Choosing if you would like a marriage or civil partnership will be your first decision. Visit GOV.UK to understand .
There are differences in these options too.
Marriage ceremony
In a marriage ceremony, you will need to say certain vows when you solemnise your marriage. You can choose to have:
- a civil marriage ceremony at a register office or licensed venue. Civil marriages are available for both opposite sex couples and same sex couples. If this is your preferred option, continue to step 2: choose your perfect ceremony venue, or if you have already chosen a venue, please continue to step 3: choose your bespoke ceremony option.
- a religious ceremony at a church or other religious building. If this is your preferred option, you should contact the minister or other person in charge. Please see our web page Marriage in a church or other religious building, for more information.
Civil partnership
Civil partnerships are available for both opposite and same sex couples.
You can choose to have:
- a civil partnership signing with a ceremony. This can be held at either a licensed venue or a register office. If this is your preferred option, continue to step 2: choose your perfect ceremony venue, or if you have already chosen a venue, please continue to step 3: choose your bespoke ceremony option.
- a simple signing of your civil partnership document without a ceremony. This can be held at either a licensed venue or a register office. Please our web page: Civil partnership without a ceremony, for more information and how to book.