Convert a same-sex civil partnership into a marriage

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1. Converting in England and Wales

You can convert your same-sex civil partnership into a marriage at:

You’ll get a marriage certificate, dated when your civil partnership was formed.

You cannot convert an opposite-sex civil partnership to a marriage in England and Wales.

There are different rules for Scotland. You cannot convert any civil partnership into a marriage in Northern Ireland.

How much it costs

You’ll pay:

  • £12.50 for a marriage certificate
  • £50 to convert your civil partnership
  • £30 for an appointment, if you have a ceremony

The cost of the ceremony will vary by venue.

What you need

You’ll need to sign a ‘conversion into marriage’ declaration. Make an appointment to do this with the superintendent registrar at your local register office.

You’ll need your original civil partnership certificate and your ID - ask the register office what ID to provide.

Converting with a ceremony

Contact a registered venue to book a date for your ceremony.

You’ll also be able to have the ceremony at venues where same-sex couples can get married, for example:

  • religious buildings registered for the marriage of same-sex couples
  • premises where a ceremony according to the Jewish faith or the Society of Friends will follow immediately after the conversion

You can discuss the wording you want during your ceremony with the person conducting it. Your friends and family can attend but you do not need witnesses.

You and your partner must sign a ‘conversion into marriage’ declaration. The superintendent registrar must be in attendance and also sign the declaration.

You can include up to 4 parents each on the declaration (for example mothers, fathers, step parents or adoptive parents).

2. Converting abroad

If you formed your same-sex civil partnership in the UK, you may be able to convert it into a marriage in some countries abroad.

You’ll get a marriage certificate, dated when your civil partnership was formed.

You cannot convert an opposite-sex civil partnership to a marriage.

Eligibility

You can convert your same-sex civil partnership if all of the following apply:

  • you’ve been living in the country for at least 28 days
  • your civil partnership took place under the laws of England and Wales, or Scotland
  • at least one of you is a British citizen

Countries you can convert in

Contact your nearest British embassy or consulate to find out if you’re eligible and to book an appointment. The countries you can convert in are:

Documents you’ll need

You’ll need:

  • your passport
  • your partner’s passport
  • proof that you’re resident in the country you’re converting in (for example an employer’s letter or bank statement)
  • the original civil partnership certificate

How much it costs

You’ll pay:

  • £150 to convert your civil partnership - check how to pay with the embassy or consulate in the country
  • £50 for a marriage certificate, usually in the local currency