Civil Partnership

Same-sex couples can have their relationships legally recognised through a civil partnership. Civil partners must be treated the same as married couples on a wide range of legal matters.

How do we arrange a Civil Partnership?

You need to make an appointment to give notice at the Register Office.

How much notice do we need to give?

The minimum notice you can give is 16 days before signing the register or the ceremony. The notice is valid for a maximum of 12 months from the date that you gave notice, although it only applies to the venue you have specified.

Where can we give notice?

Notice must be given in the district in which you live.

What documents do we need to produce? 

  • If either party was born after 1 January 1983 they must produce a passport. If a passport is not available the person’s birth certificate and their mother’s birth certificate must be produced
  • A passport (or a birth certificate if a passport is not available)
  • Proof of address (a recent Council tax bill, utility bill, bank statement or driving licence)
  • If either party has been through a form of marriage or civil partnership previously, then you will need to provide evidence of the dissolution
  • If either party is a widow or widower, you will need to produce a certified copy of the death certificate.

When is a Civil Partnership registered?

A Civil Partnership is formed once the couple have signed the Civil Partnership Schedule in the presence of two witnesses and the Civil registered Partnership registrar and their details have been recorded on the national registration system.

Although a ceremony is not part of the legal requirement, Wirral Register Office will offer a ceremony which will incorporate the signing of the schedule.

Civil Partnership and Civil Marriage – Special Licences

If someone or their partner has a terminal illness it is possible to get a licence to form a Civil Partnership or Civil Marriage very quickly without having to give the usual statutory notices. You will need to speak to a Registrar who can provide further information. Please contact the office on (0151) 606 2020.

Where can ceremonies be held?

Ceremonies can be held in Birkenhead and Wallasey Town Hall. Ceremonies can be provisionally booked up to 15 months in advance by phoning (0151) 606 2020.

Please note that the civil partnership can only take place at the venue you name on the notice of civil partnership. If you were to change the venue it would be necessary to give, and pay for, new notices.

Can we have a ceremony anywhere else?

It is possible to hold a ceremony in a number of approved premises. Any venue approved for civil marriage will also be approved for civil partnership.

Can we sign the Partnership Schedule without having a ceremony?

The schedule will contain a form of words that the couple must acknowledge when they sign it and which they can say to each other as part of the civil partnership formation if they wish.

When and how can we book a ceremony?

You can ring 0151 606 2020 and provisionally book a date and time with us up to 15 months in advance.