Business as Usual for Scottish Borders Registrars

Scottish Borders Registrars say it’s business as usual, while changes continue to improve local registration services. Lisa Lauder, the Council’s Chief Registrar, says it’s all part of a review which will consolidate all the local offices.

‘We now have ten offices instead of 13, and a team of 11 fully trained and qualified registrars, instead of some of the part-time offices and marriage celebrants we had before. The closure of the Selkirk office means you’ll now be served by Galashiels, while Jedburgh services are now being handled from Hawick – both full-time offices. Lauder is also closing at the end of June, but you can contact our Melrose office, which is open 4 times per week.’

‘If you want to know more, you can ring the main number, 0300 100 1800, or contact your local Registration Office directly’. (See numbers below)

Lisa says it’s important to contact Registrar Services as soon as you know you’re getting married, whether you’re going for a religious or civil ceremony.

‘Your date may be many months – even years – ahead. We’ll be able to advise you on timescales, documents you need, and how much it will cost, as well as guide you through the legalities. It’s also worth knowing that costs vary depending on which date and time you hold your ceremony.’

Lisa says registrars can also help couples to personalise their ceremony. ‘You can make it much more meaningful to you and your family by including readings, poems, special music and special words that can make all the difference. There are obviously some words which must be said in order to keep on the right side of the law, but there are plenty of ways to for you make your ceremony really personal’.

There’s more information, including a checklist of what to do, on the Scottish Borders Council website at www.scotborders.gov.uk/registrars.

Contacting your local Registration Office
Galashiels & Selkirk      01896 662708   Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Melrose & Lauder         01896 823114     Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10am to 1pm
Tuesday 2pm to 4pm
Hawick & Jedburgh      01450 364710    Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Kelso                                  01573 225659     Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm
Coldstream                      01890 883156     Tuesday and Thursday 2pm to 4.30pm
Duns                                   01361 886110      Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm
Eyemouth                        01890 750690    Tuesday & Friday 2pm to 4.30pm
(Friday 2pm to 4pm)
Peebles & West Linton 01721 723817    Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm
Newcastleton                  013873 75606    Monday & Thursday 9.30am to 10.30am

Lindsey Hunter of Get Knotted is a wedding planner for Scotland and the north of England. She’s the in-house wedding planner for four lovely Scottish wedding venues: Mellerstain House, Aikwood Tower, Hoscote Estate, and the Buccleuch Arms Hotel. For more wedding inspiration, visit our gallery.

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