Municipal Buildings ceremony guidance
We want your ceremony to be as special as it can be. Below is information to help you plan your ceremony at the Municipal Buildings.
Arrival and timing
Guest arrival times
Guests are welcome to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the ceremony. Arriving earlier may lead to delays as staff availability for escorting guests to the ceremony room is limited.
Time in the ceremony room
You and your guests have 45 minutes in the ceremony room from the start of your ceremony. This timeframe ensures we can prepare the room for subsequent ceremonies.
Photography and decorations
Photographs and pictures
Yes, photographs are encouraged, provided they fit within the 45-minute timeframe in the ceremony room.
Bringing your own flowers
Yes, you can bring your own flowers. Please ensure no mess is left behind and that the flowers are removed after the ceremony.
Confetti rules
Yes, guests can throw confetti, but it must be done outside the building, and the confetti should be biodegradable.
Music and sound
Piper arrangements
Pipers are only allowed to perform within the grounds on weekdays, as the building is operational with other departments. On Saturdays, pipers can accompany you inside the building.
Playing your own music
Yes, you can play your own music. The rooms are equipped with a music system that has Bluetooth connectivity. If you prefer, you can also bring a device with an auxiliary cable connection. Any devices requiring main power must have their own power source.
Ceremony details
Ceremony rehearsals
We do not offer rehearsals. However, the Registrar will contact you before the ceremony to discuss all details and ensure everything is in order.
How long a ceremony lasts
The length of the ceremony is flexible. A basic civil ceremony can be 10 to 15 minutes long, but you have the option to include enhancements for a more personalised and extended ceremony. Discuss these options with your Registrar.
Conducting the ceremony
A family member or friend cannot conduct the ceremony with the Registrar. However, you can have a friend or family member stand up to recite a poem.
Additional information
Children and room capacities
Yes, children and babies do count in the room numbers. Room capacity is determined by fire safety regulations and cannot be exceeded.
Accessibility details
Yes, our rooms are accessible for individuals with disabilities. The Leven suite is on the ground floor with a lift for access to a disabled toilet. The Chambers room, located on the first floor, is accessible via a lift. For further enquiries about accessibility, please contact us on 01389 738350 or email WDC.Registrars@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.
Dog guidelines
We love dogs, but unfortunately we can only allow service dogs into the building.
We hope this information helps you in planning your perfect ceremony. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out.