Choosing if you would like a marriage or civil partnership will be your first decision.
Visit GOV.UK to understand the legal and financial differences between marriage and civil partnership.
There are differences in the ceremony options too.
Civil marriage ceremony
In a marriage ceremony, you will need to say certain vows when you solemnise your marriage. You can choose to have:
- a civil marriage ceremony at a register office or licensed venue. Civil marriages are available for both opposite sex couples and same sex couples. If this is your preferred option, continue to step 2: choose your perfect ceremony venue.
- a religious ceremony at a church or other religious building. If this is your preferred option, you should contact the minister or other person in charge.
Civil partnership
Civil partnerships are available for both opposite and same sex couples.
You can choose to have:
- a civil partnership signing with a ceremony. This can be held at either a licensed venue or a register office. If this is your preferred option, continue to step 2: choose your perfect ceremony venue.
- a simple signing of your civil partnership document without a ceremony. See our web page: Civil partnership without a ceremony.
