Key takeaways
- A civil partnership is a legally registered relationship that gives couples broadly the same rights as marriage, covering property, inheritance, pensions, next-of-kin status and financial protection.
- It is open to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples in England and Wales, and both partners must be aged 18 or over.
- A civil partnership is formed by signing the civil partnership document, with no requirement to exchange spoken vows and no religious content.
- To register, you give notice at your local register office, wait at least 28 clear days, and then register, usually within 12 months of giving notice.
- A civil partnership is ended by dissolution, which can be applied for once you have been partners for at least one year.
A civil partnership is a legal relationship between two people that is formed when they register as civil partners, giving them almost the same legal rights and responsibilities as a married couple. It is recognised in law across the United Kingdom and is a popular alternative to marriage. Civil partnerships were introduced by the Civil Partnership Act 2004. Since 31 December 2019 they have been open to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples in England and Wales.
Table of contents
- What is a civil partnership?
- Civil partnership vs civil union: are they the same?
- Pros and cons of civil partnership
- What are the differences between a marriage and a civil partnership?
- Who can register a civil partnership?
- How to register a civil partnership?
- How much does a civil partnership cost?
- Rights of civil partners
- Ending a civil partnership
- How can we help?
- FAQ
What is a civil partnership?
By definition, a civil partnership is a legal relationship between two individuals that comes into being once they register as civil partners, giving them legal rights and responsibilities very similar to those of a married couple. The relationship is legally recognised, which makes it a genuine alternative to marriage in the UK.
Civil partnerships were created by the Civil Partnership Act 2004, originally to allow same-sex couples to gain legal recognition of their relationship. The law was later extended, and since 31 December 2019 any eligible couple in England and Wales, whether same-sex or opposite-sex, can form a civil partnership. There are several differences between a civil partnership and marriage that couples should understand, and each option has its own advantages and drawbacks.
Civil partnership vs civil union: are they the same?
In the UK, “civil partnership” is the correct legal term, and a “civil union” is not a separate legal status. People often use “civil union” informally to mean the same thing, but the relationship recognised under UK law is the civil partnership created by the Civil Partnership Act 2004.
The term “civil union” is used in some other countries to describe a registered relationship that sits alongside or instead of marriage. Because the rules and rights differ from country to country, a UK civil partnership will not automatically carry the same status abroad. If you formed a relationship overseas, or you want a UK civil partnership to be recognised in another country, it is worth taking advice before you rely on it.
Pros and cons of civil partnership
The main advantage of a civil partnership is the legal recognition and protection it provides. It gives same-sex and opposite-sex couples broadly the same rights as marriage, including legal safeguards for each partner. These cover property rights, inheritance, pension and partner benefits, and protection in the event of separation or the death of one partner.
A further advantage is flexibility around the ceremony. Partners do not have to exchange spoken vows, and the process has no religious content, which some couples prefer.
The main drawback is that a civil partnership may not be recognised in the same way abroad. For couples who only travel internationally this may not matter, but those who plan to settle in another country could face difficulties, as some countries do not treat a civil partnership the same way the UK does. A related issue is that the status is less widely understood than marriage, so couples may sometimes need to explain it, particularly outside the UK.
What are the differences between a marriage and a civil partnership?
The main difference between a marriage and a civil partnership is how the relationship is formed and ended, rather than the rights it gives. A civil partnership is created by signing the civil partnership document, with no requirement for spoken vows and no religious element, whereas a marriage can be formed through either a civil or a religious ceremony and the spoken exchange of vows.
In terms of rights, the two statuses are now very similar, but a few practical differences remain. The table below sets out the main ones.
|
Feature |
Marriage |
Civil partnership |
|---|---|---|
| How it is formed | Spoken vows; civil or religious ceremony | Signing the civil partnership document; no vows required |
| Religious content | Permitted in a religious marriage | No religious content in the formation itself |
| Certificate | Names the parents of the couple | Names the parents of the couple |
| How it ends | Divorce | Dissolution |
| Legal rights | Property, inheritance, pensions, next of kin | Broadly the same rights |
Both statuses give couples comparable financial and legal protection, so for most couples the choice comes down to personal preference about the ceremony and the terminology rather than a difference in rights.
Who can register a civil partnership?
The eligibility rules are straightforward. Both partners must be aged 18 or over to form a civil partnership in England and Wales. Civil partnerships are open to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
Neither partner can already be married or in an existing civil partnership with someone else at the time of registration. Partners must also not be closely related to each other. Different and additional rules apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so couples based there should check their local requirements before starting the process.
How to register a civil partnership?
There are two main stages to registering a civil partnership: giving notice, and then the registration itself. The process is generally straightforward, but the timings matter.
Giving notice
To start the process, both partners give notice at their local register office. This is a legal statement of your intention to form a civil partnership, and you sign the relevant documents. You must usually have lived in the registration district for at least 7 days before giving notice.
After you give notice there is a statutory waiting period of at least 28 clear days before you can register, so the earliest the registration can take place is the 29th day after notice is given. The civil partnership must then normally be registered within 12 months of giving notice, otherwise you have to give notice again.
Partners who live in different districts give notice separately, and this does not have to happen on the same day. The process can take longer for international couples: where one partner is subject to immigration control, the register office must refer the notice to the Home Office, and the waiting period can be extended to 70 days if the relationship is investigated.
Registration
The second stage is the registration itself, which can take place at any venue approved to register civil partnerships, so couples have flexibility over the location. The civil partnership is formed once both partners and the witnesses sign the civil partnership document.
Additional rules apply to particular situations. For example, people who are housebound or seriously ill may be able to register without travelling to a register office. If you cannot follow the standard procedure for a good reason, ask the register office about the alternative arrangements available to you.
How much does a civil partnership cost?
The cost of a civil partnership depends on the local authority and the type of ceremony you choose, but the main statutory fees are set nationally. The figures below apply in England and Wales as of June 2026.
|
Item |
Cost |
|---|---|
| Giving notice | £46.50 per person (£63 per person if subject to immigration control) |
| Civil partnership certificate | £12.50 |
| Registration ceremony | Varies by register office and venue |
On top of these statutory fees, you will need to cover the cost of the ceremony itself and any chosen venue, which is set locally and varies widely. Fees can change, so confirm the current amounts with your local register office before you budget.
Rights of civil partners
Civil partners have legal rights that are very close to those of married couples, with only minor differences in how some rules apply. Civil partners can have children together and jointly adopt children, and they have parental responsibility on broadly the same basis as married parents.
On finances, civil partners can choose to hold joint or separate bank accounts, and they benefit from the financial protection the law gives registered couples. On death, a surviving civil partner has strong inheritance rights: if a partner dies without a will, the surviving partner inherits under the intestacy rules in the same way as a surviving spouse. Couples can also make a will to set out exactly how their estate should pass.
Civil partnership also affects property and pension rights, next-of-kin status for medical decisions, and entitlement to certain partner benefits. If a relationship breaks down, the court has the same broad powers to divide assets fairly as it does on divorce.
Ending a civil partnership
A civil partnership is legally ended through dissolution, which is the equivalent of divorce. You can apply once you have been in the civil partnership for at least one year.
Since 6 April 2022, dissolution in England and Wales is “no-fault”: there is a single ground, that the partnership has broken down irretrievably, and you confirm this with a statement. You no longer have to prove specific facts or blame the other partner. The court fee for a dissolution application is £593 as of June 2026, and fee reductions may be available for those on a low income.
You usually do not need to attend court unless there is a dispute, for example over the division of assets or arrangements for children. Financial matters and child arrangements are dealt with separately from the dissolution itself, and it is sensible to resolve them as part of the process.
How can we help?
At Sterling Law, our family solicitors advise couples on every aspect of civil partnerships, from forming one to protecting your position if difficulties arise. We take an individual approach: we review your circumstances and give clear, practical advice tailored to your situation. Our team includes experienced family and LGBTQ law specialists.
We can help you understand your rights, prepare a pre-registration or cohabitation agreement to protect your assets, deal with property and financial issues, and resolve matters relating to children. If your civil partnership has broken down, we can guide you through dissolution and any related financial or child arrangements.
To discuss your situation, book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a civil partnership the same as a marriage?
No, but they give couples almost the same legal rights. The main differences are in how the relationship is formed and ended: a civil partnership is created by signing a document, with no vows or religious content, and is ended by dissolution rather than divorce.
Is a civil partnership the same as a civil union?
In the UK, “civil partnership” is the correct legal term, and “civil union” is an informal expression that people sometimes use to mean the same thing. Other countries use “civil union” for their own registered relationships, which may carry different rights, so a UK civil partnership is not guaranteed the same recognition abroad.
Can opposite-sex couples have a civil partnership?
Yes. Since 31 December 2019, opposite-sex couples in England and Wales can form a civil partnership, just as same-sex couples can.
Do you have to live together to be in a civil partnership?
There is no legal requirement to live together to form or remain in a civil partnership. Living together can be relevant in related matters, such as a joint adoption application, but it is not a condition of the partnership itself.
How long do you have to be together before a civil partnership?
There is no minimum length of relationship before you can form a civil partnership. You do, however, usually need to have lived in the registration district for at least 7 days before giving notice.
Can civil partners get married, or convert a civil partnership into a marriage?
Civil partners can choose to marry each other. Conversion arrangements have changed over time and the rules can be technical, so it is best to take advice on your specific circumstances before deciding.
How much does it cost to end a civil partnership?
The court fee for a dissolution application in England and Wales is £593 as of June 2026. Legal costs are separate and depend on whether there are disputes over finances or children. Fee reductions may be available for those on a low income.
