You Don’t Need to Be Deadnamed to Get Married in Scotland

At Agnostic Scotland, we’re proudly and unwaveringly trans-inclusive.

If you’re a trans person planning a wedding or civil partnership in Scotland, you might be feeling anxious about how your name or gender will be recorded. One of the most common and painful concerns for trans couples is the fear of being deadnamed - especially in something as deeply personal, meaningful (and potentially public) as your wedding ceremony.

So here is some key information to put your mind at ease:

• You do not need a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) to be married in the name and gender you live as.

• Your deadname does not need to appear in your ceremony, on your marriage certificate, or in the official records.

We’ve had this confirmed directly with the appropriate authority body, and we’re sharing that information here to reassure and empower you. 

Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re a trans person who has not yet applied for or received a GRC, here’s what the process of registering for marriage or civil partnership using your chosen name looks like in Scotland:

• You fill out your marriage notice using the name you are known by and use in daily life.

• You may indicate the gender you identify with — or, if you're non-binary, the gender you most identify with, or the one assigned at birth (whatever feels safest and right for you). Unfortunately, non-binary genders are not legally recognised in the UK. (Our celebrants will always respect and use your chosen pronouns and language; this lack of nuance only applies to the documents).

• You do not need to disclose your deadname publicly. You only need to let the registrar know privately that your current name differs from your birth entry because you're trans.

Crucially:

Providing the registrar is aware that the party is trans, the deadname will not be included in the marriage schedule. The marriage schedule and certificate will be issued in the name the party is known by and using, with no amplification of the deadname.

Unless you specifically request otherwise, your deadname will not appear in the legal documents or be spoken during the ceremony. This is your day - and your identity will be respected, protected, and celebrated.

What If My Registrar Asks for Guidance?

Some registrars may contact the relevant body of authority for advice on handling this correctly. If that happens, please don’t take it personally - it's not doubt or suspicion. It’s actually the registrar doing their due diligence to make sure they don’t out you or misstep in any way.

We’re here to advocate for you throughout that process, and we will work in partnership with your registrar to ensure everything is handled smoothly and respectfully.

At the Heart of It All: You

Getting married should be joyful, affirming, and safe. As your celebrants, we are 100% committed to making sure your ceremony is a reflection of you; your love, your life, and your truth.

You deserve to be seen and celebrated for who you are. We will never include language you haven’t agreed to, and we will never use your deadname (unless you ask for it).

You Have the Right to Be Fully You — on Paper and in Person

You don’t need a GRC. You don’t need to be outed or to be deadnamed.

You just need to be you.

With you in pride and celebration,
Linda (and co-author Han Deacon), on behalf of the Agnostic Scotland Team