Your ceremony

Whilst there is no legal requirement to have a ceremony you may like to consider one.

Please complete the online civil partnership options form three months before the date of your ceremony.

This form helps us to plan and deliver your individual ceremony and allows you to make choices.

The registrar will guide you through your ceremony, which will last about 20 minutes. Please ensure you and your guests arrive at least 15 minutes before your ceremony is due to start.

The registrar will see you and your partner (separately or together) before the ceremony to check your personal details that were given when you gave your notice of civil partnership.

Witnesses

You need two witnesses, they can be friends or relatives. They need to be old enough to understand the ceremony and their role. They attend the ceremony and sign the schedule.

Words

Before you sign the schedule you may chose to recite the words printed in the civil partnership schedule. If you would like to make extra vows to each other we can give you some examples or you can write your own. Suggestions are included on the options form. Extra vows must not be religious or have any connection with a religious marriage ceremony. The registrar needs to see them at least seven days before the ceremony.

Music

Each register office can provide music, or you can use music that has a special meaning for you and your partner. The music cannot be religious. The music can be live or on CD and can be played:

whilst your guests are arriving
as you walk into the ceremony room
when you are signing the schedule
as you lead your guests from the room

Readings

You or a guest could give a reading. You can select a poem or section of prose or you could write your own. Readings cannot be religious.

Signing the schedule

During the ceremony, you and your partner will be asked to sign the schedule. This will then be signed by your witnesses. Any certificates you have requested will then be sent to you in the post.

Photos and videos

It is your choice when photographs can be taken. Normally only an official or designated photographer takes photographs during the ceremony. If you would like someone to video your ceremony, the registrar will let them know the best place to stand.