I need to check you are aware that a celebrant isn’t able to conduct the legally binding part of your marriage/civil partnership.  For this you require a local authority registrar.  For a marriage you are required to repeat vows prescribed by law and sign a marriage certificate, for a civil partnership, no vows are required, you sign a civil partnership certificate.  It is the completion of these acts that legalise your relationship.  At the present time, those authorised to carry out these proceedings are registrars or members of the clergy. 

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To legalise your marriage/ civil partnership, you do not have to exchange rings or read promises to each other, these aspects and your other wishes can be carried out in your celebrant led ceremony in any way that you may choose to do so.

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A registrar will perform your legal marriage/ civil partnership in a licenced venue at a prescribed time, whereas a celebrant led ceremony can be held wherever and whenever you like (I’ve jumped out of a plane twice, not sure I want to do it a third time!!)

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CIVIL PARTNERSHIP 

 

Many couples ask me, what is the difference?  Legally there is little difference.  Rights of both are recognised equally.  A civil partnership may be preferred by those wanting a more modern alternative to marriage as is less associated with the traditional connotations of marriage.