Since December 2014, it has been possible for same-sex couples to convert their civil partnership into a marriage.
To do this, the couple must have registered their civil partnership in:
- England or Wales
- Overseas in a consulate or armed forces base (where the civil partnership was registered according to the laws of England and Wales)
There is currently no provision in law for opposite-sex couples to convert their civil partnership into a marriage in England and Wales.
How the conversion works
The process converts one legal relationship (civil partnership) into another (marriage). Once the civil partnership is converted into a marriage, the civil partnership ends and the couple is treated as having been married since the date the civil partnership was formed. There will therefore be no gap between the civil partnership and the marriage.
The couple will need to sign a declaration at the Register Office. This can be done as a simple administrative exercise (the one-stage process) or within the context of a ceremony (the two-stage process). For either option, you will need to make a booking with us.
Even if your civil partnership didn’t take place in Peterborough, you can still go through the conversion process at Peterborough Register Office.
Types of conversions
There are two options to convert your civil partnership into a marriage:
One-stage process
You will have a 30 minute appointment with us which both civil partners must attend together. You will need to bring the required documents (see list below).
The conversion will be completed during the appointment.
Two-stage process
The two-stage process involves an appointment to prepare the conversion paperwork, followed by a ceremony.
The first stage is the preparation of the conversion paperwork. You need to complete this by appointment at Peterborough Register Office. Both civil partners must attend together and bring the required documents (see the list below).
Once prepared, the conversion document must then be signed, and the conversion completed, within 12 months.
The second stage is for the signing of the documentation and completion of your conversion during a ceremony. This ceremony can take place at:
- Peterborough Register Office
- A licensed ceremony venue in Peterborough
- A religious building where same-sex marriages are allowed
A registrar would need to be present at a ceremony in the Register Office or at a licensed venue. Please contact us to discuss this further.
Required documents
You must each bring the following documents to your conversion appointment:
- Your original civil partnership certificate
AND - Proof of identify - this can be a current valid passport or UK driving licence
AND - Proof of your address in one of the following forms:
- A utility bill dated within three months of your initial appointment
- Bank or building society statement dated within one month of your initial appointment
- Council tax bill dated within one year of your initial appointment
- Valid UK driving licence
All documents must be original. You cannot show photocopies or printouts. If you do not produce the documents at your appointment, we will be unable to proceed.
Fees
Please contact us to discuss fees.
How to start the conversion process
If you would like to convert your civil partnership into a marriage, please contact us to start the process. We will discuss with you what is required, as well as booking the appointment(s) needed.
- Telephone: 01733 864646 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Email: peterboroughregisteroffice@peterborough.gov.uk
Convert a civil partnership abroad
Convert a same-sex civil partnership into a marriage: Converting abroad - GOV.UK.