Paul and Marc achieve double first with historic marriage

The first couple to enter into a civil partnership in H&F have made history once again by becoming the first to convert to marriage.

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Paul McMichael and Marc Medina

The first couple to enter into a civil partnership in Hammersmith & Fulham have made history once again by becoming the first to convert to marriage.

Paul McMichael and Marc Medina were the first in line at the register office back in December 2005, when civil partnerships for same sex couples were first introduced.

Nine years later they were just as eager to take up the opportunity of formally converting their civil partnership into marriage, and became the first to do so at Hammersmith Town Hall on December 10.

The pair, who live in Stevenage Road, Fulham, were overjoyed to have finally tied the knot.

Psychotherapist Marc, 47, said: “It feels very special that we’ve been the first to convert our civil partnership.”

Engineering manager Paul, 52, said: “When people now ask us in casual situations if we’re married, we will just say yes, whereas before there was a certain ambiguity and awkwardness.

“The staff and the Superintendent Registrar have made us feel very special and we would recommend others to come down to the town hall and do the same.“

Watch our one-minute interview with Paul and Marc

New rules state that any couple who entered into a civil partnership before March 29, 2014 have one year to convert free of charge. For anyone who entered into a civil partnership after that date, or who converts to a marriage after December 10, 2015, a standard £45 fee will apply. A conversion can also be followed by a ceremony.

Cllr Sue Fennimore, H&F Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, said: “I’d like to congratulate Marc and Paul on their marriage, and on making history not once but twice. We embrace this change in the law and are proud to support any couple who wish to get married in our borough.”

For more information about civil partnerships, conversions and marriages, contact Hammersmith Register Office on 020 8753 2140 or email registeroffice@lbhf.gov.uk.

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