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 Traditional 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.
You have all shared in their lives in the past, and by witnessing their civil partnership today, (Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name) ask you to share in their future.
(Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name), the purpose of this civil partnership is that you may always love care for and support each other through the joys and sorrows of life.
This civil partnership should not be entered into lightly, or without due thought, but with respect and with the intention of sharing in each other’s happiness.
It is a formal and public pledge of your love, and a promise of lifelong commitment to one another.
However, if any person present know of any impediment to this civil partnership, they should now declare it.
[READING 1 (OPTIONAL)]
A civil partnership is a personal decision, but a large part of its importance comes from its recognition by those who are close to you.
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).
(Partner 1’s name), I ask you in the presence of your witnesses, do you take (Partner 2’s name) to be your civil partner and do you promise to remain true to them for the rest of your lives together?
Partner 1 answers: I do.
(Partner 2’s name), I ask you in the presence of your witnesses, do you take (Partner 1’s name) to be your civil partner and do you promise to remain true to them for the rest of your lives together?
Partner 2 answers: I do.
Please repeat after me:
I (Partner 1’s name) take you (Partner 2’s name) to be my civil partner. I promise to be your best friend, your support and companion, and to love and respect you always.
I (Partner 2’s name) take you (Partner 3’s name) to be my civil partner. I promise to be your best friend, your support and companion, and to love and respect you always.
[PERSONAL VOWS (OPTIONAL)]
[READING 2 (OPTIONAL)]
[RINGS (OPTIONAL)]
Traditionally, the exchange of rings has an important significance in a relationship. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love.
(Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name) have chosen to mark their civil partnership with the giving and receiving of rings.
Please repeat after me:
(Partner 2’s name), I give you this ring, as a token of our union, and a symbol of our love.
I promise to love, honour and care for you;
to support you through good fortune and adversity;
joy and sadness;
and to be yours for as long as we both shall live.
(Partner 1’s name), I give you this ring, as a token of our union, and a symbol of our love.
I promise to love, honour and care for you;
to support you through good fortune and adversity;
joy and sadness;
and to be yours for as long as we both shall live.
[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 your own 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 legally civil partners!
Congratulations! You may now kiss each other!’
[COUPLE DECLARED AS THEY HAVE ASKED TO BE DECLARED ON THE PRE-CEREMONY ORGANISER]