| 'The Registrars made us feel completely at ease. The whole proceedings were extremely dignified and most enjoyable. We believe they have got it just right'.
A and E Chester
Where can I form a civil partnership?
We can offer couples a wide choice of venues, including the County’s four Register Offices and a range of hotels, stately homes and other establishments that are licensed as ‘Approved Premises’.
Couples wishing to have a registration and / or ceremony at any Approved Premises in Cheshire are able to book registrars up to two years in advance. Although the legal notices are only valid for twelve months, you can secure the services of the registrars by telephoning the Register Office in the registration area that the Approved Premise is located. A deposit is payable, which is deducted from the fee charged for the registrars to attend on the day of the civil partnership.
Partnerships can be registered in the Register Offices from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm. At Approved Premises partnerships can be registered Monday to Sunday (including some bank holidays) between 10am and 4pm.
When can a civil partnership take place?
Partnerships can be registered in the Register Office from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm. At Approved Premises partnerships can be registered Monday to Sunday (including some bank holidays) between 10am and 4pm.
Please note: We currently do not perform civil partnerships on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday or Easter Monday.
How do I book my civil partnership?
You should first choose the venue where you would like your registration/ceremony to take place and make a provisional booking. If you choose one of our Approved Premises, please check the availability of Registrars from the Registration Area in which the Approved Premise is located.
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 Cheshire, please telephone one of the three main Register Offices to make an appointment. If you live outside Cheshire, please contact your local Register Office. If you live in different local authority areas, notices will have to be given in each area. Both parties have to give notice in person.
When you call to make your appointment to give notice, ask your Registrar which documents you will need to produce, such as:
- Evidence of identity, age and nationality, ideally a passport.
- Proof of residence in the form of a utility bill or other official document which shows your home address.
- If appropriate, evidence of how any previous marriage or civil partnership ended, such as a divorce decree absolute or a death certificate.
- If you are under 18 years, parental consent will be required.
- If either of you are subject to immigration control you will need to provide further documents.
Please have the correct fee with you when you give notice.
The registration of the partnership cannot take place until after 15 clear days have elapsed from the day of giving notice. During the 15 day waiting period, the notices will be displayed in the local Register Office.
Once the 15 day waiting period has elapsed, the partnership registration (and ceremony, if required) can only take place at the venue specified on the notices. The notices are valid for 12 months. If you change the venue, or the notices expire, fresh notices will have to be given.
Are there any restrictions to non UK citizens?
There are special procedures when either partner is a foreign (non-EEA) national who is subject to immigration control. If this applies to you, please contact your local Register Office for further advice.
What is the difference between a registration and a ceremony?
The registration of a civil partnership takes place when both of you sign the civil partnership schedule in the presence of two witnesses and the Civil Partnership Registrar.
Couples who wish to register their partnership without a ceremony can do so, as it is not a requirement of the legal process. However, Cheshire County Council would be delighted to offer you a ceremony to accompany and enhance the registration. |