Civil Partnership Ceremony

Welcome to our guide to arranging your Civil Partnership. Whether you choose to have your ceremony in one of our Registration offices, at one of the many approved venues throughout Aberdeenshire or at a choice of locations in Aberdeenshire. Our experienced Registrars will be delighted to offer assistance and advice on any aspect of you forthcoming civil partnership.

When you have decided on a date and venue, contact the appropriate registration office to check availability. Please make your booking as soon as possible. The Registrar will ask you at the time of booking for a non-refundable deposit of £20. Remember that you will also require to complete civil partnership notices and the additional information sheet, no more than 3 months and no less than 14 clear days before the date of the civil partnership. Guidance to civil partnership in Scotland is found on leaflet RCP1.

With respect to venues for civil partnerships, Aberdeenshire Council will offer ceremonies in the venues already authorised for civil marriages and any new temporary venue that meets all relevant health and safety and other requirements including payment of appropriate fee.

The couple must understand that only a civil non-religious ceremony can be permitted by the registrar. Any music, reading, words or performance, which form any part of the ceremony, must also be non-religious and is required to be approved by the registrar. Any rights of copyright for music etc, permitted at the ceremony are a matter for the couple and the holder of the approval. Video recording of civil partnerships may be permitted but are at the discretion of the Registrar.

Aberdeenshire also offers civil partnership facilities on weekdays and weekends. You can choose your venue to suit your circumstances. Facilities within local offices vary and your local registrar will be able to advise you which are available and best suited to your requirements.