Births, marriages, deaths and burials
Everything you need to register life events, arrange ceremonies, and find support with burials and cremations.
Birth registration
If you've had a baby, you must register the birth with us within 21 days.
Death registration
All deaths in Scotland must be registered within 8 days at any Scottish registration office.
Stillbirth registration
How to register a stillbirth where a baby was not born alive after the 24th week of pregnancy.
Marriages
You must lodge a marriage notice with us at least 29 clear days before your wedding date.
Burial Services
Council-owned burial grounds, memorials and charges.
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Related news
20 September 2022
Remote registrations - Births and deaths
In accordance with sections 14(1A)(b) and 23(1A)(b) of the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Act 1965 (as amended by the Coronavirus(Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Act 2022),…
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26 February 2026
New national legislation on burial rights takes effect
At present when someone purchases a lair – or grave site – they have indefinite rights to be buried there after their death.
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24 December 2025
Most popular baby names revealed
The most popular names for Orkney’s newborn babies in 2025 have been shared by the Council’s Registrar Service.
