Emergency marriage and civil partnership guidance

Guidance on how to apply for an emergency marriage or civil partnership during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic is to be published.

The Scottish Government will work with National Records of Scotland to set out guidance on the kinds of occasions where an emergency marriage or civil partnership is allowed and how to apply for them, Constitution Secretary Michael Russell has confirmed.

Speaking as Parliament today consented to the general principles of the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No2)  Bill at Stage 1,

Mr Russell said:

“We all want to be in a position where we can see marriages and civil partnerships fully starting up again across the country, but that is sadly not possible.

“But there are people facing extremely difficult circumstances who want to show their love and commitment to each other, such as where a partner is to be posted overseas by the armed forces or is sadly terminally ill, and we want to do all we can to help.

“We will now work as a matter of urgency with National Records of Scotland to produce clear guidance on how people in such situations can apply for a civil partnership or to get married.”

Background

The Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Bill can be read here.