Civil partnerships

From 16 December 2014, couples in a civil partnership registered in Scotland will be able to change their civil partnership to a marriage.

Many couples will want to be married, while many others prefer civil partnership. You can keep your civil partnership if you prefer, and new civil partnerships will continue to be available as an alternative to marriage in Scotland. However, only same-sex couples can register a civil partnership.

How to change a civil partnership to marriage

If you do decide to change your civil partnership to marriage, there are two ways you can do this:

By the administrative route

You can make an appointment with the local registrar, show up with your original civil partnership certificate, photo ID (eg passport, driving licence etc), and get a marriage certificate there and then without a ceremony. There is some paperwork to complete and you may find it useful to download the following documents.

Guidance on changing a Civil Partnership to a Marriage
PDF file, 30.4 KB
Application to change a Civil Partnership to a Marriage
PDF file, 20.7 KB

Further information can be found on the National Records of Scotland website.

By ceremony

Alternatively, you can change your civil partnership to marriage by having a civil, religious or belief ceremony. More information on how to organise your ceremony can be found in the following download or by visiting the National Records of Scotland website.

Marriage in Scotland - guidance notes
PDF file, 43.9 KB

How much does it cost?

If you decide on the administrative route, then the cost will depend on when you got your civil partnership and when you choose to convert it to marriage.

If your civil partnership started before the new law came into effect on 16 December 2014, and you choose to convert your civil partnership to marriage within a year ie before 16 December 2015, then the conversion will be free. If you would like a copy of the marriage certificate then there is a £10 fee.

If you entered your civil partnership after 16 December 2014, or you choose to convert your civil partnership after 16 December 2015, then you will need to pay the standard fee in Scotland for converting a civil partnership to marriage. This costs £30, plus £10 for a copy of the marriage certificate.

If you decide to convert your civil partnership to marriage by marrying in the usual way with a ceremony, then you will need to pay the statutory fees for the type of marriage ceremony you choose.