Civil Partnership

From 21 December 2005, same sex couples wishing to formalise their relationship have been able to do so by registering as a civil partnership. In addition couples are able, if they choose, to enhance the registration with a ceremony.

Couples must give formal Notice of their intention to register a civil partnership. The Notice must be given at the register office (or other office nominated by the local authority) for the area in which the couple have lived for seven days. If the couple live in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, notice can be given at the Maidenhead register office (Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF, entrance on Park Street) by appointment (tel: 01628 796422).

After notice has been given there is a 15-day waiting period before the Schedule (authority for the partnership registration to take place) can be issued.

The Authority will last for 12 months but is restricted to the venue for which it is issued. If the Authority expires before the registration is completed or you wish to change the venue then new Notices will have to be given.

In cases where one of the partners is seriously ill and not expected to recover then it is possible for the 15-day waiting period may be waived, but please seek advice on this point by contacting the Register Office.

In order to register a civil partnership same sex couples must be over 18 (or provide evidence of consent if aged 16 or 17), not related to each other within the prohibited degrees of relationship and free to register (ie. not in an existing marriage or civil partnership.)

The Home Office website has further information on civil partnerships.

Couples will also be able to enhance their civil partnership registration with a partnership ceremony, which can include special vows, poetry, readings, messages of celebration and music.

The civil partnership may be registered at the Register Office in Maidenhead or couples may be able to register at one of the many venues currently approved by the Royal Borough or other District for civil marriages.  Each venue has licensed rooms, where registrations and ceremonies may take place. Details of the licensed venues in the Royal Borough.

Registrations in the Register Office may take place each weekday between 10.00 and 4.00 and on Saturday mornings (other times by arrangement). Ceremonies in licensed venues may take place on any day (including Sundays) between 8.00am and 6.00pm. The last appointment time is 5.00 pm, subject to staff availability we guarantee your date and time after booking confirmation.

If you wish to book a registration and / or ceremony in the Register Office please telephone our main booking number 01628 796422.

If you wish to book a registration and ceremony at any of the other licensed venues then you will need to arrange this direct with the venue concerned and then check availability of a Registrar for your chosen date and time.

If this procedure appears daunting in any way – do not despair – we have a professional staff to help you and provide assistance for your special day.

Venues for Civil Partnership

Whilst all existing venues licensed for civil marriage ceremonies will also be approved for civil partnerships there may be other venues that would also like to be licensed.

Any venue owner/manager who would like to consider being licensed for civil partnerships (and civil marriages) should contact, in the first instance, The Superintendent Registrar on 01628 796422.

Contact Information

By post: The Register Office, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF

By phone: Tel: 01628 796422

By email: registrar@rbwm.gov.uk