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.

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.

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 through the online form, or telephone 01332 640000.

Make a ceremony enquiry

See below for a list of approved venues where a civil partnership may take place.

How much will it cost?

Please see our fees table for details of charges.

You can get further information about civil partnerships from the Government website. 

Venues

Approved venues at which Derby Register Office staff can conduct marriage and Civil Partnership ceremonies:

Wedding stationery design and print service

We have our own in-house service that can help design and print your wedding stationery, from save the date cards to seating plans, welcome boards and photos.

Further information can be found on our products and services page.

Register Office fees

Please be advised all fees are subject to increase on 1 April each year.

Fees listed apply from 1 April 2026:

Opening times

Any questions?

If you have a question or comment regarding civil partnerships, complete the Registrars Ceremony Enquiry form.