valentine's Day seminar is being organised by The Highland Council to help anyone involved in the organisation of civil marriages to understand the recent legislation, "Marriage (Scotland) Act 2002".
Under the new Act which was brought into force in June 2002, local councils can now extend the choice of venues for civil marriages beyond the registration office to specific buildings and sites provided the place does not compromise the solemnity and dignity of civil marriages.

Two types of civil marriage approval can be issued:
 - a 'period approval' which can be granted for up to three years and would    appeal to hoteliers, and
   stately home owners, for example; and
 - a 'temporary approval' which is valid only for the date and venue applied for and may apply to 
   applications made for individual or be-spoke weddings in more unusual venues or places.

Chief Registrar, Margaret Straube said: "Applying for a licence is fairly straight forward and The Highland Council, through area administrators and solicitors, have responsibility for handling all applications. Prior to either type of licence being granted, consultation takes place with various Council services, for example, Corporate Services, Registration and TEC Services, as well as other organisations such as Northern Constabulary and the Highland and Islands Fire Brigade.

"We want to get across how the new legislation works, the application process and procedures, the time scales involved, the fees chargeable and also the overall benefits of applying.

"If anyone is currently providing wedding facilities and wishes to expand the choice to the public, taking account of the new legislation, or is considering this as a new venture, I would urge them to book a place on the seminar as soon as possible."

The seminar which will be held at The Highland Council's Chamber, Glenurquhart Road Inverness, will begin at 2.30pm on Friday 14 February. Delegates will hear about:
 - how to apply for civil marriage period or temporary approvals;
 - the costs involved;
 - who the Council consults when considering an application;
 - the requirements of the Council in considering an application;
 - the requirements of other organisations who need to be consulted;
 - the Registrars involvement and requirements relating to the marriage ceremony;
 - the benefits of seeking an approval.

Speakers at the seminar will include representatives from the Registration Service Corporate Services, TEC Services (Environmental Health); Northern Constabulary; Highland and Islands Fire Brigade and the Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board.

The seminar is free and open to anyone interested in seeking a Civil Marriage Licence Approval. To book a place at the seminar, contact Alaisdair Mackenzie, The Highland Council's Corporate Services tel: 01478 613826 fax: 01478 613828 or email: [email protected]

Some Wedding Links