Giving notice of civil partnership
Before you can form a civil partnership in England or Wales, it's a legal requirement to give notice before your ceremony. The earliest date that notice can be given is 12 months before the marriage or civil partnership.
Giving notice of civil partnership
Civil partnership ceremonies
A civil partnership is available to both same sex and opposite sex couples. Civil partnership gives your relationship legal recognition and added legal rights. Visit GOV.UK for the Government's advice on the differences between a marriage and a civil partnership.
You can choose to have a civil partnership without a ceremony. This involves you and your partner signing a civil partnership document in the presence of two witnesses and a registrar. Even if you want to have a civil partnership without a ceremony, you are still legally required to do this in a licenced venue.
See a list of the licenced venues in Hammersmith & Fulham
Please note that civil partnerships are not legally recognised in all countries. If you plan to use your certificate abroad for legal or administrative purposes, please check with your embassy or relevant authority.
Civil partnership certificates
How to order a certificate, how much it costs and how long it takes.
Order a copy of a civil partnership certificate
Civil partnership certificate correction
Mistake on a certificate? Don't worry, it's usually possible to correct it.
Civil partnership certificate correction
Convert a civil partnership into a marriage
How to do it and what it costs.
Convert a civil partnership into a marriage
More about civil partnerships
- A civil partnership is a written contract (you sign a document).
- You can choose to have a civil partnership with or without a ceremony.
- It is not recognised in every country.
- It is available to same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
- It gives your relationship legal status and rights (like next of kin, inheritance, etc.).
If you choose no ceremony:
- You and your partner must sign the civil partnership document.
- This must be done in front of two witnesses and a registrar.
- It must take place at a General Register Office-approved venue.
See licensed venues in Hammersmith & Fulham
Planning to use your certificate abroad?
- Civil partnerships are not recognised in all countries.
- Please check with your embassy or local authority before using your certificate outside the UK.
For more details, visit: GOV.UK – Marriage and Civil Partnership