Introduction to Civil Partnerships

New legislation that came into force on 5^th December 2005 means that same sex couples are now able to obtain legal recognition of their relationship. This legal recognition also extends to pensions, life assurance and recognition under intestacy rules. In effect, the changes to the law mean that same sex couples can now enjoy the rights that have previously been enjoyed by married couples.

The Staffordshire Registration Service is committed to a high standard of service and customer care. We take pride in the facilities that we offer in our Register Offices and on the professionalism and expertise of our staff.

A civil partnership ceremony can take place in England or Wales at any of the following locations:

Any register office, or
Any building that has been approved for civil partnerships

Or you can choose to attend the office with two witnesses and sign the schedule. Legally a ceremony is not required and the fee is the same; this is referred to as "signing the schedule".

If you are planning a civil partnership, one of the Council's Register Offices details page with dedicated ceremony rooms could be the ideal venue. Staffordshire County Council's Registration Service maintains Register Offices throughout the county and aims to make your civil partnership a special occasion.

There are many other choices available to you for your ceremony venue. You can choose to hold your civil partnership at any Register Office in England or Wales even though you do not live in that District. Alternatively, Staffordshire has some beautiful and romantic approved venues including stately homes, country houses and luxurious hotels.

Your civil partnership ceremony is at the heart of your special day. The options available to you enable you to create your own personal civil ceremony, ranging from a simple ceremony with just two witnesses, to a ceremony with personalised readings, your choice of music and video recordings.

These pages provide information to help you plan your civil partnership and about civil partnerships in general.

Last Modified: 27/06/2007 13:49:21
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