Civil partnership is a written contract, which means you do not have to make legal vows to each other, you can just sign the schedule with your witnesses if you prefer, although we always offer our couples the choice of a ceremony or a simple signing.

 

Please see the Modern civil partnership ceremony script below, with the words in italics that the couple will repeat after the registrar:

 

‘Good morning/afternoon everybody, and on behalf of (Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name) I would like to extend a warm welcome to (name of the venue).

My name is (Registrar’s name); I will conduct the ceremony, and (Registrar’s name) will complete the schedule, which is the legal record of the civil partnership.

This place where in which we are now met has been duly sanctioned according to law for the signing and celebration of civil partnerships.

We are here today to witness the union of (Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name), who would like to thank you all for coming to celebrate the beginning of their new life together as civil partners.

You have come to be with them today and it means a great deal to them that you can be here to share in their happiness and witness their civil partnership vows.

(Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name), the purpose of this ceremony is that you may declare your love and support of each other.

Partnership means making a commitment. It means developing and maintaining co-operation, friendship and mutual respect. It calls for trust, understanding and encouragement.

But more than this, civil partnership is also intended to provide the love and friendship, help and comfort which each ought to have for the other, both in times of joy and in times of hardship.

[READING 1 (OPTIONAL)]

(Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name), have found in each other happiness, fulfilment, and love.

They now wish to affirm their relationship and to offer to each other the security, which comes from a civil partnership, which is legally binding, and the joy which comes from vows, sincerely made and faithfully kept.

(Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name), you have gathered about you those whom you love most. You have invited them here to give their encouragement and support, and to celebrate with you at this special time.

Please repeat after me:

I, (Partner 1’s name), declare that I know of no legal reason why I may not register as (Partner 2’s name)’s civil partner. I understand that on signing this document I will be forming a civil partnership with (Partner 2’s name).

I (Partner 2’s name) declare that I know of no legal reason why I may not register as (Partner 2’s name)’s civil partner. I understand that on signing this document I will be forming a civil partnership with (Partner 1’s name).

Please repeat after me:

I, (Partner 1’s name) take you (Partner 2’s name), to be my civil partner. I promise to be loving, faithful and loyal to you for the rest of our lives together.

I, (Partner 2’s name) take you (Partner 1’s name), to be my civil partner. I promise to be loving, faithful and loyal to you for the rest of our lives together.

[PERSONAL VOWS (OPTIONAL)]

[READING 2 (OPTIONAL)]

[RINGS (OPTIONAL)]

A ring is an unbroken circle. It has no beginning and no end. It symbolises unending and everlasting love and is an outward sign of the lifelong promise you have made to each other.

Please repeat after me:

(Partner 2’s name), I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love. May this ring remind you always of the words we have spoken today.

(Partner 1’s name), I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love. May this ring remind you always of the words we have spoken today.

[READING 3 (OPTIONAL)]

We have now come to the signing of the Civil Partnership Schedule.

[SIGNING OF THE SCHEDULE]

(Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name), you have now signed the Civil Partnership Schedule that is required by law and you have made solemn promises to one another in the presence of your family and friends, your witnesses, the registrar and myself. It now gives me great pleasure to declare that you are legal civil partners.

Congratulations! You may now kiss each other!’

[COUPLE DECLARED AS THEY HAVE ASKED TO BE DECLARED ON THE PRE-CEREMONY ORGANISER]