Civil Ceremony Facilities

Everyone wants their special day to be something to remember in the years to come. Recent legislation has greatly increased the choice of venue available to those who prefer a ceremony which is not religious. Ceremonies can take place either in the Registration Office in Alloa (which offers a choice of two well appointed rooms), or in a range of other locations throughout the County by arrangement with the Registrar.

Our aim is to provide a ceremony that combines warmth and dignity in a relaxed atmoshpere. When you decide to have your ceremony conducted by our staff, you can tailor the arrangements for your day:

Choose your date and time up to two years in advance
For an event within the Registration office, you will be able to choose a time that best suits your needs. The facilities are open weekdays and can be made available at weekends by prior arrangement. Civil ceremonies at other venues can be arranged for any day or time subject to agreement.
Choose your preferred option for you ceremony declaration. (Please see our leaflets, for example 'Your Civil Marriage Ceremony', 'Your Civil Partnership Ceremony').
Choose to have your chosen room decorated with additional floral arrangements.
Choose what (if any) music you would like played at your ceremony. Any music chosen requires to be of a non-religious nature.
Choose to involve guests in the ceremony (eg. a reading of a suitable favourite non-religous verse or quotation may be accommodated).
Choose the arrangement for your photographs, (or video recording) of the ceremony to provide a lasting record of your happy day.

Please remember though that it can be distracting and distruptive if photographs are taken during the ceremony. Time is made available at the conclusion of the service for photographs and we aim to ensure that only one video camera may record the actual ceremony. If you wish guidance, please dicuss your own needs with your Registrar.

Our staff will do their best to accommodate your preferences, but they will not be able to engage external services such as florists or catering specialist on your behalf.

Civil Ceremony Facilities within Clackmannanshire Registration Office

Before you decide on your ceremony venue, you may wish to view the facilities available in Alloa. The Registrar’s office at Marshill boasts two very elegant rooms, both attractively finished to help create a dignified setting for your special occasion.

The Devon Room can cater for larger groups of guests - up to a maximum of 44 ^*. The room boasts an ornate ceiling, marble fireplace, and an outstanding marble fronted bay window. The decor is sympathetically finished in misty rose and cream. Free-standing flower arrangements complete the setting.

The Ochil Room has been specifically furnished with the smaller group in mind. Accommodating any ceremony party up to a total of 14 ^*, the room has a tasteful blue and cream decor and a feature bay window. Complimentary flowers and subdued lighting add to the atmosphere.

^* The numbers are fixed according to safety requirements and include the key participants, witnesses and guests.

We have a small room set aside complete with mirrors for key participants to compose themselves just prior to the ceremony.

All of our facilities are at ground level and the building is easily accessible by all. There is car parking nearby.

Please feel free to call the Registration Office if you would like to discuss possible arrangements for your ceremony – our staff will be delighted to show you the available accommodation and help you decide what best might suit your needs.

Civil Marriage Ceremonies in Designated Halls

Although these buildings are not controlled by the Registrar, it is possible to arrange a ceremony in various halls throughout the County. To find out which halls are available, you can visit our page on designated halls.

If any of these venues are of interest, please contact us using the details below.

Alternative locations for Ceremonies

You may wish to consider other premises (hotels, clubs, open spaces etc) for your ceremony. Alternative locations must be approved in advance, and for weddings, an appropriate 'notice of authorisation' must be in effect at the time of booking. Your Registrar will provide a list of premises which hold existing authorisations on request.

The Council and the Registrar wish to help make sure that your special day in Clackmannanshire will be one which provides many happy, lasting memories.