What happens

There is no formal ceremony for a civil partnership registration.  Civil partnership registration is an entirely secular process, and the Civil Partnership Act prevents any religious service from taking place during the registration of a civil partnership. 

The registration officer may, if he and the couple wish, allow the couple to say the following words before the registration document is signed:

"I declare that I know of no legal reason why we may not register as each other's civil partner. I understand that on signing this document we will be forming a civil partnership with each other".

The registration must occur between 9am and 5pm, and must occur in an area open to the public.

Both parties and two witnesses must be present, and the relevant fees must have been paid.  Additional guests may be allowed, but this should be discussed with the registration officer at the time of application.

All parties, including witnesses and the consular officer, must sign the registration documentation.