civil partnerships...

Cumbria Tourism has welcomed the decision by Cumbria County Council to allow same-sex civil partnerships to take place across the county. In December 2005, Cumbria County Council agreed that the county's register offices will offer ceremonies to celebrate civil partnerships, allowing same-sex couples to make a formal, legal commitment to each other. Cumbria - The Lake District is a perfect place for people in love and is regularly named as the number one destination in the whole country for those wanting a romantic break. There are dozens of hotels and attractions which are licenced for marriages and couples can choose from a number of high quality venues if they want to stage a reception or spend their honeymoon.

Civil Partnership Registration

Civil Partnerships allow same-sex couples to make a formal, legal commitment to each other. Each partner needs to give legal notice of their intended partnership to the local authority in which they have been resident for previous seven days. However, if one of the partners is subject to immigration control it will be necessary for both partners to attend a designated register office together to give the required notice. Each person needs to produce passports as evidence of identity and nationality and some proof of residence in the form of utility bills, Council Tax bill, bank statement or any other form of official documentation. If either party has been through a marriage or other partnership previously they would also have to produce evidence of its dissolution.

The notices of intended partnership will need to be placed on public display for a period of 15 clear days after which the partnership can be formed. The partnership can be formed in any local authority, irrespective of the residence of the couple, and can also be formed in Approved Premises that have previously been approved for marriages. Partnerships can be formed between the hours of 8am and 6pm reflecting the position for marriages. There will be no requirement for couples to say particular contractual words as part of the registration process nor will there be any legal necessity for any form of ceremony. The minimum requirement will be the couple attending before an authorised civil partnership officer and signing the registration in the presence of two witnesses. The formation of a partnership should be a meaningful and significant event that can be celebrated by the couple and their guests if they wish.