Civil partnerships

The benefits of a civil partnership and who can apply

Civil partnerships legally recognise gay and lesbian relationships. You must be single and over 16 to form one.

A civil partnership will give you the same legal rights as a married couple have in matters such as:

  • pensions
  • house ownership
  • inheritance
  • making decisions if one of you is in hospital
  • being able to register the death of a partner and to arrange the funeral.

For more information, please see the Advice Guide website from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB):

Forming the civil partnership

Your civil partnership may be formed in one of three ways.

  • Simply sign a civil partnership document before the registrar and two witnesses.
  • A short ceremony with vows and signing of the civil partnership document with your friends and family.
  • A full commitment ceremony and signing of the civil partnership document. Your ceremony could include readings, music and the exchange of vows.

Choosing the venue

Civil partnerships can take place in a registration office or in a licensed venue.

You don't have to hold your civil partnership ceremony in the registration district that you live in; you can hold your ceremony at any licensed venue in England and Wales.

The choice of licensed venues includes castles, stately homes, hotels and pubs across the county. Find out more about venues in the four East Sussex areas:

If you would like to hold a ceremony in a venue that isn't licensed, please speak to the superintendent registrar.

How do I organise a civil partnership?

Once you've decided where and when you want to register your civil partnership, check availability with the superintendent registrar of that registration office. Find contact details for registration offices in East Sussex.

Formal preparations – giving notice

Before your civil partnership is registered you must each give your notice at a registration office in the area where you normally live.

Fees

Get details of fees for civil partnership ceremonies.

Enquiries and further information