From a legal perspective there are no major differences between the two processes of entering into either a marriage or a civil partnership. In terms of describing the relationship however there is distinction as married couples cannot call themselves civil partners, and civil partners cannot call themselves married for legal purposes.
Both marriages and civil ceremonies can be entered into by individuals who are:
- aged 16 or over (with parents’ permission if under 18);
- not already married or in a civil partnership; and
- not closely related
When looking to form a legal bond, marriages can be conducted through either a civil ceremony or by a religious ceremony whereas the formation of a civil partnership is an entirely civil event. It is possible however for civil partners to choose to add a ceremony (religious or not) to follow after the civil partnership has been formed.
If parties later look to terminate their relationship legally, a marriage is ended by divorce, and presently by obtaining a Decree Absolute (soon to be called Final Order). Civil partnerships are ended by a Dissolution Order.