Marriages and civil partnerships

Marriage or civil partnership

A newlywed couple walking down an aisle while guests throw confetti

Marriage or civil partnership is a matter of choice for the couple.

  • A marriage is officially formed as the couple say the legal vows to each other during the marriage ceremony. The documentation signed at the end of the ceremony is a record of the marriage having taken place.
  • A civil partnership is formed at the point where the couple and their witnesses sign the documentation. There is no requirement for any legal vows to be spoken, though many couples choose to sign their documentation at the end of a celebratory ceremony.

The government’s marriage and civil partnership policy paper explains the similarities and differences between civil partnership and marriage for same-sex and opposite-sex couples.

Whatever your choice, Liverpool is the perfect place to say ‘I do’ with a range of stunning venues throughout the city, including Liverpool Register Office at St George’s Hall.