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Civil Partnership
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 comes into force on 5 December 2005. This will enable same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship. Couples who form a civil partnership will have a new legal status, that of ‘civil partner’.
In Sunderland, we have an Equality Policy within the Council, which embraces a very positive attitude towards equality and diversity. Consequently, we intend to accommodate all requests we receive for this service.
In order to form your civil partnership you must first give notice of intention. You can give notice from the 5th December 2005 and your civil partnership can be formed in our Register Office, or one of the approved premises in Sunderland.
To give notice in Sunderland, you’ll need to live at an address in Sunderland for at least 7 days. There may be other legal requirements for the formation of your civil partnership, but we have an appointment system and we strongly recommend that you contact us to book your appointment. We’ll be able to tell you then what other documentation you’ll need to bring with you.
The earliest a civil partnership can be formed is 21 December 2005.
How much does it cost?
Notice of intention to form your civil partnership is £30.00 each
Forming a civil partnership at the Register Office is £40.00
Forming a civil partnership at one of our approved premises will depend upon the day and time of you have chosen but will vary between £250.00 and £330.00.
A further charge will be made by the owners of the building for the use of the premises.
Can we have a ceremony?
Yes. The Civil Partnership Act does not require a ceremony as part of the formation procedure, but if you wish to arrange a ceremony in addition to your registration, please let us know when you first contact us. You will have the opportunity to say a set form of words before you sign the schedule. You will also need to bring with you two other people who are prepared to witness the formation and sign the civil partnership schedule.
The legislation means that we are unable to accommodate any religious aspect during the formation of your civil partnership or partnership ceremony.
Notice of Intention
It is a legal requirement to give notice of your intention to form a civil partnership.
To give notice in Sunderland, you’ll need to live at an address in Sunderland for at least 7 days. There may be other legal requirements for the formation of your civil partnership, but we have an appointment system and we strongly recommend that you contact us to book your appointment. We’ll be able to tell you then what other documentation you’ll need to bring with you.
Notices will be available for anyone to view for a period of fifteen days. The civil partnership notice will state your:
- name and surname
- date of birth
- condition (marital or civil partnership status)
- occupation
- nationality
- place of formation
After giving notice, you must then wait fifteen clear days before the civil partnership can be formed – for example, if notice is given on the 5th December, the formation can take place on or after the 21st December. Your notice will be valid for 12 months from the date it is given.
The minimum legal age for forming a civil partnership in England and Wales is 16 years of age but written consent will be required for anyone under 18.
Residency requirements
You can form a civil partnership in England and Wales as long as you have both lived in a registration authority for at least seven days immediately before giving notice of your intention to form the partnership.
This applies to all couples, including those travelling from overseas to form a civil partnership in England and Wales.
If you are subject to immigration control, you may not be able to give notice of your intention to form your civil partnership. For further guidance, it is recommended that you visit
 The
General Register Office
Officers, ratings or marines on board one of Her Majesty’s ships at sea can give notice to the captain or other commanding officer provided the person with whom they intend to form a civil partnership is resident in England and Wales.
What do we do if we want to form a civil partnership abroad?
If you are considering forming your civil partnership abroad, it is recommended that you contact the Embassy or High Commission of the country concerned.
It is possible you will be asked to obtain a certificate of no impediment. This is a document required by some foreign authorities to enable a British national to form a civil partnership in their country and, under certain circumstances, it can be provided by our Register Office.
If you are asked to provide one, please contact us for further details.
How do I get a copy of a civil partnership certificate?
You will receive your civil partnership certificate after your partnership is registered. You can have either a full certificate, which shows all the details of the civil partnership, or you can have an extract, which does not show your address(es).
If, at any stage, you require another copy, you can apply to us. You will need to provide sufficient details of both civil partners to identify the record and if you wish to apply for a full certificate you must also provide the address(es) of both civil partners
Approved marriage and civil partnership venues in Sunderland
George Washington Hotel
Stone Cellar Road, Usworth, Washington
0191 402 9988
Marriott Hotel
Queens Parade, Whitburn Road, Seaburn, Sunderland
0191 529 0106
National Glass Centre
Liberty Way, Sunderland
0191 515 5555
Pullman Lodge Hotel
Whitburn Road, Seaburn, Sunderland
0191 529 2020
Stadium of Light
Wreath Quay Road, Sunderland
0191 551 5100
The Exchange Building
197 High Street East, Sunderland
0191 514 4574
Washington Old Hall
The Avenue, Washington Village
0191 416 6879
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
Burdon Road, Sunderland
0191 553 2323
The Rosedene
125 Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland
0191 528 4313
Tavistock Roker Hotel
Roker Terrace, Sunderland
0191 567 1786
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