Here’s how to complete the M10 Marriage Notice Application Form if you are getting married in Scotland
What is the M10 form?
Put simply, the M10 form is your notice to the local authority that you intend to get married. The registrar needs to be sure that you are both legally allowed to marry in Scotland. (You must both be over 16, for example.)
The form is double-sided and asks questions: your full name, date of birth, address and parentage, as well as whether either party has been married before.
You and your spouse-to-be must each complete your own M10 form. There's a £100 fee (£45 each, then £10 for entry into the marriage register) for submitting them, paid to the registry office directly. This includes the cost of the schedule.
What documents do we need to provide for M10 form?
You’ll need to gather together a few supporting documents – originals, not photocopies.
You’ll both need your birth certificate, photo ID (for example, a passport or driving licence) and a utility bill dating from within three months of the submission date. The bill must show your name and address.
If you are divorced, you'll need evidence of this, and if you are widowed, you'll need your former spouse's death certificate.
Finally, if you are a foreign national, a certificate showing that you are able to marry – a certificate of ‘no impediment of marriage’ – is required.
When do I have to submit my M10 form?
The earliest you can register is three months ahead of the wedding date, but it can’t be any later than 29 days before.
Even if you don’t have all of the supporting papers, send off your M10 to get the process started.
What if you can’t find your original birth certificate?
The registry office can provide a duplicate for around £15.
REMEMBER... you have to fill out one form each! It's a common mistake that only one party fills out the form, so although there is a section that asks for your partner's details, you must fill out one each.
Check, check... and check again!
Proofread and ensure all spellings of names are correct. Make sure you have double-checked all of your supporting documents are included. In fact, ask someone else to check too!