All your questions answered...
Helping you make sense of it all
We are here to help you understand the jargon so you can make the right decision.
What is our role as a celebrant?
A celebrant is someone who is professionally trained and dedicated to conducting ceremonies that mark significant milestones in life.
Beyond officiating weddings, we also lead vow renewals, naming days, coming of age and united family ceremonies. We craft personalised and magical ceremonies your way.
Our clients can unleash their creative freedom and include diverse beliefs, including mixed faith, LGBTQ+, traditional, modern and spiritual practices, fostering an inclusive and vibrant community where every voice is celebrated.
If you're looking for an authentic and heartfelt ceremony that gives the wow factor - Then look no further.
Advantages of choosing a celebrant?
In contrast to registrar weddings held at licensed venues or registry offices, Butterfly Wedding Celebrant ceremonies provide absolute creative freedom. We offer personalised attention, taking time to understand you as a couple and guiding you to making the right choices.
We will find ways to include and involve all your favourite people. Your ceremony is written with you and only you in mind. Butterfly Wedding Celebrant ceremonies is free from restrictions, allowing your ceremony to take place at any meaningful location, embracing individuality and accommodating unique requests.
Can you get married anywhere is Scotland?
Yes, you can legally get married pretty much anywhere in Scotland, so long as it's considered to be safe and dignified and at any time of day - as the sun is rising over the hills or mountains, on the edge of a sandy beach, or in your garden at the stroke of midnight.
Steps for a legal civil wedding?
Being married by a wedding celebrant allows you the freedom to create a personal and meaningful wedding ceremony your way and in Scotland you can get married anywhere you wish -this is called a civil marriage.
Once you have sourced your ideal wedding location, confirmed a date in the diary, and chosen your celebrate, you will need to consider the legal side of your civil partnership/marriage. We have put together four easy steps to help you navigate this journey.
Step One:
Register your intent to marry with the local registry office. This is just a legal formality and you will need to complete and submit a M10 form. This MUST be submitted no later than 29 days before your weddng day (ideally 8 weeks before) Here is a list of Registry offices in the Scottish Borders, you can choose from:
Kelso Office: http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/directory-record/12801/kelso_and_jedburgh
Melrose Office: https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/directory-record/12803/melrose_and_lauder
The from required is a M10.
Step Two:
Your M10 form can be submitted in person or in the post. You can make an appointment by phoning 0300 100 1800. The registrar will be the person who will prepare the legal documents, record your wedding.
When submitted your intent you will be required to provide additional evidence such as your birth cerrficate, passport, proof of current/usual residence, such as utility bill (not older than three months), bank/building society statement (not older than one month), most recent council tax bill, valid UK driving licence.
Step Three:
Choose your witnesses, you will need to bring two witnesses with you for the signing of the wedding declaration. These can be close family, friends or even strangers off the street!
Step Four:
Once you have submitted your request, the registrar will make contact with you to book a suitable day and time to attend the offices in person to complete your paperwork and sign the legal declaration. This should only take around 5-10 minutes.
Most couples complete Step Four, a week before the ceremony.
Please note: Step Four is just legal formality there will be no exchanging of vows or rings at this point.
Step Five
Once the legal paperwork has been signed, it’s time to look forward to YOUR special wedding ceremony, just the way you want it.
How much does it cost to register a civil marriage?
- Advance booking deposit (non-refundable) - £50
- PLUS - Civil marriage registration during office hours with no ceremony and a maximum of 8 guests - £155
What do we offer?
- Initial meeting face to face or via video call to discuss your plans & get to know you.
- Welcome Pack
- Unlimited communication throughout the whole journey with us as your celebrant via phone & email.
- A step-by-step guide that will explain the legal process and how to proceed.
- Inspiration to help you make the right choices.
- Capabilities to plan & help with selecting bespoke music
- A personalised ceremony written specially for you, which includes your story.
- A signed wedding certificate & pen as a keepsake
- Inspirational emails through your journey to help assist with your ceremony, vows & ideas.
- Travel included (up to 50 round trip)
- Outfit Coordination, if desired.
Other Q&A...
When should I book a celebrant?
It's best to book a celebrant as soon as possible, especially for popular dates.
How do I choose a celebrant?
You can browse celebrant profiles on the website. I recommend chatting to a few before making a decision, as you'll need to feel comfortable and connect with them.
What types of celebrants are there?
Celebrants can be independent or affiliated with a belief or faith organisation. We are an Independent organisation and are happy to deliver ceremonies that can include all beliefs, faiths and religions.
Can you deliver legal civil partnership/marriage as a celebrant?
Only celebrants affiliated with approved organisations in Scotland can perform legal marriages.
As an independent celebrant, our couples will need to arrange the legal formalities by signing their marriage declaration in front of a registrar. (Please see: Steps to a legal civil partnership/wedding)
What can I include in my ceremony?
Anything you want, from symbolic gestures, music, and singing to writing your own vows or themed costumes.
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