What is Civil Partnership?
A Civil Partnership is a legal relationship for same-sex couples, which is formed by signing a Civil Partnership registration document. It provides a number of important rights and responsibilities and equal treatment for same-sex couples on a wide range of legal matters.
Who is eligible?
You must both be of the same sex, not already in a civil partnership or marriage and must both be over 16. If you are under 18 you will need to provide written consent from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Registering your partnership
You may choose to simply register your partnership, or to celebrate the registration with a formal ceremony.
Registration only
To make your partnership legal you need only sign the partnership schedule and make the necessary legal statements in the presence of credible witnesses and the registrar.
You may book a private appointment or invite family and friends to join you on your special day.
Partnership Ceremonies
You may however enhance your registration by holding a partnership ceremony, either at Leeds Town Hall or at Approved venues within Leeds.
Ceremonies at Leeds Town Hall
For ceremonies at Leeds Town Hall we have a number of options available to help make your ceremony personal to you.
Background music is played before and after the ceremony, and during the signing of the partnership register. If you wish to choose your own music, you may bring your own CD. It is important that any music, readings or vows have no religious connotation. Please discuss your requirements with the Superintendent Registrar prior to your wedding.
Our staff will do all we can to ensure your ceremony is a joyful and memorable occasion.
Immediately before the ceremony the registrar will interview the couple in private to check that all the details that we hold are correct.
Please arrange to arrive with your guests at least ten minutes before the time of your ceremony. If you or your guests are late, we may need to re-book your appointment to avoid disrupting other ceremonies.
The Partnership Ceremony at Approved venues
If you plan to hold your ceremony at Approved premises we also have a selection of readings and additional vows (see Optional Vows/Promises). You may also provide your own choices and we welcome the involvement of family and friends. This is your chance to make your ceremony personal and meaningful to you both.
You must first make a provisional booking with the venue of your choice and then confirm with the Register Office that we will be able to attend at your chosen time and date. We will do our best to be as accommodating as we can and are happy to attend your ceremony at Approved premises on Sundays and Bank Holidays, although the law requires that the ceremony must take place between 8pm and 6pm.
Please note that in addition to paying for the registrar to attend your ceremony, you will also need to make a separate payment to the approved venue for the use of their premises.
About one month before your ceremony, you should arrange an appointment at the Register Office to discuss the details of your ceremony. We are here to help so don't be afraid to ask for our suggestions.
A full list of our Approved Venues is included at the back of this brochure.
Legal Preliminaries
Before you can register your partnership, you must both "give notice", in person, in the area where you live. The fee for giving notice is £30 each. Please ring 0113 247 6709 to make an appointment to give your notice
After you have both given your notice you must wait at least 16 days before you can register your partnership.
Please note that once you have given your notices, it will only be possible to change the venue for your registration by giving a new notice.
Dissolving a Civil Partnership
Registering your Civil Partnership is a serious commitment, because a civil partnership may only end on formal dissolution or annulment by court, or on the death of one of the parties.
Making a Booking
Your notice is valid for one year and therefore may be given up to twelve months before registering your partnership. For registrations at Leeds Town Hall we advise that you secure your appointment by giving your notice as soon as you can.
For registrations and ceremonies taking place at Approved premises you may provisionally book an appointment up to two years in advance. This will allow you to make all the necessary arrangements in good time. You may make a provisional booking by telephone, in writing, by email or in person. If you are booking more than one year in advance you will need to give your notice at the appropriate time to confirm the booking.
When you make your booking we will agree a date with you by when you should give notice. If you do not give notice by this date we will cancel your booking.
Documents you need to show us
When giving notice you will need to show proof of your identity and your nationality. Passports are ideal for this purpose but if you do not have a current valid passport we will advise you as to what other forms of identity may be acceptable.
If either of you has been in a previous registered partnership or has been married you will need to show legal proof that this has been dissolved. If this was dissolved in a foreign country we will need to see the original document issued by that country, along with an English translation if it is in a foreign language.
If either of you is widowed or a previous partner has died we will need to see a certified copy of your former spouse or partner s death certificate. You will also need to show us a certificate relating to your former marriage or partnership.
If you have changed your name by Deed Poll, Change of name Deed or by Statutory Declaration you will need to bring the document with you.
If either of you is under eighteen we will need to see proof that your parent(s) or guardian(s) agree to the registration taking place. If your parents are divorced we will also need to see the Court Order that gives custody to one or other parent. Please contact the Register Office for advice.
You will also need to show proof of your address.
Leeds Town Hall
Leeds Town Hall is Yorkshire's premier ceremonies venue. As a grade I listed building it provides a magnificent setting for your ceremony.
We have a choice of two spacious and attractive rooms; the Brodrick Suite, which has seating for forty and the Albert Room, which accommodates up to one hundred guests. Both rooms have fresh flower displays.
The Brodrick suite is tastefully decorated with modern furnishings. A comfortable interview lounge and waiting area complete the suite. The Albert Room is an imposing Victorian arena, which incorporates skylighting and an elevated balcony to give your ceremony a special uplifting experience!
Both rooms are equipped with CD music facilities and hearing loops for the comfort of your guests. Web cameras are installed in both rooms to enable absent friends and relatives to share in the occasion.
Leeds Town Hall is situated on the Headrow, at its junction with Calverley Street. Please note that we are unable to provide parking at the Town Hall although couples registering their partnership may use the dropping-off area at the front of the building. There is level access from the car park to the lift, providing access to both rooms and waiting areas. Alternatively you may enter by the sweeping Portland stone steps at the front of the Town Hall leading into the magnificent domed vestibule.
The nearest car parks are in Portland Crescent and Woodhouse Lane. There are also a number of metered parking areas around the Town Hall in Oxford Place, Great George Street, Portland Street, Calverley Street (opposite the Civic Hall) and Thoresby Place.
Disabled parking is available at the front of the Town Hall with level access provided to the lift.
Commitment Ceremonies
You will still be able to hold a Commitment ceremony if you do not wish to legally register your relationship.
Civil Partnership Fees (with or without ceremony):
At Leeds Town Hall (from 5 December 2005 to 31 July 2006):
Monday - Saturday £40.00
Civil Partnership Certificate £3.50
At Leeds Town Hall (from 1 August 2006 to 31 March 2007):
Monday-Friday £40.00
Saturday Brodrick Suite £85.00
Albert Room £95.00
Civil Partnership Certificate £3.50
At Approved Venues including certificate (from 5 December 2005 to 31 March 2007):
Monday Friday £215.00
Saturday £230.00
Sunday & Bank Holiday £295.00
Fees for ceremonies at Approved venues and Saturday ceremonies at Leeds Town Hall must be paid in advance, approximately 4 weeks before registration. You can do this in person, by post or by telephone via credit card. Please make cheques payable to "Leeds City Council".
Fees for weekday registrations and ceremonies may be paid on the day.