Civil partnerships
A legal relationship, which can be formed by two people of the same sex, giving them the ability to obtain legal recognition for their relationship.
The Civil Partnership Act came into force on 5 December 2005 with the first civil partnerships formed on 21 December 2005.
On these page you can find advice on planning your civil partnership, whether you are just having a registration or combining a ceremony, together with choices of venues and legal formalities.
The rights and responsibilities that a civil partnership entails.
Who is eligible to form a civil partnership in the UK.
How to arrange a civil partnership ceremony (this is not required as part of the registration procedure).
How to give formal notice of your intention to form a civil partnership. You can now make an appointment online to give notice of civil partnership.
Legal requirements for the registration of civil partnerships.
What to expect on your big day, from arrival to the ceremony itself.
How much it costs for civil partnership certificates and attendance of registrars at ceremonies.
Payment of ceremony fees
You can now pay for your wedding or civil partnership ceremony online after your provisional booking has been confirmed.
Guidance for people who are subject to immigration control and wish to have a civil partnership in the UK.
Organisations you may need to notify when you form a civil partnership.
File attachments
This page contains PDF documents that require Acrobat Reader. Large files may be slow to download.
This page was last updated on 08 January 2009
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