Convert a civil partnership into a marriage

Convert a civil partnership into a marriage

Couples who registered their civil partnership in England or Wales can convert it into a marriage. This can be done in 2 different ways.  

1. Conversion 

This is a simple process where you will both attend an appointment at any register office in England or Wales to complete and sign a declaration.  

You will need to bring the following documentation to the appointment:

• Evidence of your name and date of birth. For example a current passport or birth certificate (with any change of name documentation).
• Evidence of your address. For example a recent council tax bill, utility bill or bank statement.
• An original civil partnership certificate.

When the declaration is signed, your marriage will be registered and you can buy a marriage certificate.  

2. Conversion followed by a ceremony

If you choose to have a ceremony to mark the conversion of your civil partnership into a marriage, then the signing of the declaration can be completed at the ceremony. This must happen separately to the initial conversion appointment.

Step one - document check

You will need to book an appointment to have your identification documents checked.  You need to bring with you the same documents as the ones listed above.
 

Ceremony and signing the declaration

The signing of the declaration can take place on the same day or a later date (within 12 months of the conversion appointment) at a venue of your choice. For example:

• Register Office.
• Approved premise.
• Religious buildings that are registered for the marriage of same sex couples.
• Premises where a ceremony according to the Jewish faith or the Society of Friends is to immediately follow the signing of the declaration.

After the ceremony your marriage will be registered, and a certificate can be issued.
 

Book a ceremony

We recommend you book early to ensure that a Registrar is available on your chosen date.

Please be sure to read our ceremony booking terms and conditions for rescheduling and cancellations.

Enquire about a ceremony here

If you need to change your booking, please contact Life, family and learning
 

Fees

There are statutory fees for the conversion appointment and for the signing of the declaration in the two-stage process.

Fees for the Registrar to attend the ceremony are available on request.

See details of all marriage and civil partnership fees here.