A wider choice of venues is now on offer to couples hoping to tie the knot in Scotland.

A new law which allows civil marriage ceremonies to take place outside registry offices came into effect on Monday.

Those choosing religious ceremonies have been able to decide on an unusual location for a number of years.

But the new legislation means that civil ceremonies can be staged almost anywhere.

Councils can approve marriage sites

Until now they could only be held at one of the 247 registry offices north of the border.

Under the new law, local councils will have the power to approve specific sites as venues for civil marriages - as long as they preserve the dignity of the marriage ceremony.

That means couples will be able to tie the knot at their favourite hotel or beauty spot, or in a marquee in a back garden.

The Marriage (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament in April.

It was initially brought forward as a Member's Bill by MSP Euan Robson, but was then adopted by the Scottish Executive.

He has said that the proposals would bring many benefits to the people of Scotland, while also providing a boost to tourism.