This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: judithstrachan1 Surnames: Classification: marriage Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.general/22279.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I believe the difference between English and Scottish marriage laws after the 1850s was that in England a marriage had to be conducted by a licensed person and take place in a licensed building (which included churches and registry offices) whereas in Scotland a marriage only had to be conducted by a licensed person (which included church ministers as well as registrars). Therefore in Scotland you could get married wherever you liked, provided someone licensed conducted the ceremony. In my own family tree, marriages conducted by a Kirk Minister took place in the houses of the bride or the groom, in a public house, in a community hall and in the Minister's manse. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.