[5] Marriages, particularly higher in society, were often political in nature and the subject of complex negotiations over the tocher (dowry).

Some mothers took a leading role in negotiating marriages, as Lady Glenorchy did for her children in the 1560s and 1570s, or as matchmakers, finding suitable and compatible partners for others.

[8] Among the poor the tradition of the penny wedding developed, by which guests contributed to the costs of occasion, with a meal after the ceremony, sometimes followed by music and dancing.

[9] In the early modern era there was a stress on a wife's duties to her husband and on the virtues of chastity and obedience.

Scottish women in this period had something of a reputation among foreign observers for being forthright individuals, with Pedro de Ayala, the Spanish ambassador to the court of James IV, noting that they were "absolute mistresses of their houses and even their husbands".

An irregular marriage could result from mutual agreement, by a public promise followed by consummation, or by cohabitation with habit and repute.

In 1856, Scottish law was changed to require 21 days' residence for marriage, and since 1929 both parties have had to be at least 16 years old (though there is still no parental consent needed).

Spouses are considered to have a duty of care towards each other, and certain social security benefits are calculated differently from those for single people.

From 1 February 2005, visitors who wished to be married in the UK that are citizens of a country that is not a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), must apply for a visa before they travel.

Visitors who are already in the UK, and are citizens of a country that is not a member of the EEA, would need the approval of the Home Secretary to be married.

From 4 April 2011, the requirement for a Certificate of Approval was abolished by the United Kingdom Parliament through a Remedial Order under the Human Rights Act 1998.

As passed in 2014, the law establishing marriage equality in Scotland did not require religious institutions to hold ceremonies on their premises.

[18] Scotland For Marriage, a coalition of religious bodies opposed to the change, submitted around 20,000 postcards to the Scottish Government in addition to a 9,000 signature petition.

[19][20] After analysis of the responses, the Scottish Government announced it intended to go ahead with the legalisation of same-sex marriages, though with plans to put in safeguards to prevent religious bodies that do not wish to carry out such ceremonies from being prosecuted.

They found that, of respondents in Scotland, 36% of those were in favour and 64% against the proposals when considering all submissions - standard responses, postcards and petitions.

[21] The Marriage and Civil Partnerships (Scotland) Bill was put before the Scottish Parliament at the end of June 2013 and passed in February 2014.