Civil partnerships
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 details, read the fact sheet ‘The rights of same sex couples’ available from the Citizens Advice Bureau Advice Guide website.
How do I organise a civil partnership ceremony?
Once you’ve decided where and when you want to hold your ceremony, check availability with the Superintendent Registrar of that registration office. Find contact details for registration offices in East Sussex.
At least 15 days before your civil partnership ceremony you must each give your notice at a registration office in the area where you normally live. Find your local registration office.
It costs £30 per person to give notice and you must bring the following documents with you:
- an identity document – birth certificate, adoption certificate or passport
- any documents relating to a change of name
- proof of your address
- proof of divorce or a late spouse’s death certificate if either of you were previously married
- if either of you are under 18 you will need permission to form a civil partnership. The Superintendent Registrar can give you information about what permission is needed.
Where civil partnerships take place
Civil partnership ceremonies in East Sussex may be held in any licensed marriage venue. The choice includes registration offices, castles, stately homes, hotels and pubs across the county. Find out more about venues in the four East Sussex areas:
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 marriage venue in England and Wales.
The civil partnership ceremony
Your civil partnership may be formed in one of three ways.
- Simply sign a civil partnership document before the registrar and two witnesses at a registration office.
- A short ceremony with vows and signing of the civil partnership document in a registration office marriage room with your friends and family.
- A full commitment ceremony and signing of the civil partnership document at a licensed venue in East Sussex. Your ceremony could include readings, music and the exchange of vows. Please discuss your requirements with the superintendent registrar when you make your booking.
Fees
Get details of fees for civil partnership ceremonies.
Further information
Further information about civil partnership ceremonies is available from the General Register Office website.
