Civil partnership conversion
SInce Wednesday 10 December 2014, couples in a civil partnership have been able to convert their civil partnership into a marriage.
Civil partners will be able to choose to convert in one of two ways. They may choose a 'standard conversion' or a 'two-stage conversion' including a non-statutory ceremony to celebrate the event.
Standard conversion
The standard conversion is a simple administrative procedure which is completed by both partners in attendance at a Register Office. The couple will complete a conversion declaration document and sign to say they wish for their civil partnership to be converted into a marriage.
If couples wish, they may also say the declaration wording to one another, but this is optional. Then the marriage will be registered and a certificate issued.
Couples will need to present the following documents:
- Evidence of their current name and date of birth, preferably passports
- Evidence of their current address which must be dated within the last three months (e.g. a utility bill or council tax statement)
- Their original civil partnership certificate
£11 for each copy of the marriage certificate (cash or card)
Two-stage conversion
This is where couples attend a Register Office to complete the conversion declaration and show their identification documents (as listed in the standard procedure). Then they will have a celebratory ceremony, including the signing of the declaration at a later date (within the following 12 months).
The ceremony may take place in any of the following venues:
- In a Register Office
- In an approved venue that is licensed for marriage
- In a religious building that is registered for the marriage of same sex couples
- Or in a building where a ceremony according to the Jewish faith or the Society of Friends is to immediately follow the conversion.
Following the ceremony the marriage will be registered and a certificate will be issued.
Fees
Standard conversion:
£45 per couple.
Copy of marriage certificate - £11
Two-stage conversion:
£27 per couple for the declaration appointment plus:
Our current non-refundable booking fee to secure your chosen date, time and venue for your ceremony is £40, this will increase to £50 on 1 April 2024
Ceremony in the Ceremony Room at Warrington Register Office - £160
Ceremony at another approved premise - £395 (Mon - Thurs), £430 (Fri & Sat) and £480 (Sundays).*
Copy of marriage certificate - £11
Booking
For more information, or to book your standard or two-stage civil partnership conversion, please email ceremonies@warrington.gov.uk