You can give notice of your intention to form a civil partnership to the registrars at Penallta House Register Office. We can guide you through the legal requirements to ensure that your partnership is registered within the law. If you choose to have a ceremony we can help to make it special, whether you want to use the facilities at the Register Office or at one of Caerphilly's other approved venues.
Making a booking
You must first contact the district or venue where you wish to form your civil partnership and make a provisional booking for your chosen date.
After this you should then give a notice of your intention to form a civil partnership in the district in which you live.
A notice is valid for one year, but it is advisable to make a booking as soon as you can, particularly if you intend to have a ceremony in one of our approved premises, although it is not necessary to have a ceremony if you don't wish to do so.
Giving notice
Both parties to the partnership are required to give their notice of intention to the registration authority in which they have had their usual residence for the preceding seven days.
Once the notices have been given, fifteen clear days must pass before the Civil Partnership Schedule may be issued and the partnership registered.
The couple must be of the same sex, over 18 (or provide evidence of consent if over 16), not related to each other within the prohibited degrees of relationship and not in an existing marriage or civil partnership.
When you make an appointment to give notice, you will be advised what documents you will require (for example, passport, birth certificate, divorce papers …) A fee is payable to the Registration Authority at the time of giving notice. Visit Register office charges and fees for full details.
Different rules apply to non-British or non-EEA persons. Please call the register office on 01443 863478 or email registrars@caerphilly.gov.uk for further advice.
Making an appointment
You will need to make an appointment to give notice of your intention to form a civil partnership. If you would like to make an appointment to give notice, call 01443 863478 or email registrars@caerphilly.gov.uk.
Appointments are available during office hours. For office hours visit our Facilities and opening hours webpage.
Your civil partnership ceremony
A civil partnership is formed when the couple have signed before a civil partnership registrar and two witnesses. There is no requirement for a ceremony as part of the legal process, but at Caerphilly we will be more than happy to offer a ceremony if required, either at the Penallta House Register Office or one of our approved venues.
You may wish to exchange vows or enhance your ceremony with readings or music. The Civil Partnership Registrar will be happy to discuss what you want and will consider any requests you might have to make your day more memorable.