Same Sex Marriage - Same Sex Couples Are Now Able To Register For Marriage

As from the 13th of March 2014, same sex couples wishing to marry from the 29th of March 2014 can now register to do so. Overseas same sex marriages are now also legally recognised.

Couples can only marry 16 days after giving notice of their intention to marry to their local registrar.

Under the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act, religious organisations can choose to offer wedding ceremonies although there is no obligation for them to do so. The Church of England and the Church of Wales are not permitted to perform such ceremonies.

The position still remains unclear for those couples who have entered into a civil partnership and wish to convert it into a marriage as a decision has still yet to be reached as to how this will be implemented.

A same sex marriage bill was passed in Scotland in February 2014 and same couples in Scotland will have the right to marry by the end of 2014. Let’s wait and see if Northern Ireland moves with the times and introduces legislation to allow for same sex marriages!