Scotland Marriages Begin December 31st

Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Scotland on December 31st.

The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 will come into force on 16 December, meaning couples can register to marry then. Following the usual 15 day notice period for marriages, the first same-sex weddings will take place on 31 December 2014. Scottish couples already in Civil Partnerships will be able to convert to marriage from the same date, 16 December, by making an appointment at a register office. Those who wish to convert to marriage with a full marriage ceremony will be able to do so from 31 December, and regular marriage fees will then apply. For married transgender people, today’s announcement also brought the news that from 16 December they will no longer be forced to divorce the person they love before they are allowed to have the gender they live as recognised in law.