Please note: opposite-sex couples in civil partnerships cannot convert their partnership into a marriage.

Same-sex couples who formed a civil partnership in England and Wales can convert their civil partnership to a marriage.

There are two ways to convert a civil partnership to a marriage:

Simple conversion

This involves attending an appointment at any registration office and signing a declaration. Your marriage is then registered and marriage certificates can be issued.

You will both need to provide:

  • evidence of your name and date of birth (passport or birth certificate)
  • address (utility bill or driving licence)
  • your civil partnership certificate

Cost

It costs £50 to convert a civil partnership to a marriage.

Each copy of the marriage certificate costs £12.50

Conversion followed by a ceremony

There are two stages to this. The first involves attending an appointment at a registration office and providing the information for the declaration.

You will both need to provide:

  • evidence of your name and date of birth (passport or birth certificate)
  • address (utility bill or driving licence)
  • your civil partnership certificate

This is then followed by a ceremony at one of the following locations:

  • register office/ceremony room
  • venue approved for civil marriages
  • religious buildings that are registered for the marriage of same sex couples
  • premises where a ceremony according to the Jewish faith of the Society of Friends is to immediately follow the conversion

For more information, or to book an appointment please contact us.

Dorset Registration Service

Name: Dorset Registration Service
Email: registrars@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 225153
Full contact details