They say , “ home is where the heart is ”. Richmond has always been our spiritual home even though we live elsewhere at present , we plan to return to the borough soon . When we knew the opportunity for converting our civil partnership to a marriage was approaching , it felt right and natural to do it in Richmond .
The town has always felt progressive , calm and liberal . It has style and class . This too of the Register Office . Always pleasant and welcoming . We wanted to be first , and we were . This is a monumental time for true equality and we couldn ’ t be happier !
Martin & Brad Cooper
Civil Partnership
A N D C O N V E R S I O N
www . charlottesteeples . com
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CONVERTING YOUR EXISTING CIVIL PARTNERSHIP TO MARRIAGE
On 10th December 2014 the law changed to allow couples who had formed a civil partnership in England and Wales , the opportunity to convert their existing partnership to a marriage .
This is an administrative process which can be completed at the Register Office . You do not need to return to the place where your partnership was originally formed , but can attend an office which is convenient for you both . You will both need to produce documents to evidence your partnership , your names and address , and attend the office together .
You do not need to bring witnesses to the appointment .
The registrar will complete a form called the declaration , which is similar to your original civil partnership paperwork .
Once you have completed and signed this form , your partnership is then registered as a marriage , and a marriage certificate can be issued . Please check our website for current fees for the conversion process and certificates .
Your marriage certificate records the date of marriage as the date that your civil partnership was originally formed . Contact us for further information and to make an appointment .
Civil partnership remains an option for same sex couples , and if you do not wish to convert your existing partnership you are under no obligation to do so .