A civil partnership is a legally binding contract between two people of the same sex. It provides for same sex couples to form a partnership, recognised in law, to become next of kin to one another, and to enjoy the same rights and privileges awarded to married couples.
Relate offer couple counselling to people of all faiths. Please click on the highlighted link to access their website.
A couple intending to form a Civil Partnership must give a formal notice of their intention in the registering authority in which they have lived for the preceding 8 days. They must then wait 15 clear days. The partnership is formed when the couple sign a legal document, called a schedule, in the presence of a Civil Partnership Registrar and two witnesses.
The couple must be of the same sex. A heterosexual couple may not form a civil partnership.
You must be free to form the partnership – you must not be in an existing civil partnership or marriage.
You must be over 18 years of age. If under 18, but over 16, you must bring written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
If one or both parties do not hold British or EEC citizenship they must seek Home Office approval before giving notice. For more information visit the Home office website.
The Civil Partnerships are administered by local unitary or county councils.
If you live in Bath and North East Somerset, or have lived here for the preceding EIGHT days, you must attend the Guildhall in Bath.
You will need to bring with you your birth certificate and passport, any change of name document if applicable, any document relating to the ending of any former marriage or civil partnership and a utility or council tax bill as proof of address.
The appointment will take approximately 30 minutes per person.
The fee will be £35.00 per person.
We operate an appointment system. Please telephone us on 01225 477234 between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm Monday to Friday (except on Wednesday when we don't open until 10 am) to arrange your appointment.
If you form your civil partnership in Bath and North East Somerset a certificate or extract certificate is included in the fee for your ceremony. If you wish to purchase extra copies on the day they are £4.00 each. The Registrar will post them out to you.
If you need to get a replacement Civil Partnership certificate it will cost £10.00 (or £12.00 if purchased over the phone).
If you need to talk to someone about arranging an urgent Civil Partnership please click on the highlighted link.
The forming of a Civil Partnership does not require a ceremony, but we are delighted to offer them in the Guildhall or at one of our Approved Premises.
For more information or to request a brochure please telephone us on 01225 477234 or click on the highlighted link to view our online brochure.
The fees will be the same as for marriages. Please click on the highlighted links for 2012 & 2013.