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Civil Partnership Registration
What does it mean?
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005 and enables same sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship. Couples who form a civil partnership will have a new legal status, that of 'civil partner'.
Further information about civil partnerships is available on the Women & Equality Unit's website.
Who can register a civil partnership?
You may register a civil partnership if you are both
- the same sex
- 16 or over (parental consent is required if under 18)
- not already married or in a civil partnership
- not closely related (e.g. parent, brother, nephew, uncle)
How can we organise our civil partnership?
A civil partnership may be registered at any Register Office or approved venue of choice.
Before doing so, you must both give notice of intention to register to an authorised person in the registration district where you have lived for the past 7 days. Notice must be entered at least 15 clear days before the registration is due to take place.Once given the notices are valid for 12 months.
If you live in Brighton & Hove we operate an appointment system for notices of civil partnership, please ring 01273 294421 if you wish to book an appointment.
What happens at the appointment?
The approved person taking your notice will ask you a few questions about yourself and your partner and will need to see the following documents
- Passports and birth certificates
- Proof of address (council tax bill/utilities bill)
- If applicable original documentary evidence showing how any previous marriages or civil partnerships have legally ended
- If applicable original documentary evidence showing how any names may have been changed legally
Do we have to have a ceremony?
No. Civil Partnership registrations may be just a short signing, a small dignified ceremony or they may include additional vows, a reading and music of your choice (by prior arrangement).How much does it cost?
The statutory fees for giving the notice of intention to register are £30 each and a single fee of £40 for the formation of a civil partnership in the Register Office. Fees for registration at an approved venue are the same as for marriage - please see our main Register Office page for details.