Oban is a vibrant resort town it occupies a setting in the Firth of Lorn. The bay is a near perfect horseshow, protected by the island of Kerrera and beyond Kerrera, the isle of Mull. To the north, is the long low island of Lismore.
Oban registration office covers the area of Dalmally, Connel, Taynuilt, Port Appin, Loch Awe, Benderloch, Bridge of Orchy, Kilchrenan, Muasdale, Ardanaiseig, Isle of Luing, Colonsay and Lismore.
Address: Municipal Building, Albany Street, Oban, PA34 4AW
Tel: 01546 605521 (Option 7)
Email: Nicola.Sturley@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Address: Scalasaig, Isle of Colonsay, PA61 7YW
Tel: 01546 605521 (Option 7)
Our Registrars
Nicola Sturley – Registrar
Started in Registration – May 2024
I love the variety of work involved in being a Registrar, you see the full circle of life. The job for me involves all my favourite things, guiding people through one of the most important times of their lives, meeting new people, and paperwork ! It is always a privilege to officiate at someone’s wedding.
Catherine Dods – Assistant Registrar
Started in Registration – January 2015
‘I enjoy the variety of ceremonies we offer. One day we can be in the registration office and another, on the side of a loch. I enjoy getting to meet so many people from different parts of the world. From the initial contact with a couple to finally officiating for them on their big day, makes me feel privileged to have had the opportunity of working with them to create their ceremony. Working as an assistant registrar has taught me that no matter how much or how little you choose to incorporate in your ceremony, each and every one is special.’
Alan Macleod – Assistant Registrar
Started in Registration – Late 2020
‘I joined the Oban Registration Team in late 2020 and have fully completed my Birth and Marriage/Civil Partnership training and have now registered numerous births and have conducted several office weddings. It is a very enjoyable feeling to advise and assist in playing a small part in these happy life milestones for the parties involved, and I have met some lovely people along the way.’
Testimonials
‘Nicky Sturley was our registrar for the day.
A lovely and helpful lady throughout the whole process . Previously met up with Nicky to go through documentation prior to the day and very useful not having to go through this on the day. She made us feel so at ease and a very relaxed ceremony, which is what we wanted. I would highly recommend the service. Plus the beautiful location, we got married at Appin Bay View House on the balcony overlooking the Loch and Castle Stalker, loved every moment of it’
Julie and Dave – August 2024 – Appin Bay Guest House (Photo supplied by couple)
It has been almost two weeks since our wedding and I can’t stop thinking about it. Everything was so perfect, we couldn’t have asked for a better day to celebrate our marriage. Catherine and Fiona were so helpful and patient, and always replied back to me promptly, which I am really grateful for.
The ceremony felt so special and personal to us – Catherine did a fantastic job (especially as she had to compete with some very curious sheep!) and included everything we asked for. She was also more than happy to include my old teddy bear Pinky to be the official ring bear(er), which just added an extra perfect touch on the day. Pinky was most pleased to be included in such an important role and have such a big fuss made over her.
Thank you again from the bottom of both our hearts for being a part of our special day.
Rachel and Aaron – June 2023 – Kilchurn Castle (Photo by Silver Photography)
Our marriage ceremony was exactly as we wanted, just the two of us. Nicola & Alan helped us organise this, they were amazing and nothing was too much trouble.
Jane and Will – August 2024 – Oban Registration Office (Photo supplied by couple)
Travelling to Oban
By Road – 97 miles from Glasgow to Oban
By Train – ScotRail
By Air – Oban Airport – (This includes regular flights to Coll, Tiree, Colonsay and Islay. Oban Airport welcomes private pilots and commercial charters from around the UK and Europe who fly in to explore the area and spend time in Oban and beyond.)
Check the information on Getting to Oban
Oban is a vibrant town on the West Coast of Scotland. With a population of around 9000 this grows to host up to 25000 visitors in the summer months. Oban, meaning little bay in Gaelic, has a busy port which carries passengers to the Islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. The pier is also home to many fishing boats which supply much of Scotland and Europe with their fresh catch, as well as the highly accredited local seafood restaurants.
Our registrars can travel to a variety of other beautiful venues and locations in the area, each offering a warm West Coast welcome and beautiful cascading views. The area is rich in history with numerous historic sites to visit. These can provide dramatic back drops to your wedding photos or marriage ceremony, some of which allow couples to hold their wedding ceremony inside or in the grounds of the castle or monument.
Oban has many activities for families and those interested in outdoor pursuits. Set on the coast there are various beaches. Popular for sailing, Oban has recently opened its own marina. The Oban Distillery, distils Oban single malt whisky.
Oban Marriage Room
Oban Registration Office is situated in the town centre and has its own marriage room which can hold up to 20 guests. The room has neutral decor to which a couple can add their own touches if they wish. Chosen music can be linked to our Bluetooth speakers and you may want to video link to friends and family who are not able to make it for your big day. The building has wheelchair access, toilets and there is a car park to the rear. Witnesses can be provided if a couple want to steal away just by themselves.
The Registrars in Oban offer a service which guides you through your marriage legalities and civil ceremony and will work with you to make your own special day the way you imagine. We look forward to welcoming you to our town.
Isle of Kerrera
The Isle of Kerrera is just across from Oban bay, a short ferry ride brings you over to either the North or South Island. With a population of around 70 people the island is 4 miles long and is home to Gylen Castle built in 1582 by Clan MacDougall. This is a popular place to marry as there are panoramic views of the sea and neighbouring Island. The castle offers a dramatic backdrop for photos and the island as all on the west coast has a very special atmosphere.
There are plenty of wildlife and long and short trails
Easdale Island
Easdale Island is one of the west coasts slate Island. It has a population of around 60 people and a bar and restaurant and village hall. It is also home to the world stone skimming championships every September.
The 5 minute ferry journey from Seil (15 miles South of Oban) brings you into a welcoming and thriving community and unrivalled views of the firth of Lorn and a quaint untouched village of cottages which were originally built for the community working in the slate quarries. These houses are a mixture of locals and holiday homes which provides a lovely inclusive community spirit.
Luing
The Island of Luing is another of the west coasts slate islands, it’s easy to reach by the Cuan Ferry 15 miles south of Oban. The Island is an unspoilt beauty with wonderful sunsets and many wild animals and flowers. You can explore the island by foot, car or bicycle.
Colonsay
The island of Colonsay lies in the Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. Fifteen miles to the north lies the island of Mull; the eastern and southern horizons are bounded by the islands of Jura and Islay. Together with its semi-detached neighbour Oronsay, it forms an island group roughly ten miles long and two miles wide.
