Converting a civil partnership to a marriage

Same-sex couples in England and Wales can convert their civil partnership into a legally recognised marriage. 

Please note: We are currently unable to offer civil partnership to marriage conversions for opposite-sex couples. 

To convert your civil partnership, both partners must: 

• Attend an appointment together at Reading Register Office. 
• Provide evidence of their identity, address and existing civil partnership. 

The conversion takes place when both partners sign a declaration confirming that their civil partnership has not been dissolved and that they wish to convert it into a marriage. Once completed, the conversion will be registered and a certificate of conversion will be issued. 

Your conversion options 

You can choose one of the following options: 

1. Administrative conversion 
   Sign the declaration at the Register Office during your appointment, following the document checking process. 
2. Conversion with a ceremony 
   Following your document checking appointment, you can choose to complete the conversion as part of a ceremony at Reading Register Office or at one of Reading’s approved venues. This can take place on the same day as your appointment or on a later date of your choosing. 

GOV.UK information on the legal process of converting a civil partnership to a marriage. 

Mark the occasion with a celebration ceremony 

Although there is no requirement for a marriage ceremony as part of the legal conversion process, many couples choose to celebrate this important milestone with family and friends. 

Reading Registration Service is pleased to offer a non-statutory celebration ceremony, providing an opportunity to mark your conversion and reaffirm your commitment to one another in a ceremony tailored to your preferences. 

Booking a conversion appointment 

To arrange a civil partnership conversion appointment or to discuss a celebration ceremony, please contact the Registration Team on 0118 937 3533. Our Contact Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. 

GOV.UK information on the legal process of converting a civil partnership to a marriage.