A Civil Partnership is a  legally binding procedure for couples of the same sex which will provide a number of important rights and responsibilities and equality of treatment on a wide range of legal matters.

Who is eligible?

You must both be of the same gender, not already in a legally registered civil partnership or lawful marriage and over the age of 16. If you are under 18 you will need to provide written consent from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s)

Registering your partnership 

You may choose to simply register your partnership by signing the partnership schedule in the presence of credible witnesses and the civil partnership registrar.

Partnership Ceremonies

You may choose to enhance your registration by holding a partnership ceremony either at the Register Office or at any of the Approved Venues in the district. Our many customers have commented on the personal, warm and inclusive ceremonies conducted by our staff and we are always ready to discuss your requirements with you.

Legal preliminaries

Before you can register your partnership you must both "give notice" in person. There are rules governing where notice may be given - please contact any register office for advice on this. The fee for giving notice is £30 each.  Please ring 01924 302185 (Wakefield) or 01977 722670 (Pontefract) to make an appointment for giving notice.

There is a 15 clear day waiting period after the notice is given before the partnership can be formed - the example given is that the very first notices can be accepted on the 5th December 2005 which means that the first formation can be made on 21st December 2005. Once notices have been given it will only be possible to change the venue for the registration of the partnership by giving a new notice.

Documents you will need to bring

When giving notice you will need to show us evidence of age and identity and nationality - a current passport would be ideal for this purpose. If you are not a passport holder then your birth certificate plus one other form of I.D. would have to be produced.
A document to confirm your address e.g. bank statement or utility bill.

If either of you have been married or in a previous registered partnership you will need to provide documentary evidence that this has been dissolved, annulled or ended by the death of your former partner. If the partnership or marriage was dissolved or annulled in a foreign country we will need to see the original document issued by that country together with an English translation if it is in a foreign language.

If either of you have been widowed or a previous civil partner has died we will need to see a certified copy of your former spouse or partner’s death certificate.  You will also need to show us a certificate relating to your former marriage or civil partnership.

If you have changed your name by Deed Poll, Change of Name Deed or Statutory Declaration you will need to bring the document with you.

If either of you is under 18 we will need to see proof that your parent(s) or guardian(s) agree to the registration taking place.  Please contact the Register Office for advice.

Dissolving a Civil Partnership

Registering your partnership is a serious commitment – it may only end on a formal dissolution or annulment by the court, or on the death of one of the parties.

Fees for registering your Partnership

Please see "Related Links" for details of our current fees

Fees for Notice of Civil Partnership are collected at the time of giving notice and for Partnership Formation/Ceremony in the Register Office on the day the service is provided. Payment may be made in cash, by cheque or credit/debit card.

We ask you to pay for a Formation/Ceremony at Approved Premises at least seven days in advance. We are planning to provide a secure process for accepting advanced payment electronically in the near future. In the meantime if you wish to pay for any of our services by credit/debit card you may do so by telephoning the appropriate office - see Related Links for details. 

Making a booking

Your notice is valid for one year from the date on which it is given.  We are happy to accept provisional bookings for Formations with or without Ceremonies up to two years in advance. 

Application for an urgent Marriage/Civil Partnership Licence

For urgent application for a Registrar General's Licence to be issued for a marriage or civil partnership to be performed at short notice, please contact your local Register Office during opening hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm or Saturday 9.00am - 12.30pm

Out of hours

In the event of not be able to make contact please phone the General Register Office on 01704 569824 and they will be able to advise you further. 

Contact us

If we can help you in any way at all please do not hesitate to contact us - details for which can be seen under  "Contact Pontefract Register Office" and "Contact Wakefield Register Office" under "Also in Registrars".