Converting Civil Partnerships to Marriages




Civil partnerships have risen for the first time since 2013, that’s according to the Office for National Statistics.

Civil partnerships have been legal in the UK since 2005 but had declined in popularity following the introduction of same-sex marriage.

 They're currently only available to same-sex couples.

The Government is considering scrapping them entirely.




Couples with a civil partnership do have the option to “convert” their partnership into a marriage.

Whether a couple chooses to convert or not is a decision that should be made based on personal preference.  Civil partnerships should not be seen as marriage-lite although, to many couples, there's something about being 'married' that makes it all feel a little more official. 

 If a couple is looking to convert to marriage, then we'd recommend visiting the Government's website for up-to-date information and locations of registry offices and the associated costs. 

  • This is done either at a registry office or at a venue licensed for same-sex marriage. 
  • Some couples just want the certificate but others might like to hold a ceremony and make an occasion of it.
  • You’ll need your civil partnership certificate and identification. You’ll have to sign a Conversion into Marriage declaration with the registrar, too.
  • The certificate will be dated from the day of the original civil partnership.
  • If couples don't want a ceremony, they'll pay £45 to convert the civil partnership and then a further £4 for the marriage certificate. Additional fees are applied if they choose a ceremony, too. 





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