| Civil Partnerships.
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into operation on 5 December
2005 and enables a same-sex couple to register as civil partners of
each other.
Below you will find a large amount of information about
Civil Partnerships and arranging the special day.
What is Civil Partnership?
The Civil Partnership Act creates a new legal relationship of civil partnership in which two people of the same-sex can sign a registration document and become a legal couple.
The Act also provides same-sex couples who form a civil partnership with similar rights as those opposite-sex couples who enter into a civil marriage.
Important rights and responsibilities will come from forming a civil partnership, helping same-sex couples to organize and live their lives together.
Provisions in the Civil Partnership Act include:
- A duty to provide reasonable maintenance for your civil partner and any children of the family
- Civil partners to be assessed in the same way as spouses for child support
- Equitable treatment for the purposes of life assurance
- Employment and pension benefits
- Recognition under intestacy rules
- Access to fatal accidents compensation
- Protection from domestic violence
- Recognition for immigration and nationality purposes
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Where can you tie the knot?
Civil ceremonies can generally be held at any venue of your choice.
All registry offices should be taking bookings and don't forget other special licensed venues.
You may already have a special venue in mind, a club, restaurant, pub, hotel or a community venue. It is even possible to have your ceremony in the privacy of your own home.
Generally speaking, Civil Partnerships can be held anywhere a straight sex marriage can be held with the exception of a few churches.
Because of this, it is very important to make sure you do all of your booking in advance. Register offices will only allow bookings so make arranging your venue one of the biggest priorities you have.
The law & Civil Partnerships.
Important rights and responsibilities will come from forming a civil partnership, helping same-sex couples to organize and live their lives together.
Provisions in the Civil Partnership Act include:
- A duty to provide reasonable maintenance for your civil partner and any children of the family
- Civil partners to be assessed in the same way as spouses for child support
- Equitable treatment for the purposes of life assurance
- Employment and pension benefits
- Recognition under intestacy rules
- Access to fatal accidents compensation
- Protection from domestic violence
- Recognition for immigration and nationality purposes
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10 Golden Rules.
These are the Bride & Groom 10 golden rules for organizing the perfect partnership ceremony.
- Personal recommendations are the best way to find reliable suppliers.
Be sure to ask your family and friends if they know of any good wedding suppliers from car hire companies to caterers.
If you're using a company you're unfamiliar with, don't be afraid to speak to previous customers about there service. Reputable companies often have a collection of thank-you letters from satisfied customers to put your mind at rest.
- Always confirm everything in writing.
Whenever you make a firm booking it's worth taking the time to put all the details in writing.
Make two copies so both you and the supplier can see what exactly has been agreed and can refer to it when necessary. The same applies when paying for anything, even a small deposit; make sure you get a receipt and keep it.
- Its a good idea to get into the habit of keeping a folder so you can collect all your ideas together in one place. If you see a picture in a magazine that you like, you can tear it out and add it to the folder along with and brochures, business cards and recommendations you receive.
You'll soon build up an excellent
set of contacts and ideas to choose from.
- Book early!
It's obvious that the best things get booked up well in advance so don't hang around. If you've had you're heart set on a venue or particular florist check their availability as soon as possible.
Try to leave as little as possible to the last minute to avoid disappointment.
- Decide on a theme.
It could simply be a modern or summary feel. Whatever you choose, once you have some idea of the style you want, choosing everything else will be so much easier.
- Delegate!
You may love the idea of organizing your own day but if you're not careful it could turn into a nightmare.
By letting family and friends get involved you'll have lots of fun as well as easing the workload.
- Avoid family friction at all costs.
The initial delight of your engagement can soon become a distant memory as everyone starts telling you how to plan your day. While it's good to compromise in some
situations, make it clear from the start that it's your big day and that you as a couple have the final say.
- You don't need to spend a fortune to have a spectacular day - but you do need to plan your budget carefully.
Think about which are the most important aspects of the day to help you decide where you want to splash out and where you can make savings.
- Find out about suppliers that aim their products in particular for the gay market. The internet is a great place to start. You may find some special offers and even if you don't buy - you'll probably get plenty of inspiration.
- Finally, remember why you're formalizing you're relationship.
It may seem obvious but its easy to let the preparations take over you're life and that's when you're likely to end up arguing, so take time out just to enjoy life together.
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