Civil Partnerships

Civil Partnerships

gay men at wedding wearing pink ties and grey suits

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 has enabled thousands of same-sex couples to formally commit to each other. A civil partnership can be commonly known as a gay wedding the gay and lesbian community celebrate their commitment through a wide range of events from a small scale registry office ceremony’s to a castle weddings in Wales.

In the UK the government are considering legal reforms which will enable gay couples to marry. Currently same-sex couples in UK can have civil partnerships and heterosexual couples can marry. The gay community wait for positive news of full equality by giving us the right to marry.

What is a Civil Partnership?

Gay couples can have their relationships legally recognised as civil partnerships meaning equal rights and responsibilities on a range of legal matters including:

    • Tax
    • Employment Benefits
    • Pension Benefits
    • Income benefits, tax credits and child support
    • Child maintenance fee
    • Right to apply for parental responsibility for partners child
    • Inheritance of tenancy agreement
    • Protection from domestic violence
    • Immigration and nationality purposes.

How do I Register a Civil Partnership?

To form a civil partnership you must let a registry office know about your intention to register a civil partnership.

The registration authority will then publicise civil partnership notices for a period of 15 days. After this 15 day period your civil partnership can then be granted.

two gay grooms hand in hand up aisle

Legalities of a Civil Partnership

In the UK a civil partnership is a secular process and you are therefore prevented from having any kind of religious service. You will need to ensure that the music you choose to walk down the aisle and your chosen vows and readings do not contain any religious connotations as your ceremony has to be free from any mention of religion.

To register a civil partnership you must sign a civil partnership document in front of two witnesses and a registrar.

Civil Partnership Facts

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 has enabled thousands of same-sex couples to formally commit to each other. A civil partnership can be commonly known as a gay wedding the gay and lesbian community celebrate their commitment through a wide range of events from a small scale registry office ceremony’s to a castle weddings in Wales.

In the UK the government are considering legal reforms which will enable gay couples to marry. Currently same-sex couples in UK can have civil partnerships and straight couples can marry. The gay community wait for positive news of full equality by giving us the right to marry.

For more information on civil partnerships UK visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Registeringlifeevents/Marriagesandcivilpartnerships/index.htm

UK Civil Partnerships

UK laws are amongst the most lenient in the world when it related to the civil partnership. If you reside in the USA then you may have a bit of confusion or require a bit more clarification as is related to the civil partnership laws!

Granted in 2004 the Civil Partnership Act in the UK gave same-sex couples the same rights and the same responsibilities that are granted to civil marriages between a man and a woman. In a civil partnership, UK law grants the partners in the relationship the same rights to property as well as the same exemptions on inheritance taxes, social security benefits as well as on pension benefits. Civil partnership, UK laws state, provides the partners the same full rights to each other’s children as well as the responsibility to pay maintenance to one of the partners and their children in the event that the relationship dissolves.

If the relationship does require a dissolution there is a formal and legal process, very similar to divorce, that can ensure that the process is done in a fair and just manner – within the protection of the law.

    • A civil partnership, UK laws define, is established once each of the partners has signed a civil partnership document in front of a registrar and two witnesses. Civil partnerships, UK laws prohibit, cannot include any religious notes – that includes readings, symbols or even any religion-related music.

There are several other countries that permit civil partnerships and recognize them as being legal unions including Canada, South African, Sweden, and Belgium. Other counties that recognize civil unions and registered partnerships include Germany, Luxembourg, and Denmark. If you and your partner plan on relocating to a new country it is important that you take the time to ensure that your civil partnership is legally recognized in that country so that you will be afforded the same legal rights as in your home country.

Civil Unions

two lesbians married confetti

Gay Civil Union Tips!
Have you and your partner decided to take the steps and join your lives together by way of a gay civil union? While you may already be committed to one another in every way possible, a gay civil union can be that little extra step to help solidify your relationship to those around you! With a bit of planning you can make your special day one to remember!

Large & Elaborate Or Small & Intimate
Take the time to sit down with your partner in order to determine how large of a gay civil union ceremony you want to have! Are you looking for a large celebration with all of your friends, family members, and co-workers? Or are you looking for a small and intimate gay civil union that will be simple, private and perhaps only have a few of your closest friends and only your immediately family members in attendance?

Remember that your gay civil union celebration is all about you and your partner so do not feel pressured into inviting more people to attend your celebration than you feel comfortable with!

Location Location Location!
Are you and your partner looking to have your gay civil union at the courthouse? Or are you looking to have your ceremony conducted in a much more private setting that holds special meaning to the two of you? At the end of the day the place where you exchange your vows with your beloved hardly matters; the most important thing is that you are together, holding each other’s gaze and exchanging those all important vows of love and commitment!

Dressing The Part
Determine what you and your partner will be wearing; as this is likely to be a much photographed occasion it is important that you look and feel your best! If you are both planning on wearing an elegant suit or even going with the more casual blue jeans and white shirt option – the important thing is that you feel comfortable while you are exchanging your vows with one another!

Your gay civil union ceremony is a day that will be filled with wonderful memories of your love and devotion for one another – make sure that you take the time to focus on your partner and that you both enjoy your special day!

Civil Partnership Venues

civil partnership venue two lesbians

A civil partnership can be formed in England and Wales at register offices or other approved locations such as hotels, stately homes, castles or places of interest. Your local council will provide you with a list of approved civil partnership venues.

Selecting the best venue for your civil partnership celebration can be a difficult decision if you find yourself with a large list of great potential venues! There are several things to consider about each of your potential civil partnership venues in order to help you to narrow down your choices.

Dates And Availability
You may have a date in mind for your civil partnership ceremony – perhaps a date that holds special meaning for you and your partner – which would then make it a lot easier to narrow down your choices by simply shortening your list to include only the venues that have availability on your preferred date.

If you and your partner have a fair amount of flexibility in the dates for your special event then you may be able to select your location based upon several other qualifying factors. Remember to pick a date that will not just work for you and your partners needs but also for the majority of your guests. You may find it difficult to get your friends and family members together for your big day around Christmas or even during Easter!

Reputation
Before you make your final decision on your civil partnership venues it is important that you have an understanding of their reputation for hosting successful events. Consider looking into their reputation with the Better Business Bureau as well as do a bit of internet searching for reviews on the venue.

Willingness To Work With Your Budget
A reputable and good venue is more than likely going to be very willing to work with your available budget; no matter how large or small it is. Several of your selected civil partnership venues may even offer you a reasonable payment plan that will allow you to pay off the cost of your event over the course of a few months. There are bound to be packages that will work for every budget; with catering and décor options that not only fit neatly into your budget but that will also ensure your celebration is as perfect as you have been envisioning!

No matter which of your options in civil partnership venues you ultimately opt for, the most important part of your day is that is it as special as you and your partner have been hoping for!

A civil partnership can be formed in England and Wales at register offices or other approved locations such as hotels, stately homes, castles or places of interest. Your local council will provide you will a list a approved civil partnership venues.

Gay Friendly Civil Partnership Venue – does it matter?

Just because your dream wedding venue has not held a civil partnership previously does not mean that the venue will have homophobic staff and won’t be able to deliver on the day. That’s just not true. Gay weddings are relatively new so therefore only a small number of the population have had, been to and held a gay wedding.

However our advice is to visit the venue before you book and speak to the staff. Maybe take a small group of friends and have a meal or a drink. With some venues you will be able to tell straight away how accepting and welcoming they are. For those venues that are not friendly well don’t give them your hard earned money and let us know so we can advise others.

Pick A Venue
Perhaps one of the first steps that you need to do is to pick a venue to host your civil partnership wedding! Are you looking to keep your ceremony quiet, intimate, and officiated at your local town or city hall? Or are you looking to hold a bigger ceremony with many of your friends and family members in attendance to witness your magic moment?

A large part of picking the venue for your civil partnership wedding should be related to your allotted budget for your special event. A small and intimate ceremony that is officiated at your local town or city hall can be incredibly romantic and hold great meaning to you and your partner – after all, the most important part of your civil partnership wedding is that you and your partner are there together! If your friends and family members would like to take part in a celebration for you and your partner then perhaps you could host a backyard BBQ or an elegant dinner party that is as budget friendly as it is celebratory!

Plan Your Guest List
The planning of your guest list should be done carefully to ensure that you invite everyone that you hold near and dear to your heart. While budget is certainly a consideration when it comes to planning your perfect civil partnership wedding, there are several effective methods of planning a large celebration while on a budget. By keeping the food served at your celebration delicious but simple and well within your budget, you will be able to host more guests!

A large part of planning your guest list, especially if you plan on holding a much more casual celebration of your special day, is to do so with the mindset of which people will be willing to help contribute towards the food and drinks for your big day!

No matter how big or small your civil partnership wedding is, the most important aspect of it all should be a focus on the love that you and your partner have for one another!

Which Civil Partnership Venue do we Choose?

two lesbians married vw campervan

Don’t leave choosing your civil partnership venue until the last minute. Good wedding venues get booked up well in advance especially for peak times so if you want to be in with a shout of getting your perfect date then book early.

    • Take a list of questions with you about your preferences for your day and don’t be afraid to ask away.
    • Check the venues guest capacity as some venues have rooms of different sizes and others have only one reception room. So, if you are planning to invite 150 people and the venue can only seat 50 then there may be a slight problem.
    • Does the venue accept children? If you are planning to have lot’s of youngsters running around then check with the venue if they allow children and to what time in the evening.
    • Can guests stay at venue? Many guests will preferably choose to stay at the venue itself on the wedding and evening the night before if they are travelling a long distance. Ask the venue how many rooms will be available and if they offer special rates on rooms for guests of the wedding party.
    • If your venue cannot accommodate enough guests then ask them if there are hotels nearby they recommend.
    • Discuss decoration and theme with the wedding coordinator at your venue. If there is a particular theme you want make sure that they can accommodate it.
    • Ask your venue if there is anything you need to be aware of that they don’t allow as some venues may have unusual rules and regulations.
    • Discuss the in house catering. What menu’s do they have available and what are the price options? Can you mix and match?
    • Some venues will provide you with recommendations of local photographers and makeup artists who work regularly with that venue. It’s always worth checking these out and getting references.
    • Considering a Marquee? – Marquees can provide a great alternative to a hotel and nowadays have great heating and toilet families not to mention stunning décor. So, if you have a bit of land it may be worth talking to a marquee hire company.
    • Why not choose an unusual venue for your civil partnership – there are some rather unconventional places that are able to deliver gay marriages. Places include zoo’s, windmills, boat’s and mountains

Civil Partnership Photography

men with top hats at gay wedding

If you and your partner have decided to take the big step in your relationship and undergo the civil partnership process you may be wondering if it is acceptable and permitted to have a professional photographer come in and commemorate your big day for you with the candid photographs that he will take for you!

Depending on where you and your partner opt to hold the event of your civil partnership, photography might actually be prohibited. However, the majority of City Town Hall and other venues will generally have no problem with you and your partner bringing in a photographer who will be able to perfectly capture the special moments and the romance of your big day!

Picking A Photographer
You may be required to only use the photographer who is on staff; for the sake of keeping things simple that may be the best option anyway. Not only will the on-site staff photographer be ready to capture your special moments when you are ready but there are good odds that his rates may be very budget-friendly!

If you are permitted to bring in your own photography professional then you should be sure that the photographer that you select is one who is reliable and has a reputation for producing excellent shots. It could be devastating to both you and your partner if you receive photographs that are not up to your ideal quality! Your civil partnership is your special day; it is very important that your selected photographer recognises this and provides you with the photos that will give you and your partner lasting memories of your big day!

Giving Instructions
In order to ensure that your civil partnership photography expert provides you with the photographs that you are looking for, you should take the time to provide him with a good amount of instruction so that he knows what you are looking for. Find out from the venue that you are holding your civil partnership ceremony in if there are any restrictions as to what can be photographed during the ceremony. While the majority of people in officiating positions do not mind being photographed, you may find that the person who is officiating your own ceremony would prefer not to be photographed for personal reasons!

By following the instructions given to you by the officials who are presiding over your ceremony you will be able to ensure that your special day is as perfect as you have been dreaming of!

gay wedding rings on box

Civil Partnership Planning

Congratulations on making the decision to enter into a civil partnership with your significant other! This is a great step in your relationship and also gives you a great excuse to get all of your friends and family together as they help you to celebrate your civil partnership, marriage, or joining ceremony! Amid all of the excitement, you may find your excitement rapidly turning into panic as you realize that the amount of work still to be done for your civil partnership marriage celebration is threatening to overwhelm you!

Take It Slow, One Step At A Time
Before you allow yourself to get completely and utterly overwhelmed by the amount of work that you have to do to prepare for your civil partnership marriage you should ensure that you try not to do too many things all at once. By approaching one item at a time and checking things off of your list one at a time then you’ll be better prepared to approach the next item on the list.
By approaching one item at a time you are also able to more effectively ensure that nothing gets overlooked due to your trying to accomplish too many things all at one time!

Recruit Help
It can be almost impossible to complete every task on your civil partnership marriage preparation lists all on your own; to help keep you from getting completely overwhelmed and stressed by the preparations needed before your big day you should recruit help from your friends and family members who would be willing to do something like help you to pick up your outfits or even to help you address and stamp your invitations!

Keep Focus On What Is Important
With all of the preparations that you need to take care of before your big day it is important to not lose focus of the things that are most important! Your partner and your commitment to one other is the whole reason that your civil partnership marriage is under preparation so it is vital that you keep your focus on keeping your relationship steady and strong!

If you and your partner are ready to make the big commitment to one another and embark on a civil partnership wedding you may suddenly find yourself overwhelmed with the minute details that need to be taken care of before the “I Do’s” can be said! By taking the time to do careful preparation for your civil partnership wedding you will be able to ensure that your big day is as special as you have been dreaming of!

two gay grooms on a rainbow tile

Understanding the Civil Partnership UK and Beyond

Are you and your partner considering joining your lives legally by having a civil partnership? UK laws are amongst the most lenient in the world when related to the civil partnership.

Granted in 2004 the Civil Partnership Act in the UK gave same-sex couples the same rights and the same responsibilities that are granted to civil marriages between a man and a woman. In a civil partnership, UK law grants the partners in the relationship the same rights to property as well as the same exemptions on inheritance taxes, social security benefits as well as on pension benefits. Civil partnership, UK laws state, provides the partners the same full rights to each other’s children as well as the responsibility to pay maintenance to one of the partners and their children in the event that the relationship dissolves.

If the relationship does require a dissolution there is a formal and legal process, very similar to divorce, that can ensure that the process is done in a fair and just manner – within the protection of the law.

A civil partnership, UK laws define, is established once each of the partners has signed a civil partnership document in front of a registrar and two witnesses. Civil partnerships, UK laws prohibit, cannot include any religious notes – that includes readings, symbols or even any religion-related music.

There are several other countries that permit civil partnerships and recognise them as being legal unions including Canada, South African, Sweden, and Belgium. Other counties that recognize civil unions and registered partnerships include Germany, Luxembourg, and Denmark. If you and your partner plan on relocating to a new country it is important that you take the time to ensure that your civil partnership is legally recognised in that country so that you will be afforded the same legal rights as in your home country.

Civil partnerships, UK and beyond, are a wonderful step forward in recognising all partnerships as being equal – regardless of the gender of the two people who are in love with one another and are committed to spending their lives together in all possible ways!

Civil Partnerships Abroad

lesbian wedding kissing on a tropical beach

Back in 1989 Denmark led way and where the first country to introduce civil union status. There are now many more countries that offer a form of legal gay marriage or civil union. Countries where gay marriage is legal include:

    • Sweden
    • South Africa
    • Portugal
    • Norway
    • Netherlands
    • Nepal
    • Mexico City
    • Iceland
    • Denmark
    • Canada
    • Argentina

Other countries and states that recognise same-sex civil unions and civil partnerships but do not offer equal rights to heterosexual couples include:

    • United Kingdom
    • Uruguay
    • Switzerland
    • Spain
    • Slovenia
    • Poland
    • New Zealand
    • Luxembourg
    • Italy
    • Israel
    • Hungary
    • Greenland
    • Germany
    • French Guyana
    • France
    • Finland
    • Falkland Islands
    • Czech Republic
    • Croatia
    • Brazil
    • Belgium
    • Austria
    • Andorra
    • Australian Territories:
    • The Australian Capital Territory
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • Queensland
    • South Australia
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia

US States:

    • California
    • Connecticut
    • District of Columbia
    • Hawaii
    • Iowa
    • Maine
    • Maryland
    • Massachusetts
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • Oregon
    • Vermont
    • Wisconsin

For a full explanation of gay marriage legalities in each of these countries and states please visit of legalities of gay marriage section.

You cannot register an overseas civil partnership ceremony in the UK. As long as your civil partnership is valid and legal in the country in which it took place, it is likely to be recognised in the UK. If you wish to have a civil partnership abroad you can apply to have your documents sent from the relevant country via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and deposited with the General Register Office (GRO). Copies of your civil partnership record can then be easily obtained.

What Documents do I need for my Civil Partnership Abroad?

In some countries you will need a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) – you should contact the local British Embassy’s website which will confirm this.

You may also need to exchange the UK CNI for a Consular CNI at the British Embassy.

The CNI and other documents may also need to be legalised by the UK Legislation Office.

After your civil partnership ceremony abroad you should create a record of your civil partnership by obtaining your original documents or certified copies issues by the foreign authority. You can then deposit your documents with the General Register Office but this is not a legal requirement.

To create a record of your civil partnership:

    • One of you must be British and only this person can apply to deposit the certificates
    • You can deposit a civil partnership document from any country in the world
    • If you are abroad, only the consul for the district of where the marriage took place can send the documentation to the General Register Office.
    • If you are in the UK you must contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about depositing your certificates.

For more information on depositing your certificates you can visit:

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/births-deaths-marriages-civil/marriage-and-civil-partnerships/depositing

For a list of countries where relationships are automatically recognised as civil partnerships please click here:

http://www.equalities.gov.uk/what_we_do/sexual_orientation/schedule_20_countries.aspx

lesbian wedding happy laughing

Legalities of a Civil Partnership

In the UK a civil partnership is a secular process and you are therefore prevented from having any kind of religious service. You will need to ensure that the music you choose to walk down the aisle and your chosen vows and readings do not contain any religious connotations as your ceremony has to be free from any mention of religion.

To register a civil partnership you must sign a civil partnership document in front of two witnesses and a registrar.

Civil Partnership Rights

Before you and your partner take the giant leap and legalize your union with one another it is important that you understand what your civil partnership rights will be once you and your partner both sign on the dotted line!

Understanding The Basics
The most important part of understanding your civil partnership rights is to recognize that when you complete the civil partnership ceremony you and your partner will be given the same right and the same responsibilities of a marriage between a man and a woman. Same-sex couples have fought hard for the right to have a legally recognized union that affords them the same benefits of a civil marriage; it is important that you understand what that entails.

The benefits to completing your civil partnership are that you will be allowed the same rights to any shared property during the course of the partnership. You will receive the identical exemptions that married couples receive on this like social security and pension benefits and also on inheritance taxes. In the event that your partner falls ill you will be afforded the rights of next of kin so that you can be the one to do more than be informed of all things related to the care and treatment of your partner but so that you can also be the one to make the all important medical decisions related to your partner’s care. Of all benefits that is perhaps one of the most valuable; imagine being unable to receive vital medical information on the condition of your beloved simply because the law does not recognize you as being the next of kin!

Your civil partnership rights will also permit you the ability to be named the beneficiary in all insurance policies which can prove to be a source of comfort and security in the event of a tragedy within your family.

Remember, also: while no one likes to think about the ending of a relationship it is vital that you understand what the repercussions will be in the event of the dissolution of the partnership. Similar in nature to a divorce, there is a formal legal process to end a civil partnership; you may find yourself with a responsibility for paying maintenance to your partner and any children of the relationship.

Civil Partnership Ceremonies

While you and your partner may have decided to make the big leap into committing your lives together in all legal manners you may have a few questions about what can be expected at civil partnership ceremonies. What should you wear? What will be said? Can you invite guests? The following quick guide will help you to understand what you and your partner can expect from your very own civil partnership ceremony!

gay wedding footwear

Civil Partnership Ceremonies – what to expect

While you and your partner may have decided to make the big leap into committing your lives together in all legal manners you may have a few questions about what can be expected at civil partnership ceremonies. What should you wear? What will be said? Can you invite guests? The following quick guide will help you to understand what you and your partner can expect from your very own civil partnership ceremony!

Private Or More Elaborate Ceremonies
For couples who wish to keep their civil partnership ceremonies private they can opt for signing the partnership register in front of a registrar and two witnesses; however, for those who may prefer to opt for a much more involved occasion, friends and family members can be invited so that they can witness one of the happiest days of your life!

Before you make the determination of the size of your ceremony you should be sure that you take the time to find out what restrictions, if any, that your town hall holds in place!

What To Wear
Remember that civil partnership ceremonies are all about you and your partner; dress in something that appeals to your personal sense of style – whether that may be dressing up in elegantly tailors suits or wearing something as casual as comfortable jeans and a button up shirt! Comfort is key on this, your special day!

The Ceremony Itself
You will be able to custom-tailor your ceremony to match your personal preferences; you can include quotes, poetry, and even music that speak to your hearts. The only major restriction is that you cannot include any religious content within your ceremony.

Consider holding a separate celebration with your friends and family that will allow you to receive the religious blessing that you may want!

You will be offered the opportunity to recite a pledge of your love and your commitment to your partner; this is your chance to define all of the many reasons that you so strongly believe that your civil partnership will allow you and your partner to be much more emotionally connected!

What’s In A Name
Whether you and your partner change your surnames is entirely up to you; decide if this is the best option for either of you and make your decision before your ceremony!

Civil partnership ceremonies can be as romantic or as formal as you like; remember this is your special day and it is all about you!

two gay men married with red london bus

Make your Civil Partnership Ceremony Special

Taking the leap into legally affirming your love and devotion for your partner is a big step in your relationship! To make sure that your civil partnership is one that is uniquely special and one that will last in the memories of your friends and families there are a few simple steps to follow!

Civil Partnership Location
As with any partnership ceremony, it is important that you and your partner select a location to hold the ceremony in that speaks volumes to the two of you. Perhaps the park where you had your first date? Perhaps the restaurant where you met? Or perhaps somewhere on a romantic beach is the place that best appeals to you and your partner? It is important to remember that no matter where your civil partnership ceremony takes place, this day is all about the two of you and the love that you feel for one another! Make the location, and every other part of your ceremony, second to your commitment and love for one another!

The Guest List
With all civil partnership ceremonies there is the compulsion to invite every single person in your social and family circles to attend your special day. However, try to keep in mind that your civil partnership ceremony may be just as special to you and your partner if you only invite your parents and very close friends or family members. Not only could it be a much more intimate ceremony but it can help to keep the costs down into the reasonable realms if you are a budget conscious person!

Civil Partnership Vows
Your civil partnership ceremony is your opportunity to put into words all of those deeply rooted romantic feelings that you have for your partner. Take this chance to be as romantic, as funny, and as creative as you like in an effort to ensure that your truest feelings are put forth in an honest manner.

Above all, your civil partnership ceremony should be an occasion that is filled with nothing but positive memories for you and your partner to hold on to for many years to come!

two gay wedding rings and roses

Civil Partnership Certificate

More than just a piece of paper with a whole lot of legal mumbo jumbo behind it, your civil partnership certificate is a piece of your romantic history with your partner! Rather than just file it away in a safe place for future use you should rather find a creative way of displaying it in your home as evidence of the love, commitment and devotion that you and your partner have for one another.

To ensure that your civil partnership certificate is kept as safe as possible you should consider making at least two copies; be sure that you store one of the copies with all of your vital and valuable documents so that it can be readily accessed in case you need it for any reason!

An Elegant Frame
There is no better way to display your civil partnership certificate than an attractive and elegant frame that will fit into your décor. When you are selecting a frame for your certificate be sure that you pick one out that will be more than suitable for framing in a spot of pride in your home, but also a frame that will not damage your civil partnership certificate in any way! To further keep your certificate from damage be sure that you place it on a spot that will keep it out of the direct sunlight.

Your Memory Book
 Creating a memory book of your special day is a great way to have a long-lasting memento of the day when you and your partner sealed your relationship in front of your friends, family, and in the face of the law! A copy of your civil partnership certificate is a great addition to the memory book that you create to commemorate the day of your civil partnership!

Your civil partnership is likely to be amongst the most special days in your life, and it is almost certainly the biggest day that you and your partner have shared together. By framing and displaying your civil partnership certificate in a place of pride in your home you will have a constant reminder of the love and commitment that you and your partner have for one another!

Changing your Name after a Civil Partnership

two lesbians signing marriage certificate

There is no legal requirement for either partner to change their surname when you have had a civil partnership however if you wish to do so you can do this by Deed Poll. http://www.ukdps.co.uk/ACouplesRightsUponACivilPartnership.html

You can choose to:

    • Continue using your own surname
    • One partner can take the other partners surname
    • Both partners can change their surnames using double barrelled surnames or changing your surnames all together.

The civil partnership certificate provides the necessary documentation evidence of the change of surname.

If a lesbian couples wish to change their title from Miss or Ms to Mrs this can also be done by Deed Poll.