First things first ... ... some decisions

• Think about where you would like to hold the official Civil Partnership procedure. You need to make these arrangements through a Register Office.
  
  

• Think about whether you would like to have a Civil Partnership Ceremony to accompany the official Civil Partnership procedure.
  
  

• Decide what sort of additional ceremony you would like to have; Will this be on the same day, maybe in the evening? on a different day? at the same place as the official procedure or at a different location?
  
  

NB. You will have to find out what is available from your Register Office as areas vary.

In some areas, the Registrar will direct you to ourselves at Civil Ceremonies so that we can arrange the Ceremony part of your celebrations with you directly. In any event, you are free to arrange a ceremony with us at any point following your Civil Partnership formalities.

Things to consider about the ceremony

The ceremony can be tailored to suit your needs and preferences, making this the very special and memorable occasion that you wish for, so do take time to consider your choices.

• Do think carefully about who you would like to invite and whether you would like them to be involved.
  
  

• Do think about the words you will say to one another and whether you would like any of your guests to participate.
  
  

• Think about whether you wish to exchange rings and /or gifts during the ceremony.
  
  

How to get the best from your Ceremony

about the promises you would like to make to one another, this is a wonderful opportunity to capture the essence of your relationship and choose promises that have a special meaning for you both.

offering each other a special gift during the ceremony. Many couples exchange rings, but you can also offer other gifts or tokens of your commitment.

the ceremony suit your needs and feelings. Try to make the occasion unique to you and your partner through the promises and readings you choose.

If you would like to involve family and friends in the ceremony, talk with them about the ways they would like to be involved, and also consult with the person who will be conducting your ceremony, they will be happy to offer you their help and advice.

music, poetry and readings, all these elements work towards enhancing your ceremony and can express your sentiments beautifully, making it totally your own; so do take time to select the pieces that have real meaning for you both.

Our booklet 'Poetry and Readings for your Civil Partnership Ceremony' may help you, this is available from our Shop.

out your invitations in good time.
Civil Partnership Ceremony Invitations are available from us in packs of 10, go to the Shop for more details.

You can hold your ceremony almost anywhere you wish, including your own home in many areas. There is likely to be a suitable venue in a suitable location to meet your needs e.g. hotel, community hall, stately home.

If you are interested in holding your ceremony at home, take a look at our 'Guidelines for Ceremonies at Home' policy, this will give you an idea of the sort of things we will check and you need to consider.

Your celebrant

A meeting will be set for you and the Celebrant to meet and discuss your requirements and also to receive an information pack. The pack contains the Ceremony framework and choices that will enable you to plan the Ceremony in detail, the Celebrant is there to offer advice and guidance to help you also.

It is often a good idea to hold the meeting at the venue you have chosen; if you have not selected a venue at that stage, you and the Celebrant can arrange a mutually suitable location.