civil partnerships

what is a civil partnership and is it the same as marriage?

A civil partnership will be a legal relationship between two people of the same sex and give you the status of 'legal partner'. They will come into force as from 5th December 2005, which is the earliest date you will be able to apply to your local registrar to give notice of your intention to form a civil partnership, and the first partnerships will be formed on 21st December 2005. However, it may be possible to register a provisional intent to form a partnership before 5th December 2005.

A civil partnership is a purely civil procedure and will not be able to take place in a religious building. Any venue which is currently licensed for civil marriages will be able to host civil partnership ceremonies. Like a civil wedding, you will be entitled to form your partnership between the hours of 8am and 6pm, and you will be able to discuss with the registrar beforehand if you wish to include readings or add your own vows in addition to the standard legal ceremony. The partnership will become legal upon the signing of the civil partnership document in the presence of your two witnesses
and the registrar.

Civil partners will benefit from comparable legal rights and responsibilites to opposite sex married couples in a range of areas, such as intestacy rules, child support, life assurance, immigration and pensions.

The aim of the Act is to provide same sex couples with the same rights as opposite sex couples, but it is a completely separate legal entity to marriage.


will we be able to take each others' names?

Yes, you will - financial institutions, Government agencies and other companies will be able to take your civil partnership certificate as legal evidence for the changing of your surname. Either party will be able to change their surname to the other, or hyphenate or double-barrel if they wish.


who can apply to form a civil partnership?

You will need to be a same sex couple, not already in an opposite sex marriage or a civil partnership, and be age 16 or older, although if you are under 18 you will need the written consent of your parents or legal guardians. (This consent is not required in Scotland). You must also not be in a prohibited relationship with each other (ie, related to each other).

how do I go about finding a venue and booking the partnership ceremony?

We can help you with all your arrangements, from finding the right venue for you, helping you contact the registrar in your area, booking all your suppliers and giving you lots of inspiration and advice on how to make it a day to remember for the rest of your lives. You may wish us to arrange a humanist ceremony in addition to the partnership; this can take place outside if you wish, and a celebrant will help you design a moving, truly personal ceremony

Visit our civil partnership section for more information