Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 (Civil Partnership Conversions)

You can email register.office@stockport.gov.uk for further information about the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 (Civil Partnership Conversions).

The regulations for couples to convert their civil partnership into marriage provide for the following:

  • a standard procedure to convert a civil partnership into marriage at the local register office
  • to provide for an extended process where the signing of the declaration to convert a civil partnership into marriage can take place in a range of venues where marriage of same sex couples can be solemnized

This will allow couples to follow their conversion into marriage with a non-statutory ceremony, enabling the couple to sign the declaration in the same venue as where the ceremony is taking place.

In these circumstances the completion and signing of the declaration will be split into 2 stages:

Providing information for the completion of the declaration (Stage 1)

This stage is the formal completion of the declaration, including checking the evidence of name, date of birth, address and civil partnership. This can only take place in a register office or local registration service point.

You will need to provide your passport or Driving Licence Card together with proof of residency such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. You will also need to provide your civil partnership certificate.

Signing of the declaration (Stage 2)

This stage is the signing of the declaration by the couple and the superintendent registrar. This can take place in:

  • the Register Office
  • approved venues
  • religious buildings registered for the marriage of same sex couples where a religious blessing or ceremony under Section 46 of the Marriage Act 1949 is to immediately follow the conversion into marriage
  • a place where a ceremony according to the Jewish faith or the Society of Friends under Section 46 of the Marriage Act 1949 is to immediately follow the conversion into marriage

The attendance of the superintendent registrar (or deputy) is required at all conversions into marriage, including those on religious venues.