Civil Partnerships
Civil Partnerships
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Civil Partnership?
- How do we arrange a Civil Partnership?
- How much notice do we need to give?
- Where can we give notice?
- What do we need to produce?
- What is the procedure for foreign (non EEA) nationals?
- When is a Civil Partnership Formed?
- Where can the ceremonies be held?
- What will the ceremony involve?
What is a Civil Partnership?
The Civil Partnership Act, which came into force on 5 December 2005, enables same sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship. Any couple that registers a civil partnership will have the same rights as a married couple in areas like social security, tax, workplace benefits and inheritance.
For more information on the implications of entering into a civil partnership, please write to:
Civil Partnership, Women and Equality Unit, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET
Or visit the Women and Equality Unit website 
How do we arrange a Civil Partnership?
You need to make an appointment to give notice at the Register Office. Contact the office using the details at the bottom of the page.
How much notice do we need to give?
By law, in order to form a civil partnership, you must give notice. You cannot give notice more than twelve months before the date of the formation. The minimum notice required is fifteen clear days, after which the partnership can be formed.
Where can we give notice?
Notice must be given in the district where you live. If you live in Tameside you must give a notice to the Tameside Register Office. If either or both of you are from another district then you must each give the notice at your local Register Office.
What do we need to produce?
- The current fee of £30.00 per person
- A birth certificate or passport
- Proof of residence in the form of a utility bill, council tax bill, bank statement or an other form of legal documentation
- If either of you have been through a form of marriage or civil partnership previously, then you will need to provide evidence of its dissolution
- If you are a widow or widower, we need to see a certified copy of your former spouse's death certificate
- If you have changed your name by deed poll or statutory declaration, we need to see those documents
What is the procedure for foreign (non EEA) nationals?
The Home Office requires all foreign Nationals (non European Economic Area) wishing to form a civil partnership to obtain a Certificate of Approval (COA) visa for Civil Partnership or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
If one of the partners is subject to immigration control, it will be necessary for both to attend together at a designated register office. Manchester Register Office has been given the status of designated office by the Home Office. A full list of designated register offices in England and Wales can be found on the General Register Office website
When is a Civil Partnership Formed?
A civil partnership is formed once the couple have signed the Civil Partnership Schedule in the presence of two witnesses and the Civil Partnership Registrar.
Although a ceremony is not part of the legal requirement, Tameside Register Office offer a ceremony in which the legal signing will be included with a choice of vows.
Where can the ceremonies be held?
Ceremonies can be held in our ceremony room - the Denyer Richardson Suite which seats 35, and it is also possible to hold the ceremony in a range of selected venues throughout Tameside.
See our list of ceremony venues.
What will the ceremony involve?
The ceremony can be tailored to meet the needs of the couple. There is a choice of vows and music and readings can be added to enhance the ceremony. The Civil Partnership Schedule also contains a declaration that the couple must acknowledge when they sign it and which they can say to each other as part of the formation.
Forming a Civil Partnership at the Register Office costs £40.00 payable on the day of the ceremony with certificates costing a further £3.50 on the day or £7.00 at a later date. For ceremonies at approved premises fees are as follows:
- Monday - Thursday £210.00
- Friday £240.00
- Saturday £255.00
- Sunday and Bank Holidays £295.00
For further information please contact us and we will be happy to offer help and advice.
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