Edinburgh Registry Office
Your complete guide to registry services in Edinburgh, Scotland. Get certificates, book appointments, and access all essential information for births, marriages, and civil partnerships.
Registry Services in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Register Office is magnificently housed within the historic City Chambers at 253 High Street on the famous Royal Mile, providing essential civil registration services for Scotland’s capital city. This prestigious venue combines the grandeur of Edinburgh’s civic heritage with modern registration services, offering three beautiful ceremony suites in the heart of the Old Town, directly opposite the iconic St Giles’ Cathedral.
Birth Certificates
Official birth certificates for births registered in Scotland
Marriage Certificates
Certified copies of marriage registrations
Civil Partnerships
Official civil partnership certificates and registrations
Ceremony Packages
Wedding ceremonies from intimate to grand celebrations
How to Apply for Certificates
Booking Your Appointment
Edinburgh Register Office operates exclusively on an appointment-only basis. You can book appointments online through the City of Edinburgh Council booking system or by calling 0131 529 2600. For ceremony appointments, email marriageandcp@edinburgh.gov.uk. As Edinburgh’s premier registry venue, advance booking is essential for all services.
Required Documents
When applying for any certificate, you’ll need to provide:
- Valid photo identification (passport, driving licence)
- Full name as registered on the original certificate
- Date of event (birth or marriage)
- Place where event was registered in Scotland
- For births: mother’s maiden name
- For marriages: spouse’s full name
Processing and Fees
Standard certificates cost £15.00 and are processed within 10 working days for events registered in Edinburgh. Additional copies of the same certificate cost £10.00 each when ordered at the same time. Priority service costs an additional £15.00 for expedited processing. Civil ceremonies start from £315 for weekday ceremonies.
Planning Your Visit
Location and Transport
Edinburgh Register Office is perfectly located in the City Chambers on the Royal Mile, in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The venue is easily accessible from Edinburgh Waverley Station, with excellent bus connections and nearby parking at NCP Niddry Street. The location offers direct access to Edinburgh’s historic attractions and stunning photography opportunities.
Royal Mile Heritage
Located on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, the venue provides an unparalleled historic setting. The City Chambers building dates back to the 18th century and serves as Edinburgh’s civic headquarters, offering couples a truly regal backdrop for their special day with views over the city and towards Princes Street.
Parking and Access
The City Chambers is fully accessible with lift access to all floors and facilities for disabled visitors. While the building has no dedicated parking, the nearby NCP Niddry Street car park provides convenient parking. The venue welcomes guide and assistance dogs, and staff are trained to provide additional accessibility support when needed.
City Chambers Ceremony Suites
Edinburgh Register Office in City Chambers features three distinctive ceremony options:
- Alexander Suite – Ground floor suite accommodating up to 36 guests with views over the quadrangle courtyard and Princes Street
- European Room – First floor suite for up to 70 guests featuring elegant décor and art gallery ambiance
- The Wee Neuk – Intimate space for couples and two witnesses only, available Monday to Thursday
- Council Chamber – Grand ceremonial room for up to 110 guests on the seventh floor with domed ceiling and city views
- Historic Setting – 18th-century building serving as Edinburgh’s civic headquarters on the Royal Mile
- Professional Services – Experienced registrars offering personalized ceremony options and Scottish civil law procedures