LEGAL - CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS

Civil Partnership Ceremonies

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 finally came into force in December 2005.  Registration of a civil partnership differs from a civil marriage in that whilst it is legally binding it is not legally referred to as a marriage. A civil marriage can only be entered into by hetereosexual couples, civil partnerships can only be entered into by same-sex couples. Civil partners, are able to enjoy many of the same rights as heterosexual married couples.

Those eligable to register as civil partners are partners of the same sex, neither are already lawfully married or in a same sex civil partnership, and are over 16 years of age (with parental consent) 18 years of age (without parental consent)

A civil partnership can take place at a register office or other approved venues. Notice of intention to become civil partners will need to be given. It is a legal requirement to attend the local registry office and inform them of a wish to register a civil partnership. Details of this are made public for fifteen days. Notice is valid for 12 months from that date.  The civil partnership notice require the following details for each person; name, date of birth, condition (marital or civil paretnership), occupation, nationality, venue chosen

It is £30 per person to give notice in advance of a ceremony either at a register office or approved premises. It costs £40 for the registry office ceremony. The cost for attendance by the superintendent registrar and registrar to attend other venues is set by the local authority in question. A further charge is likely to be made by the owners of the building for the use of the premises. The marriage certificate will cost £3.50

You will not be allowed any religious content into a civil marriage ceremony. Ask your venue wedding organiser for more details of content options. On your wedding day you will need to bring with you at least two other people who are prepared to witness the marriage and sign the marriage register

There is no legal requirement to change any partners surname when in a civil partnership, though most couples will choose to share the same surname.  There are some options... continue using own surnames; one partner can take the other partner’s surname; both partners can change surnames by Deed Poll, to double-barrel their surnames or to change to a new surname altogether. The civil partnership certificate provides the necessary documentary evidence of the change of surname.  Titles can be changed from Ms or Miss to Mrs., by Deed Poll.

For more information please click on this link to the General Register Office http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/marriages/    Click here for Wedding Laws in Scotland