We want to make your civil partnership ceremony special, so please let us know your wishes. When you give your notice of civil partnership we will give you a ceremony checklist so that you can plan your own ceremony. You must return this to the Register Office at least 2 weeks before the date of your ceremony.
We are here to help in any way we can to ensure that your ceremony is a relaxed and enjoyable occasion. On arrival at the office please speak either to the Registration staff or the usher on duty if you have any problems or concerns.
The following information is intended as a general outline of what will happen at your ceremony. It is not necessary for you to learn any of the words - the Registrar will guide you through the ceremony and will, as far as possible, ensure that your ceremony reflects your wishes.
Time of ceremony
Please ensure that all your guests are assembled in the building 5-10 minutes before the time of your ceremony. It is important that we keep to the planned timetable as any delay can impact on later civil partnership and marriage ceremonies. If we are unable to start in good time it may mean that we have to delay your ceremony until other all others are completed.
Before the ceremony begins the registrar will need to check that the information you provided when you gave notice has not changed. You will also both be asked to state the full name and surname of your natural or legally adoptive father (or step-father if married to your mother), his occupation and whether he is retired or deceased. This will take about 5-10 minutes and is carried out in one of our interview rooms, where there is a mirror for any last minute adjustments. During this time your guests will be asked to take a seat in the ceremony room.
The ceremony
Your ceremony, which lasts about twenty minutes including the signing of the schedule and any photographs, should be dignified but an enjoyable and memorable occasion for you and your guests. All couples registering a civil partnership at Leeds Register Office are given the opportunity to enhance their ceremony - they may choose from a selection of ceremonies (see Choice of Ceremonies) and can include a reading or piece of poetry.(see Readings and Poems). Please ensure that any enhancements to your ceremony have been agreed well in advance of the day by the Superintendent Registrar
You do not have to exchange ring(s) as part of the ceremony if you prefer not to, although most couples choose to include it as a traditional part of their ceremony. Alternatively, you may wish to exchange some other gift.
At the end of the ceremony the registrar will ask you to check that the Civil Partnership schedule is correct. You will both then be asked to sign in your usual signature.
Witnesses
You must have at least two witnesses to your civil partnership, otherwise your ceremony cannot take place. They may be friends or relatives, but they should be over the age of 16 and be able to hear and understand the nature of the ceremony. At the end of the ceremony they will be asked to sign the schedule.
Music
Music is normally played during parts of the ceremony, unless you request otherwise. You may, if you wish, provide your own music (on CD please). The music must have no religious connotation due to the civil nature of the civil partnership ceremony.
Photography and Video
A video camera may be used and photographs may be taken during the ceremony provided that it is not a distraction to the couple. Please discuss your requirements with the Registrar prior to your ceremony, although it is usually preferable to wait until the end of the ceremony when there will be plenty of time for photographs.
If you are having an official photographer taking photographs of your arrival, eg stepping out of the car, you need to allow time for this before you see the Registrar.
Flowers
Fresh flowers are displayed in both rooms and in the waiting area at Leeds Register Office. You may however supply your own floral arrangements, if you wish.
Bookings
If you wish to make a booking to give a notice of civil partnership please contact us on Tel:0113 2476709