Converting a Civil Partnership to Marriage in the United Kingdom

Many couples are choosing to convert their civil partnership into a legal marriage since the law passed in March of 2014. If you are wondering where to do it, how much it’s going to cost and what you need, then keep reading for the important information you’ll need before converting your civil partnership into a legal gay marriage in the United Kingdom!

Where can you convert a civil partnership into a marriage in the United Kingdom?

There are few places that you can do this. These are:

• Register Office
• Local Registration Office/Town Hall
• Approved Venue

How can you convert a civil partnership into a marriage in the United Kingdom?

There are two ways of converting a civil partnership into a marriage. They differ ever so slightly, we’ve listed them below:

Standard Procedure

Providing all required documents and information of the conversion declaration at a registration office and confirming the marriage then and there.

Two-stage Procedure

Providing all required documents and information to the registrar. Then signing and dating the marriage declaration at a specific location during an allocated ceremony.

What will you need to convert a civil partnership into a marriage in the United Kingdom?

There are a few steps to making sure the declaration is officiated. One of them is to ensure you contact the correct registration office that is in the borough you intend to convert your civil partnership. You must contact and book an appointment where you and your partner attend. Provide all the required evidence, proof of identity and civil partnership certificate. You will then be required to fill out an application and send it back to the registrar.

How much does it cost to convert a civil partnership into a marriage in the United Kingdom?

It doesn’t cost much to convert a civil partnership to a marriage. The costs we found on the Government website are as follows:

• Marriage Certificate: £11
• Converting a Civil Partnership: £45
• Appointment Including the Ceremony: £27
• Venue costs will vary

What if I want to convert with a ceremony?

You must contact a registered venue and book a date for your ceremony. Don’t forget to get any readings and vows approved with the registrar beforehand! You do not need witnesses but you can have any family and friends that you wish to share the experience with. Your partner and you must complete and sign a “Conversion Into Marriage” declaration, and the superintendent registrar is required to be in attendance and sign the declaration.

And that is it! It’s much easier than people think to convert civil partnerships into legal marriages! We hope this article gives you all the information you need to convert your marriage successfully.

What’s next? Planning your gay wedding of course! Here is our guide on How To Stay Stress-free While Planning a Gay Wedding.