Civil partnership to marriage

Couples in an existing same-sex civil partnership may convert their civil partnership to a marriage, as long as the civil partnership took place in England or Wales (or overseas in a consulate or armed forces base where the civil partnership was registered according to the laws of England and Wales). You do not need to convert your civil partnership with the same local authority who registered it. For example, if your civil partnership took place in Surrey your conversion can still take place in Lambeth. 

Civil partners have the choice of a simple conversion at Lambeth Register Office, or a conversion with a ceremony. There is currently no provision for couples in an opposite-sex civil partnership to convert their civil partnership to a marriage. 

All existing civil partners wishing to convert to a marriage, will have to pay a fee of £50 for a conversion, plus £12.50 for each certificate. You can choose to follow your conversion appointment with a ceremony at any of Lambeth's licensed ceremony venues (separate ceremony fees apply). Please remove: If you're having a ceremony, you will need to pay ceremony fees plus the conversion fee of £45. There will be a fee of £11 for each certificate.

Simple conversion

For a simple conversion, you'll need to:

  • book an appointment, and both individuals must attend in person at the register office
  • provide proof of identity and current address and your current civil partnership registration certificate.

You'll also have to sign a declaration to confirm that:

  • you haven't dissolved your civil partnership
  • both of you wish to convert your civil partnership.

The declaration must be signed at the register office.

Conversion and ceremony

To convert your civil partnership with a ceremony, you'll need to:

  • book an appointment in person at a register office, and both individuals must attend in person
  • provide proof of identity and your current address and civil partnership registration certificate.

The declaration will be signed, on a separate occasion, at an approved venue or religious building which has been registered for marriages of same sex.

A member of staff (superintendent or deputy registrar) from the Register Office will be required to attend the ceremony. The conversion will be registered with the Register Office and a marriage certificate issued.

If you're having a ceremony, you will need to pay ceremony fees plus the conversion fee of £45. There will be a fee of £11 for each certificate.

Conversion appointment

To book an appointment, please email registeroffice@lambeth.gov.uk with your request.

You'll need to provide the following information:

  • First name and surname of the couples.
  • When and where you registered your civil partnership.
  • An email address.
  • A contact number.
  • If possible, indicate your preferred option of a conversion or conversion and ceremony.

We aim to get back in contact with you within five working days to arrange an appointment.