In Scotland, a “2 + 2” ceremony is a simple legal marriage carried out by a registrar.
It involves two people getting married and two witnesses.
There are no guests, music or extras — just the legal words and signatures that make the marriage valid in Scottish law.
What Is a 2 + 2 Ceremony?
The term “2 + 2” describes the minimum legal attendance:
- 2 people: the couple
- + 2 witnesses: adults who witness and sign the schedule
The ceremony is usually held in the local registration office.
A registrar leads the legal declarations and records the marriage officially.
It is sometimes called a statutory marriage or minimal register office ceremony.
You can later hold a larger wedding or celebrant-led celebration anywhere you wish.
Why Choose It?
- Low cost: statutory fees are the cheapest legal route to marriage.
- Freedom: complete the legal step before a symbolic or religious celebration elsewhere.
- Flexibility: good for international couples or those marrying quickly.
- Simplicity: no planning pressure, no large crowd, no extras.
Legal Requirements in Scotland
1. Marriage Notice Forms (M10)
Both parties must submit Marriage Notice forms (M10) to the registrar for the district where the ceremony will take place.
These must be received at least 29 days before the marriage but can be sent up to three months ahead.
Include proof of identity, nationality, address, and evidence of divorce or widowhood if applicable.
2. Schedule and Registrar
The registrar prepares a Marriage Schedule — the document you sign on the day.
You can only marry once the registrar has issued this.
A registrar or authorised celebrant must conduct the legal part.
3. Witnesses
You need two witnesses aged 16 or older.
They must understand English (or the language used) and be present during the ceremony to sign the schedule.
4. Location
For a 2 + 2 ceremony, the location will be the registration office.
Scotland also allows legal ceremonies elsewhere, but that would not usually count as a 2 + 2 format.
5. Fees
Fees vary slightly by council but are typically around £125–£150 including the certificate.
Notice fees are £45 per person.
Always check with your chosen registration office.
How To Plan a 2 + 2 + Celebration Wedding
- Decide to separate the legal and celebration parts.
Plan a simple legal ceremony and a larger celebration later.
- Contact your local registration office.
Ask if they offer statutory or “2 + 2” appointments and what documents they require.
- Submit M10 forms and pay the notice fee.
- Receive confirmation from the registrar.
They will confirm your date, time and what to bring on the day (usually ID and your witnesses).
- Attend the ceremony.
You, your partner and two witnesses meet the registrar, say the required legal declarations, and sign the schedule.
The whole event usually takes under ten minutes. - Plan your separate celebration.
After you are legally married, you can hold any style of celebration or symbolic wedding anywhere — beach, hotel, garden or abroad.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Send your M10 forms early — delays may prevent the registrar from issuing your schedule in time.
- Confirm witness names and spelling beforehand for the certificate.
- Check what identification the registrar will accept (passport, birth certificate etc.).
- Arrive early and bring your documents — without them, the ceremony cannot go ahead.
- Don’t confuse celebrant weddings with legal ones: only registrars and certain authorised celebrants can perform legal marriages in Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 2 + 2 ceremony legal everywhere in Scotland?
Yes. Every district registrar can perform statutory marriages, though you may need to request it specifically.
Can we personalise the ceremony?
Because it’s statutory, the wording is fixed and very short. You can add personal vows privately afterwards.
Can it take place outside?
For a true 2 + 2, it’s indoors at the register office. Outdoor legal ceremonies are only for approved celebrants, not statutory 2 + 2 ceremonies.
Do we need to live in the same district?
No. You can marry in any district, but you must both submit M10 forms to the registrar there.
2+2 Ceremony Checklist Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Decide on 2 + 2 plus celebration plan |
| 2 | Submit M10 forms (at least 29 days before) |
| 3 | Confirm date and witnesses with registrar |
| 4 | Attend register office and sign schedule |
| 5 | Collect marriage certificate |
| 6 | Hold separate celebration |
Summary
A 2 + 2 ceremony in Scotland is the simplest way to marry legally.
Once the registrar signs your schedule, your marriage is recognised in law.
Then you are free to create any celebration you wish — relaxed, creative or traditional — without worrying about legal restrictions.