Civil Partnership Registrations

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CIVIL PARTNERSHIP REGISTRATIONS

Step into the magnificent Lagan Valley Island complex, a truly magnificent venue.From the moment you arrive the Registration Staff will help make your visit to Lagan Valley Island special.

The Lagan Valley Island complex, is situated on the banks of the River Lagan in Northern Ireland's newest City of Lisburn with easy access from the M1. This is a beautiful venue, with a range of exclusive sculptures, a fully restored canal with operating lock gates, secluded terrace, patio and garden areas.

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Civil Partnership, according to the law of this country, is a relationship between two people of the same sex "Civil Partners", which is formed when they register as civil partners of each other.

Civil Partnerships may take place in the Registrar's Office or in an Approved Venue. (Please contact Registration Office for details of Approved Venues in the Lisburn Area and Fees regarding this).

WHO CAN ENTER INTO A CIVIL PARTNERSHIP

• two people of same sex
• either of them are not already a civil partner or lawfully married
• they are over 16
• they are not within prohibited degrees of relationship

BOOKING YOUR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP REGISTRATION

You may make a provisional booking by calling in person and filling in a form. This will reserve the room and the registrar for that date and time until official notice is given.

You do not have to initially make a provisional booking, you may just make a definite booking by doing the following:

HOW AND WHEN TO GIVE OFFICIAL NOTICE

Notice of Civil Partnership may be given within 12 months of the date of the Civil Partnership. Both partners must each complete a Notice Form and bring or send them to the Registrar once within the 12 months, but preferably no later than 8/10 weeks before the date of the registration. Notice forms are available from any of the 26 local Northern Ireland Registration Offices or you can download a copy of this Civil Partnerhsip Notice by clicking here. The fees should be accompanied with the Notice Forms and all required documents.

Once the Registrar receives the two notice forms, fees and documents, the Notice takes effect from that date. Then, the earliest possible civil partnership registration would be 14 days later (depending on availability).

DOCUMENTS TO BE PRODUCED

All documents must be originals i.e not photocopies and if not in English, accompanied by a certified translation. These documents must be produced when giving notice.

Identity

A Full Birth Certificate (Long Version)

Status

If you are a widow, widower or surviving civil partner, the death certificate of your former spouse or civil partner.

If divorced - a decree absolute or a dissolution of Civil Partnership Certificate. Please note a decree nisi is not acceptable.

If reverted back to maiden name - last marriage certificate must be produced.

Consent

If 16 or 17 years - Consent Forms are available from Registrar

Nationality

Passport or National Identity Card.

Since 9 May 2011, any person subject to immigration control wishing to give notice to register a civil partnership no longer require a Certificate of Approval, any entry clearance for the purpose of marriage or settled status in the UK.

Immigration entry requirements remain unchanged.  Any person wishing to come to the UK to register a civil partnership will still need to obtain the correct entry clearance before they travel to the UK.  Failure to obtain the correct entry clearance may result in admission to the UK being refused.  More information about entry clearance requirements can be obtained from the UK Border Agency or the Immigration and Nationality Enquiry Bureau. For more information on this contact them on Tel: 087 0606 7766.

FEES (FROM 17 JANUARY 2012)

The above rooms are not always available to see on a daily basis, however photographs are available on this website.

ROOMS

There are various rooms you may have your civil partnership registration in within the Lagan Valley Island. To view the rooms please click here.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP

TIMING

N.B. Failure to keep to the time you have booked may mean postponement or cancellation.

ACCESS

All guests come through the front entrance. Free Car Parking is available on the site.

GUESTS

Make sure you inform your guests to arrive on time and also how to access the building.

WITNESSES

You must have two witnesses over the age of 16 years to sign the schedule

CAPACITY OF ROOMS

Cherry Room maximum numbers 74, Hawthorn Room maximum numbers 15, Chestnut Suite maximum numbers 100 and the Registrar's Office/Interview Room maximum 2 guests.

DRESS ATTIRE

Is entirely your choice, formal or casual wear can be worn.

FLOWERS

There are silk flowers in the rooms, but you may wish to bring along fresh flowers for the room if you wish. Please confirm this with Registration Staff prior to the day.

MUSIC

We (or you) may provide suitable non-religious music, this is discussed in advance.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Very important - Please make sure Photographers are aware of time booked. There are many suitable locations around Lagan Valley Island for photographs.

SMOKING

A no-smoking policy has been adopted by Lisburn City Council and must be adhered to.

REGISTRARS

We cannot guarantee which of the Registration Staff will officiate at any particular civil partnership registration.

EVENTS

As Lagan Valley Island is a public building there may be other functions taking place in the building or on site or any day.

WHAT IS NOT PERMITTED

Religious Words/Music or Confetti/Rice.