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Civil partnerships

A civil partnership is a relationship between two people of the same sex, which is formed when they register as civil partners of one another.

Two people can register, provided:

• they are the same sex
• neither of them is already a civil partner or is legally married
• they are 18 or above on the day of the ceremony (consent must be obtained for those aged between 16 and 18)
• they are not related to one another in a way that would prevent them from having a civil partnership.

Civil partnership ceremonies can take place in:

• a special ceremony room in our main Registrar's office (located in Belfast City Hall)
• an approved venue (subject to the availability of the Registrar)
• a venue of your choice (subject to approval and the availability of the Registrar).

Both partners must complete a civil partnership notice form before a ceremony can take place.