Civil Partnerships
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on 5 December 2005. From that date, same sex couples can lodge notice of their intention to enter into a Civil Partnership.
On 28 July 2020, the Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2020 became law. This Act makes provision for mixed sex couples to register a civil partnership.
From 1 June 2021, it will be possible to submit notice of intention to enter a mixed sex civil partnership in Scotland.
A notice period of 29 clear days is the minimum notice period required.
Documents to be Submitted
Form CP10's, civil partnership notice forms. These can be obtained from any registration office in Scotland or can be downloaded from the National Records of Scotland website(see 'Related Sites' section of this page). A civil partnership notice has to be lodged with the Registrar not less than 29 clear days before the proposed date of the civil partnership, and no more than three months before that date. However, when you have decided on a date and venue contact the appropriate Registration Office to check availability and book your civil partnership.
- Civil Partnership Notice Form (CP10) completed by both parties.
- Birth Certificates.
- Proof of Residence (utility bill, bank statement, driving licence).
- If either party has been married or civilly partnered before, a final divorce/dissolution document or spouse’s death certificate.
- Proof of Nationality, if you were born after 1 January 1983 we require proof of nationality, i.e. valid passport.
- If you are not a British Citizen you may also need to provide a Certificate of No Impediment. This is a document issued by your home country stating that you are free to marry.
If you are coming into the UK from a foreign country further documentation will be required. Visit the National Records of Scotland website for further information (see 'Related Sites' section of this page) or speak to the Registrar.
If any document is written in a language other than English it should be accompanied by an authorised translation.
Documents issued by the Registrar
A civil partnership certificate, if requested and paid for, is issued once the civil partnership is registered.
Changing Existing Civil Partnership to a marriage
If you would like to change your existing Civil Partnership to a marriage there is some paperwork to be completed, and you will need to book a place, date and time with the registrar. The following documents can be downloaded from the National Records of Scotland website (see 'Related Sites' section of this page).
