Living together, marriage and civil partnership
Settling down with your partner is an exciting step, but it is important to make sure you understand your relationship’s legal status.
These pages explain the legal differences between living together, getting married and entering a civil partnership. You can also find out how to get married or register your civil partnership.
Getting married
Information on getting married, legal requirements, different types of marriage and marriage law.
Living together and opposite-sex marriage: legal differences
Information about the legal differences between opposite sex married or cohabiting couples including information on financial matters, responsibility for children and housing.
Living together and same-sex marriage: legal differences
Information about the legal differences between same-sex married or cohabiting couples including information on financial matters, responsibility for children and housing.
Registering a civil partnership
Information about how to register a civil partnership covering who can register, the cost of registering and special rules for sick and disabled people and people from abroad.
Living together and civil partnership: legal differences
Information about the legal differences between civil partners and cohabiting couples, including information on financial matters and on responsibility for children and housing.