Becoming Civil Partners

The legal status of same sex couples in permanent relationships has changed with the introduction of Civil Partnership Registration in December 2005

In response to this change, Torbay Register Office is offering the facility to give notice of intention to form a Civil Partnership and for the formation of Civil Partnerships.  The Civil Partnership will be formed once the couple have signed in the presence of the Civil Partnership Registrar and two witnesses.  Although there is no legal requirement to do so, we at Torbay will be delighted to offer a ceremony to celebrate this union.

The registration service here in Torbay is able to offer a number of facilities either in Oldway Mansion or in properties which have been approved for the holding of civil ceremonies.  These facilities range from the traditional to the ultra modern and can cater for up to 100 guests plus depending on the property involved. If you would like to view Oldway mansion, please contact the Register Office who will be happy to make an appointment for you.  Information concerning approved premises and the viewing of those facilities should be arranged with the property owner.

Torbay Council strives to ensure that couples choosing to become Civil Partners in Torbay receive not only individual and professional attention together with a choice of location but an opportunity to enhance the formation of their Civil Partnership with a ceremony and the option of including appropriate readings and/or musical interludes.  These enhancements, as long as they do not include any religious element, can be discussed with the Civil Partnership Registrar who will be conducting your ceremony.

Making the Arrangements

Once you have decided when and where you wish to become Civil Partners, you then need to inform the appropriate authority.  Since you need to give notice of your intent to become Civil Partners at least three weeks before the event (See Giving Notice), then you need to start planning the big day well in advance.  Different people approach this in different ways, but on average you can safely make e arrangements for almost any type of ceremony in about six months.

For Civil Partnerships, you should approach your local Register Office, who will need to agree with you the date, time and location of your ceremony.  You may need to spend some time securing dates when all the people concerned with your ceremony can be certain of attending.  Remember if you have chosen a location for the Civil Partnership in an area in which neither of you live, you will need to make contact with the Register Office there too.

Civil Partnership Brochure A guide to holding a Civil Partnership Ceremony in Torbay including fees and venues. Last updated: 18/04/2008 (774 KB)

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