Civil Partnership

Same-sex couples are able to gain formal recognition of their relationship by entering into a civil partnership, thereby having similar rights in law as married couples.

Who may enter into a Civil Partnership?

The couple must be of the same sex, over 18 (or provide evidence of consent if over 16), not related to each other within the prohibited degrees of relationship and not in an existing marriage or civil partnership.

Where may a Civil Partnership take place?

It is possible to form a civil partnership at a Registration Office or at an Approved Premises currently licensed for marriage and civil partnership.

When may a Civil Partnership take place?

The partnership must be formed between the hours of 8am and 6pm.

What legal preliminaries are necessary?

Each person needs to have a seven day residential qualification and give notice in the Local Authority registration area where they live prior to the formation of their civil partnership.

There is a fifteen day waiting period once notice of intention to form a civil partnership has been given, before the formation can take place.

There are procedures in place to reduce the fifteen day waiting period (where there are compelling reasons to do so) and for a formation to take place at the residence of someone who is housebound, detained or seriously ill and not expected to recover.

Please note: Anyone who is not a resident of England and Wales should also check the section 'Are you subject to immigration controls'.

Is it possible to have a ceremony?

There is no requirement for a ceremony as part of the legal process of forming a civil partnership. The partnership is formed once the couple have signed the legal document in the presence of a registration officer and two witnesses.

However, Hampshire Ceremonies are delighted to offer a Commitment Ceremony if required. Please see our Commitment Ceremony page for further details.

How much will a Civil Partnership cost?

There is a nationally set, statutory fee for the giving of notice, for the formation of a civil partnership and for any certificate required.

Booking your Civil Partnership?

Please contact your nearest Hampshire Registration Office where staff will be happy to help.

Civil Partnership - Fees

From lst April 2008 a non-refundable booking charge of £25 will be introduced for ceremonies in Hampshire. This will reserve the date and time that you have requested.   In order to book a date for your ceremony please contact the relevant register office. Payment of the booking charge may be made by credit/debit card, cheque or cash.

All fees are payable to the registration authority.

For the recording of each notice of civil partnership	£30
For the attendance of the civil partnership registrar at the civil partnership registration	£40

The fees for the attendance of the civil partnership registrar at the registration of a civil partnership on approved premises is set by the registration authority for the area where the building is situated.

Civil Partnership Ceremony at an Approved Premises:

Monday-Thursday	£280.00
Friday	£330.00
Saturday	£390.00
Sundays and Bank Holidays	£430.00

Certificates

Full or extract certificate applied for at the time of the registration	£3.50
Full or extract certificate applied for at any other time	£7.00

Cheques should be made payable to 'Hampshire County Council'.

There is now a facility for payment by credit card. Please contact your local registration office for details.