Gay marriage certificate

In , Parliament passed the Civil Partnership Act which allowed couples of the same sex to enter into civil partnerships. And in , Parliament introduced the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Operate which legally allowed same-sex couples to marry. But what’s the difference?

Tom Powles, who is a Partner in our family law team, explains.

How does gay marriage differ from a civil partnership?

Same-sex couples in the UK can currently choose between a civil partnership and marriage, a preference that was also made available to heterosexual couples in

Surprisingly though, the differences between marriage and a civil partnership are not significant and comprise the following:

1. For legal purposes, civil partners cannot call themselves ‘married’, and married couples cannot allude to themselves as being ‘civil partners’.
2. When it comes to getting a divorce or dissolution, adultery cannot be stated as grounds for dissolving a civil partnership but can be for marriage.
3. Civil partnership certificates contain the names of both parents, whereas marriage certificates only contain the father’s name.



Convert a same-sex civil partnership into a marriage

You can convert your same-sex civil partnership into a marriage at:

You’ll earn a marriage certificate, dated when your civil partnership was formed.

You cannot change an opposite-sex civil partnership to a marriage in England and Wales.

How much it costs

You’ll pay:

• £ for a marriage certificate
• £50 to convert your civil partnership
• £30 for an appointment, if you have a ceremony

The cost of the ceremony will vary by venue.

What you need

You’ll need to sign a ‘conversion into marriage’ declaration. Make an appointment to do this with the superintendent registrar at your local register office.

You’ll need your authentic civil partnership certificate and your ID - inquire the register office what ID to provide.

Converting with a ceremony

Contact a registered venue to book a date for your ceremony.

You’ll also be able to have the ceremony at venues where same-sex couples can get married, for example:

• religious buildings registered for the marriage of queer couples
• premises where a ceremony according to the Jewish

  Getting married or registering a civil partnership abroad

  If you want to get married or register a civil partnership abroad, you’ll need to pursue the process in your chosen country.

  Before you start

  Check the law in your chosen country to build sure you: 

  • can get married or register a civil partnership

  • understand the processes you’ll need to follow

  You can usually find out this information from the person conducting your ceremony or your wedding venue.

  Apply for the documents you need

  You might need certain documents to prove you’re free to marry or register a civil partnership, for example a certificate of no impediment (CNI) or an affirmation.

  Use this service to find out what documents you’ll need, how to apply for them and how much they’ll cost.

  Start now

  Get married or register a civil partnership at a British embassy, consulate or high commission

  If you’re unable to get married or register a civil partnership in your chosen nation, it might be achievable at a British embassy, consulate or high commission instead. This is famous as a ‘consular marriage’ or
  

  Legal Guide for Same Sex Marriage in Germany: How to register as a foreigner and what documents to bring?

  How can we marry in Germany? (last updated: )

  In Germany, two foreigners can also marry regardless of their gender. You do not want a German citizenship, a residence or permanent residence in Germany and can therefore enter into the marriage during a holiday in Germany.

  Since 1 October , same-sex couples have been competent to marry in Germany. This was decided by the Bundestag on 30 June (See: Marriage Equality in Germany - A Period Line)

  1. Competence and registration for Same Sex Marriage in Germany

  The registry offices are responsible for the marriage ceremony. Partners, who long to get married, have to use for registration at the registrar’s office, in whose jurisdiction one of the partners holds his domicile or usual place of residence.

  If neither partner has their domicile or usual place of residence in Germany, they may register at any registrar’s office in the Federal Republic of Germany (§ 12 par. 1 PStG). That means in Germany, two