Tying the Knot: Marriage vs. Civil Partnership – What’s the Difference?
If you’re planning to formalize your relationship in England or Wales, you have two main options: marriage or civil partnership. While these legal unions are now very similar, understanding the differences can help you choose the right option for you. This guide explains both.
A brief history: why we have two options
Civil partnerships were introduced in the UK in 2004 to give same-sex couples legal recognition before same-sex marriage was legalized. Following legal challenges based on equality, civil partnerships were extended to opposite-sex couples in 2019.
Today, both marriage and civil partnership are available to all couples, regardless of gender.
Key similarities between marriage and civil partnership
Both marriage and civil partnership provide:
- Legal and financial protection in case of death or separation
- Next-of-kin rights
- Parental responsibility for any children
- Inheritance rights and exemption from inheritance tax
- The ability to transfer assets free from capital gains tax
- Access to partners’ pensions
- Immigration rights for partners from abroad
- The same rights to adopt children
- The same tax benefits and social security entitlements
The main differences
1. Terminology and documentation
Marriage:
- Partners become husband/wife/spouse
- Get a marriage certificate
- The ceremony includes “solemnization” and exchange of vows
- Register the marriage with signatures from both parties and witnesses
Civil Partnership:
- Become civil partners
- Get a civil partnership certificate
- Formation involves signing the civil partnership document
- No legally required words or vows
2. Formation requirements
Marriage:
- Can take place through religious or civil ceremonies
- Words prescribed by law must be exchanged
- Must be conducted by an authorized person (registrar or religious official)
- Involves the exchange of vows and rings (although rings are traditional, not legally required)
Civil Partnership:
- Purely civil process with no religious element permitted
- No requirement for vows or words to be spoken
- Becomes legal once the civil partnership document is signed
- No requirement for a ceremony, though many couples choose to have one
3. Ending the relationship
Marriage:
- Ended by divorce using the no-fault divorce process
- Grounds for divorce is that the marriage has “irretrievably broken down”
Civil Partnership:
- Ended by dissolution
- Process is almost identical to divorce, but with different terminology
4. International recognition
Marriage:
- Widely recognized internationally
- More likely to be automatically recognized in other countries
Civil Partnership:
- Recognition varies by country
- May not be recognized in some jurisdictions or may be treated as a different type of legal relationship
5. Religious aspects
Marriage:
- Can have religious elements and be conducted in religious venues
- Religious organizations (except the Church of England and Church in Wales) can opt-in to conduct same-sex marriages
Civil Partnership:
- Strictly secular with no religious content permitted during the formation
- Cannot take place in religious venues unless they are approved for civil ceremonies
Costs involved
The current fees (as of April 2025) are broadly similar:
- To give notice:
Marriage: £35 per person
Civil partnership: £35 per person - Registration fee:
Marriage at register office: £46
Civil partnership at register office: £46 - Additional venue fees apply for both if you choose a different location.
Converting between the two
- Civil partnership to marriage: A simple process with a fee of £45
- Marriage to civil partnership: Not currently possible – you would need to divorce first
Which is right for you?
Consider these factors when deciding:
- Personal values and beliefs about marriage as an institution
- Religious or cultural significance
- International recognition if you plan to live abroad
- Personal preference about terminology and ceremony style
What you’ll need for either option
For both marriage and civil partnership, you’ll need to:
- Give notice at your local register office at least 28 days before
- Provide proof of identity, address, and nationality
- Pay the relevant fees
- Have at least two witnesses present
Future changes to watch
The law in this area continues to evolve. Recent legal challenges suggest potential further harmonization of these two types of union, with possible changes to:
- Religious civil partnerships
- Conversion processes between the two forms of relationship
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about marriage and civil partnership law in England and Wales as of April 2025. It is not legal advice, and laws can change. Your individual circumstances may affect how the law applies to your situation.
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