Your civil partnership
Your civil partnership - a brochure created by the Registration service containing valuable advice on organising your civil partnership.
- Download (7.74 MB, Acrobat PDF)
Commemorative Certificates
Please click on link to view example certificates.
Can we have a civil partnership ceremony?
You will be able to arrange a civil partnership ceremony in addition to the registration procedure if you wish but the Civil Partnership Act does not require a ceremony as part of the registration procedure.
Civil partnership registration is an entirely secular process. The Civil Partnership Act stipulates that no religious content can be included in the formation of, or, in the ceremony accompanying, a civil partnership. We will be more than happy to arrange a civil partnership ceremony for you. Please contact the appropriate Ceremony Officer for more information and to book a ceremony.
A partnership ceremony is a formal ceremony that celebrates a couple's commitment to each other and is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate that relationship with family and friends. You do not have to live in Lancashire to be able to have your ceremony in this county. However a partnership Ceremony will only be conducted as part of a civil partnership registration.
Where and when can ceremonies be held?
Lancashire offers partnership ceremonies in all the Registration Offices and approved premises within the county. They may be celebrated on any day of the year except Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Can we choose our own ceremony?
Of course you can. Each ceremony is unique to you and your partner. You will both have the chance to work closely with a professional celebrant to select and tailor a ceremony that is special for you both. Every ceremony is different so you can create something unique for you to remember and treasure.
What happens in the ceremony?
The ceremony may be as simple or as grand as you wish - we provide the framework for you to build upon. Each ceremony is divided into the following sections that give you the chance to create something personal to you both:
- introduction and welcome.
- exchange of declarations and vows to each other
- exchange of rings and/or gifts
- signing of register
- presentation of commemorative certificate
- concluding words
You do not need to include every section in your ceremony, and each part of the ceremony can be as simple or as complex as you wish. Readings or music can be included before, during and after the ceremony
How much will the ceremony cost?
The fee will vary depending on the day, time and venue that you choose. You will need to contact the specific venue of your choice about availability and their room hire charges.
Once you have decided to proceed with your ceremony telephone the appropriate Ceremony Officer with details of your venue and preferred date. The Ceremony Officer will check availability and give you a booklet to help you choose the format of your ceremony. You will have the opportunity to discuss the content of the ceremony to ensure that it will be unique and special to you both.