Registration

The legal process to form a civil partnership requires the signing by both partners, in the presence of 2 witnesses and a Civil Partnership Registrar, of a registration document.

This signing can take place at either a Kent County Council owned ceremony venue (a Registration Office) or a ceremony venue specially licensed by Kent County Council (For example: hotel, castle, country house, civil building, wild animal park).

Arrival

Your party should be assembled at your venue at least 10 minutes before your registration is due to start. A Civil Partnership Registrar will officiate. You are required to provide 2 witnesses who will sign the registration document.

Checking of details

The Registrar will check each partner's details against the information recorded on the registration document.

Registration of the partnership

The couple, together with 2 witnesses will be asked to sign the registration document. The Celebrant will then complete the entry. (The partnership registration will be entered onto the National Civil Partnership Register within 3 working days and copies of the registration will be available within 5 working days). The signing of the registration document can be celebrated with a kiss. Please note, a registration does not include any personal ceremony choices

Photography and videography

Both photography and videography are welcomed during the registration.

Commemorative Civil Partnership Certificate

A commemorative civil partnership certificate specially designed for the occasion may be presented to the couple at the end of their registration. View the commemorative civil partnership certificates.