Civil partnerships  - Central Bedfordshire Council

Civil partnerships

What does it mean?

Same sex couples across the UK can now have their relationships legally recognised
Couples that register a civil partnership will have the same rights as a married couple
How can we organise our civil partnership?

Information you will need to know

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.

What documents do I need to bring?

Proof of identity

Current Passport or Identity Card, Aliens Registration Certificate
Short or Full Birth Certificate if you were born on or before 31/12/1982
Full Birth Certificate if you were born on or after 1/1/1983 and your Mother's Birth Certificate
Deed Poll, Change of Name or statutory declaration if either of you have changed your name.

Proof of residence

Proof of address, can be a driving licence, medical card, council tax or utility bill

If divorced or previous civil partnership dissolved

Original court stamped Decree Absolute(s)/Dissolution(s)
Documents with regard to your marriage/civil partnership abroad

If a surviving Civil Partner

Death certificate(s) of civil partner.

If under 18

Completed Parental Consent Form(s). Consent forms are obtainable from the Superintendent Registrar

How much will it cost?

The statutory fees for giving the notice of intention to register is £35.00 for each person, this fee is taken at the time of booking your first appointment.

The Civil Partnership registration fee depends on the venue and time of the week you choose. If you decide to register in an approved venue such as a hotel, then you must then check with the Superintendent Registrar, that officers will be available on that day and at that time. The fees for registration Monday to Friday are £340.00, Saturday £395.00 and Sundays and Bank Holidays are £455.00

If you choose to marry in a Licensed Council Venue, the fees are Monday – Thurs £115.00, Friday £120.00 and £165.00 on Saturday. We can also offer a ceremony room at each Registrars office for small ceremonies, consisting of only the civil partners, two witnesses and the registration staff for £45.00 plus £4.00 for the certificate.

Organising your day

Here are some ideas for you to consider: You may wish to include music in your ceremony. The Registrar will be able to provide you with details of music available.

This can be played at appropriate moments during the ceremony such as while the guests are arriving or during the signing of the register/schedule.

For couples wanting a civil partnership registration there is no requirement for you to make contracting or declaratory words but there is a choice of words that you may wish to say. The Registrar will talk to you about the choices available to you when you give notice and will be pleased to discuss with you any additional vows you may like to make to each other.