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 Romantic 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.

Civil partnership is a desire by two people to share themselves and their experiences with each other and a willingness to accept each other for who they are.

It means making a commitment to developing co-operation, friendship, and mutual respect. It calls for honesty, patience, and of course humour!  Partnership is where each partner cares for the other, and supports them in all that they do.

It demands courage, the courage to be open, the courage to grow and change, and the courage to sort out together, the tasks of everyday living.

Partnership requires closeness and distance, closeness for a couple growing together and enough distance to allow each partner to be individual. A good partner will be loving, caring, and above all a best friend.

It is in this spirit that (Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name) are now before us. In each other’s company they have found happiness, fulfilment and love. They now wish to affirm their relationship with this civil partnership.

[READING 1 (OPTIONAL)]

(Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name), we celebrate with you today. We are glad to join with you in the solemnization of your partnership, to witness your vows and to support your intentions for your future life together.

We now come to the solemn moment when this couple will make their vows to each other.

(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).

I ask you now in the presence of this company:

(Partner 1’s name), will you take (Partner 2’s name), to be your civil partner, to be loving, to be faithful and to be loyal to them for the rest of your lives together?

Partner 1 answers: I will.

(Partner 2’s name), will you take (Partner 1’s name), to be your civil partner, to be loving, to be faithful and to be loyal to them for the rest of your lives together?

Partner 2 answers: I will.

Please repeat after me:

I, (Partner 1’s name), take you (Partner 2’s name), to be my civil partner. Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I choose to spend today, and all of my tomorrows, with you.

I, (Partner 2’s name), take you (Partner 3’s name), to be my civil partner. Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I choose to spend today, and all of my tomorrows, with you.

[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. It symbolises the promises I have made to you and the choice that I’ve made to share my life with you.

(Partner 1’s name), I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. It symbolises the promises I have made to you and the choice that I’ve made to share my life with you.

[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), this day is the start of a new life for you together. We hope that the feelings of love that you have for each other will deepen and grow ever stronger throughout the years to come.

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]