Civil Partnerships

What is a civil partnership and who is it for?

A Civil partnership can be formed between two people of the same sex, provided:

they are both aged 18 years or over or are over 16 years and have parental consent
they have not already entered into a marriage or partnership
they are not related to each other in a way which would prohibit the partnership being formed.

What do I have to do to enter into a civil partnership?

The process is similar to that for a marriage. Both parties must give a notice of their intention to enter into a civil partnership to the responsible authority for the area where they live (local council). This may be different depending on the area so contact your local Register Office to find out. A fee is payable for this process and you must provide documentary evidence of the fact that you are free to enter into the partnership. Once a notice has been given you will be required to wait 15 clear days before the partnership can be formed.

Where will the partnership take place?

The Civil Partnership Act allows for the partnership registration to be formed at any Register Office within England and Wales and any venue holding a licence to perform civil marriages (approved premises). For a partnership in Scotland or elsewhere you should seek the advice of the Registrar for the area where the partnership will be formed.

Will it be the same as a marriage ceremony?

The law requires that the couples must attend before an authorised person (e.g. Registrar in the presence of two witnesses to acknowledge the legal words of contract and then sign the partnership schedule. A ceremony is not required although couples may wish to incorporate the legal process into a ceremony. Please seek the advice of the authorities where you wish to form the partnership.

When will I be able to form the partnership?

Notice of intention to form a civil partnership will be possible from the 5^th December 2005 therefore allowing the first partnerships to be completed on the 21^st December 2005.Bookings can be made up to 12 months in advance.

Civil Partnership Fees

The fees shown below are correct as of 1st April 2006.

Civil Partnership at the Register Office	£43.50
Civil Partnership at Approved Venues	£193.50 (Mon - Sat) £223.50 (Sun/Bank Hols)

For more information, including possible venues within Oldham or if you would like to make a provisional booking, please speak to a member of the Register Office or call us on 0161 678 0137 or e-mail env.registrars@oldham.gov.uk.

The General Register Office website also has detailed information about forming a Civil Partnership.

You can download copies of:

The Civil Partnership Ceremony (PDF 27Kb)
Readings/poems (PDF 26Kb)
Oldham Register Office Brochure (PDF 2150Kb)