The Law has changed – Civil Partnerships For All!

So what does this mean to you as a venue owner?  Surely it’s just a wedding by any other name?  Well actually no it isn’t - and whilst the numbers may not be great it is important that you do not treat this couple’s day as a wedding.  Yes, there will be similarities – it is, after all, a day of celebration.  But more than anything these couples will be celebrating their equality – they are not bride and groom, becoming husband and wife - they are equal partners in their legal union.  The Wedding rule book needs to put to one side and you will need to listen to the couple about their vision for the ceremony and be creative to help it happen. They may wish to enter the ceremony together or be accompanied by their family and friends, there may be no giving away - this is one of the outmoded patriarchal elements of marriage the couple may be escaping!  More than anything they will want a more individual ceremony including rituals or elements which celebrate their choice to be together but equal.  Welcoming these couples to your venue will give you a chance to become creative and refresh your offer – this can only be helpful for all of your couples!  

The legal part of a Civil Partnership is the signing of a document called a Schedule – the couple, two witnesses and a Civil Partnership Registrar all have to sign the document – no words need to be spoken and no ceremony is required.  As this is such an official paperwork exercise it is a great opportunity to offer the couple a celebrant led ceremony – a Celebrant will work with the couple to get to understand their vision and will write a bespoke ceremony which can include rituals and spiritual elements, and of course can take place anywhere in your venue, no license required.

Guest post by Nicola Le Couteur Bisson from The Guild of Cornish Celebrants