Civil Partnership to Marriage – Changes To Regulations Surrounding Civil Partnerships

Changes To Regulations Surrounding Civil Partnerships came into force in April 2023

Civil Partnerships can be converted into marriages by way of a marriage ceremony. However, alternatively, the procedure is set out in the Marriage Between Civil Partners (Procedure for Change and Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2014. In terms of these regulations, if you entered into a Civil Partnership in Scotland you can change that to marriage by way of an administrative or procedural process as opposed to having a marriage ceremony. You can only use the administrative process if the civil partnership was entered into in Scotland. Otherwise, you will have to undergo a marriage ceremony.

How Is A Civil Partnership Converted To Marriage?

If the civil partnership was entered into in Scotland then it can be converted into marriage simply by arranging an appointment with the Registrar. Certain forms require to be completed prior to the appointment. These can be obtained from the registry office or, indeed, the National Records of Scotland website. In addition to the completed forms, you will require photographic identification for both of you and also the entry into the civil partnership register.

The change which came into force in April 2023 followed the passing of the Marriage Between Civil Partners (procedure for change and fees) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2023, which was passed at the end of February. The changes again relate only to those who entered into a civil partnership in Scotland.

Now, the date and place which are entered on the marriage register when a civil partnership is converted will be the date and place of the signing of the application form to convert. Notwithstanding that, you will still be treated as having been married since the date on which the civil partnership was actually registered.

The certificate will state the date and place where you signed the application converting from a civil partnership into marriage and will also include information recording that the marriage has been converted from a civil partnership. The date and registration of the civil partnership will also be included.

If you have any questions regarding converting a civil partnership into a marriage or any other issue relating to family please contact us below or telephone 0800 292 2000.