Marriage and Civil Ceremonies

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Isle of Bute

Isle of Bute Registration District

Saying “I do” on the Isle of Bute? Rothesay is your local registration office.

Office Details

Areas Covered

 Any wedding on Bute = Rothesay Office, no matter how tempting it is to think otherwise.

Photo Gallery

Our Registrars

Weddings on the Isle of Bute may also be covered by the registrars from Dunoon. 

Sandra Cobain

Sandra Cobain – Registrar for Bute 

Started in Registration – July 2009

'I have worked in Registration for 12 years, it was a complete change for me having worked for the council for the previous 20 years in Housing and Council Tax benefits. I love every aspect of my job from the joy of registering a new baby, to my ceremonies all over the island and beyond, even having married some friends and family members, to being able to help people in their darkest moments when they are registering the death of a loved one. I really enjoy helping couples make their day special whether it is helping them choose a Quaich or candles or having  a sand ceremony to bring two families together, it is their day, their way as we say. I have been involved in a 'cloaking ceremony' for a Game of Thrones themed wedding. I think I am the only person on the planet not to have watched it so my son helped me with my research!!' 

Testimonials

Sandra, Samantha and the rest of the team were exemplary in their support of our marriage from start to finish. From providing a human lens and a patient smile in the face of endless paperwork, to allowing us to make our day uniquely our own by personalising the ceremony, their guidance could not have been better. We had a fabulous ceremony and highly recommend eloping on Bute to anyone.

2 men standing at a pillar signing paperwork

‘Samantha made the whole process very easy to understand and alleviated any stress. She captured our story perfectly and executed it so well in our ceremony. She was so easy to talk to, get along with and we are so pleased she was able to do our ceremony. We got so many compliments about the service, how well delivered it was and how “us” it was. We cannot thank Samantha enough for everything she did for us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!’

Kora and Ryan – September 2026 – Nether Stravannan Cottages

in a marquee with people sitting on chairs and a bride and groom standing

Travelling to Bute

At the heart of the Firth of the Clyde lies the beautiful island of Bute, which has long welcomed visitors to its shores.

There are two ferry routes that travel to the isle of Bute:

Road route from Glasgow to Bute (via Colintraive)

Travel from Glasgow to Bute by taking the scenic Cowal route.

From Glasgow, head west on the A82 along Loch Lomond, then take the A83 over the Rest and Be Thankful and turn onto the A886 towards Strachur, Glendaruel, and Colintraive.
 
At Colintraive, take the short, frequent Colintraive–Rhubodach ferry across the Kyles of Bute.

Road route from Glasgow to Bute (via Wemyss Bay)

Travel easily from Glasgow to the Isle of Bute via Wemyss Bay.

From Glasgow, follow the M8 west towards Greenock, then continue onto the A8 through Port Glasgow and Greenock. Stay on the A78 to reach Wemyss Bay.

At Wemyss Bay, take the regular Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Rothesay.