Below is our What is Civil Partnership script. If you'd like to print it off, download the What is Civil Partnership script.

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is [   ] and I am the Civil Partnership Registrar and with me is [   ] also a Civil Partnership Registrar.

On behalf of [   ] and [   ] I would like to welcome you all here today to share with them in this civil partnership. Through their vows they are making a commitment to each other, and through your presence you are expressing your support for them. 

However, I must ask that if any person here present knows of any lawful impediment to this civil partnership then they should declare it now.

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.

Civil partnership means making a commitment to developing co-operation, friendship and mutual respect. It calls for understanding, honesty, patience and of course humour!

A Civil 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.

Civil partnership requires closeness and distance – closeness for a couple growing together and enough distance to allow each partner to be an individual. A good partner in such a civil partnership will be loving and caring and above all a best friend.

It is in this spirit that [   ] and [   ] now stand before us. In each other’s company they have found fulfilment and love.

They now wish to affirm their relationship with this civil partnership.
[   ] and [   ] we celebrate with you today. We are glad to join with you in the registration of your civil partnership, to witness your vows and to support you in your intentions for your future life together.

COUPLE STAND

Partner 1: Will you stand by [   ], respecting his/her individuality, understanding his/her needs, accepting him/her, and enjoying his/her love forever?

Answer: “I will”

Partner 2: Will you stand by [   ], respecting his/her individuality, understanding his/her needs, accepting him/her, and enjoying his/her love forever?

Answer: “I will”

Now the solemn moment has come for this couple to make their civil partnership contract with each other.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: PLEASE STAND

Partner 1: I declare that I know of no legal reason why we may not register as each other’s civil partner. I understand that on signing this document we will be forming a civil partnership with each other.

Partner 2: I declare that I know of no legal reason why we may not register as each other’s civil partner. I understand that on signing this document we will be forming a civil partnership with each other.

[   ] and [   ], the giving of a ring is the ancient and traditional way of sealing the contract you have just made. It is the unbroken circle, which symbolises unending and everlasting love and is an outward sign of the lifelong promise you have just made to each other.

Partner 1: [   ] I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and affection. Wear it with happiness and pride, today tomorrow and always.”

Partner 2: [   ] I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and affection. Wear it with happiness and pride, today tomorrow and always.”

SIGNING OF THE CIVIL PARTNERSHIP SCHEDULE

We now come to the signing of the document, which will bind [   ] and [   ] together in law.

[   ] and [   ] Would you please step forward to sign – then your witnesses

[   ] and [   ], you have both made declarations and have made solemn promises to each other in the presence of your family and friends gathered here this morning/afternoon.

Let the world now recognise that you are now Civil Partners. May you treasure this trust and responsibility, may neither failure nor misfortune ever part you, and may you live full and rich lives together.

Congratulations to you both!