Civil partnerships

Since December 2005 same sex couples in permanent relationships have had the opportunity to have their relationship recognised in law.

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 created a new legal relationship of civil partners. This provides couples with parity of treatment in a wide range of legal matters with opposite sex couples who enter into marriage.

The Government intends that registered civil partnership should be long term stable relationships.

Opposite sex couples are not eligible for civil partnership registration as they can obtain the same rights and responsibilities by marriage.

There is a formal court based process for dissolution of a partnership.

World wide ceremonies

Your friends and families living abroad can watch your special day and share in your celebrations online.

Olympics 2012

The London Olympics will take place between 27 July - 12 August and the Paralympics will be held between 29 August - 9 September.

There will be major travel disruptions across London at the time.

Please bear this in mind if you are planning to hold a wedding or civilpartnership ceremony in the capital.