Civil partnerships
Civil Partnerships give couples similar legal rights and responsibilities as married couples. Civil partners will:
- have a duty to provide reasonable maintenance for a civil partner and any children of the family
- be assessed in the same way as married couples for tax and child support
- receive equal treatment for life assurance
- have the same work and pension benefits as married couples
- be recognised under 'intestacy' rules, that's where no will is made
- have access to fatal accidents compensation
- be protected from domestic violence
- be recognised for immigration and nationality purposes.
It is expected with the implementation of the Equal Marriage Act 2013, which became law on 13 March 2014, that few couples will choose civil partnership rather than a marriage ceremony.
How do we register a Civil Partnership?
The arrangements for forming and registering Civil Partnerships aim to mirror those for civil marriage.
The couple must be over 18 - or be able to give proof of consent if 16 or 17.
The couple must not be:
- in an existing marriage or existing Civil Partnership
- related to each other within the prohibited degrees of relationship.
The registration must take place in the Register Office or premises approved by the Council for civil marriage ceremonies. The Council's registrar must carry out the registration and couples must give 28 clear days notice of their intention to form a civil partnership.
What documents do you need?
We will ask to see:
- evidence of nationality, age and identity. A passport is ideal, however if this is not available a full birth certificate, with other supporting documents may be accepted
- proof of residence, such as a bank statement or utility bill
- a death certificate if you are a widow, widower or former civil partner
- deed poll, change of name document or statutory declaration if you have changed your name
- proof of dissolution of marriage or civil partnership such as a divorce decree absolute.
We need to see this documentation by law and are not able to accept photocopies. For more information see our list of required documents.
What if I am a foreign (non-EEA) national?
There are special procedures when either partner is a non-EEA (European Economic Area) national who is subject to immigration control. All foreign nationals wishing to form a civil partnership are required to give notice at a designated Register Office unless they have permanent residence in the United Kingdom. Please contact us for further information if either of you are a non-EEA national.
Where can I have a Civil Partnership?
Civil Partnerships can be formed in any building certified for Civil Marriage such as a Register Office or approved premise. Civil Partnerships do not require a ceremony; the signing of a schedule in the presence of two witnesses is all that is required. However a ceremony will be offered to all wishing to form a Civil Partnership in the city of Derby.
How do you arrange a civil partnership?
If you live in the city of Derby, you need to make an appointment with one of our Registrars. Please call 01332 640000 or through the online form. See below for a list of approved premises here a civil partnership may take place.
How much will it cost?
Please see our fees table below for details of charges.
You can get further information about civil partnerships from the Government and Stonewall.
Venues
Approved venues at which Derby Register Office staff can conduct marriage and Civil Partnership ceremonies:
Venue | Telephone |
---|---|
Cathedral Quarter Hotel, 16 St Mary's Gate, Derby DE1 3JR | 01332 546080 |
The Grange Banqueting Suite, 457 Burton Rd, Derby DE23 6XX | 01332 771770 |
Derby Museums, Silk Mill Lane, Derby DE1 3AF | 01332 641901 |
Derby County Football Club, Pride Park Stadium, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8XL | 01332 667525 |
Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Nottingham Road, Derby DE21 6DA | 01332 388101 |
Hallmark Midland Hotel, Midland Road, Derby DE1 2SQ | 01332 345894 |
The West Mill, Darley Abbey Mills, Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1DZ | 01332 229029 |
Rolls Royce Leisure, The Pavillion, Moor Lane, Derby DE24 9HY | 01332 248319 |
The Georgian House Hotel, Ashbourne Road, Derby DE22 3AD | 01332 349806 |
Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby, DE24 8UX | 01332 861842 |
The Stuart Hotel, London Road, Derby DE1 2QR | 01332 340633 |
The Old Bell Hotel, Sadler Gate, Derby, DE1 3NQ | 01332 723090 |
Derby Museum and Art Gallery, The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS | 01332 642227 |
The Acorn Room, Royal Oak House, Market Place, Derby DE1 3AR | 01332 642534 |
The Oak Room, Royal Oak House, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AR | 01332 642534 |
Register Office Fees
Service | Cost |
---|---|
Notice of marriage or Civil Partnership | £35 each |
A non-refundable booking fee is payable upon booking any marriage or Civil Partnership. This is deducted from the ceremony fee you are required to pay as long as the marriage takes place in the City of Derby | £50 |
A fee to rearrange the date or time of your marriage after notice of marriage is given | £20 |
Marriage or Civil Partnership fee at Register Office, Royal Oak House (includes one copy certificate) - Maximum four guests. Available Monday to Thursday only | £57 |
Marriage or Civil Partnership fee at Acorn Room, Royal Oak House (includes one copy certificate) - Monday to Friday. Seating for 22 guests | £136 |
Marriage or Civil Partnership fee at Acorn Room, Royal Oak House (includes one copy certificate) - Saturday mornings. Seating for 22 guests | £161 |
Marriage or Civil Partnership fee at Register Office, Oak Room (includes one copy certificate) - Monday – Friday. Seating for 86 guests | £211 |
Marriage or Civil Partnership fee at Register Office, Oak Room (includes one copy certificate) - Saturday. Seating for 86 guests | £261 |
Attendance for marriage or Civil Partnership at approved premises - Monday to Friday (includes one copy certificate) | £331 |
Attendance for marriage or Civil Partnership at approved premises - Saturday (includes one copy certificate) | £361 |
Attendance for marriage or Civil Partnership at approved premises - Sunday or Bank Holiday (includes one copy certificate) | £441 |
Attendance of a Registrar or Civil Partnership Registrar at a Religious Building approved for marriages and Civil Partnerships (includes one copy certificate) | £97 |
Opening times
Day | Times |
---|---|
Monday | 9am to 4:30pm |
Tuesday | 9am to 4:30pm |
Wednesday | 9am to 4:30pm |
Thursday | 9am to 4:30pm |
Friday | 9am to 4:30pm |
Saturday | Ceremonies by appointment only |
Sunday | Closed |
Any questions?
If you have a question or comment regarding civil partnerships, complete the Registrars Ceremony Enquiry form.