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• > Relationships
• > Civil partnership
• > Civil partnerships booking guide

Civil partnership booking guide

By registering a relationship under the civil partnership act, same sex couples will be awarded new legal rights and responsibilities. Partnerships can be formed between the hours of 8am and 6pm, Monday to Sunday and bank holidays.

Contact Details:

Address: Register Office 6a Bugle Street Southampton
Postcode: SO14 2LX
Telephone: 023 8091 5327
Minicom: 023 8063 3685
Email: registrars@southampton.gov.uk
Fax: 023 8063 3431

Details of service:

Partnerships can be formed between the hours of 8am and 6pm, Monday to Sunday and bank holidays.

• You should first choose the venue where you would like the partnership/ceremony to take place and make a provisional booking. If you choose one of the Approved Premises, you must also check that a Registrar will be available from the local Register Office.

• The next step is to arrange to complete the legal notices of partnership in the registration authority where you have been resident for the previous seven days. If you live in Southampton, you should ring the Register Offices to make an appointment. If you live outside Southampton, please contact your local Register Office. Both parties have to give notice, in person.

• There are special procedures when either partner is a non-EEA (European Economic Area) national who is subject to immigration control. For advice please contact your local Register Office or additional information on this process can be obtained from the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in the Home Office. They can be contacted on: 0870 606 7766 or via their web site (see external link on this page)

• When giving notice you will have to produce: evidence of identity and nationality (ideally a current, valid passport); proof of address in the form of a utility bill, bank statement or driving licence; evidence of how any previous marriage or civil partnership ended, such as a decree absolute or death certificate.

• The notices will be displayed for 15 clear days and are valid for 12 months (e.g. if you both give notice on the 1st day of the month you will be able to form your partnership on the 17th of the month).

• Once the notices have been displayed, the partnership formation (and ceremony, if required) can take place at the venue specified on the notices. Please note, if you change the venue, fresh notices will have to be given.

• The formation of a civil partnership takes place when the couple sign the civil partnership schedule in the presence of two witnesses and the Registrar. Although it is not a legal requirement to hold a ceremony as part of the partnership formation, couples who want to do so will be given the opportunity to personalise their ceremony.

How to get more information:

Office opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9.00am - 4.30pm Tuesday: 10.00am - 4.30pm Friday: 9.00am - 4.00pm Saturday: by appointment only Closed Bank Holidays

Last updated: 10 April 2008