Civil
Partnerships
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into effect on 5th December
2005. Details of the legal requirements for Registering a Civil
Partnership, together with information about ceremonies, are
included on the following page
The information included on these pages is for general guidance
purposes only and is not a complete or exhaustive explanation of
the civil partnership Laws of England and Wales.
What is a civil partnership?
A civil partnership is a legally binding contract between two
people of the same sex. It provides for same sex couples to form a
partnership, recognised in law, to become next-of-kin to one
another, and to enjoy the same rights and privileges awarded to
married couples.
Couples need to register their intention to form a civil
partnership allowing 15 clear days before the partnership can be
formed, when the couple sign a legal document in the presence of a
civil partnership registrar and two witnesses.
There is no requirement to have a ceremony but the Vale of
Glamorgan offers ceremonies in both the Register Office and our
Approved Premises.
Who can form a civil partnership?
The couple must be of the same sex. A heterosexual couple cannot
form a civil partnership. You must be free to form the partnership,
i.e., you must not be in an existing marriage or civil
partnership.
You must be over 18 years of age. If under 18, but over 16, you
must bring written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
If one or both parties do not hold British or EEC citizenship
they must seek Home Office approval before giving notice.
Deciding where to have your civil partnership
There are a number of venues available to couples wishing to
form a civil partnership in the Vale of Glamorgan. These venues are
detailed below:-
The Register
Office
The main ceremony room in the Vale of Glamorgan Register Office
is the Council Chamber which can seat approximately 100 persons. An
elegant setting for civil partnerships, the Chamber is tiered and
everyone present can see and hear the whole civil partnership
ceremony. There are also two other pleasant rooms available for
civil partnerships.
Not all ceremony rooms have full access for disabled visitors.
Please check that it is suitable for yourselves or your guests.
Approved Premises
We have some splendid and varied “Approved Premises” in the Vale
of Glamorgan that are licensed for civil partnerships. These
include three castles, several listed buildings, golf and sports
clubs, modern hotels, a theatre and a Grecian temple/garden room in
the wonderful setting of Duffryn Gardens.
Approved Premises List
Civil partnerships contracted in Approved Premises are only
lawful if the building has been granted a licence by the local
authority. Licences are only valid for three years. You must
ensure, therefore, that the Approved Premise has a licence that is
still valid on the day of your civil partnership