Civil Partnerships

A Civil Partnership is a relationship between two people of the same sex, which is formed when they register as civil partners of one another. Two people can register provided:

• They are the same sex
• Neither of them is already a civil partner or is legally married
• They are 18 or above on the day of the ceremony (consent must be obtained for those aged between 16 and 18)
• They are not related to one another in a way that would prevent them from having a civil partnership

Civil Partnership ceremonies can take place in Antrim Civic Centre or in an approved venue (subject to approval and the availability of the Registrar).

Antrim Civic Centre

Antrim Civic Centre offers a modern, purpose built Suite with private entrance. We also have a beautifully landscaped and mature garden area that would be ideal for those special photographs. Civil Partnerships can take place in one of two rooms in Antrim Civic Centre.

• Whinstone Suite which seats up to 45 people
• Steeple Suite which seats up to 90 people          

Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse in Antrim's Market Square has recently been approved as a venue for Marriages, able to accomodate up to 150 people, the Old Courthouse again offers the attraction of a beautiful historic, yet modern and versatile building within a Conversation Area as a stylish back-drop for that most special of days.

Fees Payable

The following prices currently apply to Civil Partnerships taking place in Antrim Civic Centre. The fee should be submitted when you return your notice forms.

Approved Venues

Civil Partnerships can also take place in an approved venue, subject to the availability of a Registrar. The following venues have been approved by the Registrar to hold civil partnership ceremonies:

• Dunsilly Hotel 
• Dunadry Hotel & Country Club
• Hilton Hotel
• Templeton Hotel
•  Park Plaza Hotel  
• Castle Upton
• Shanes Castle
• Maid of Antrim

If you are planning on registering a Civil Partnership in a year's time or longer, you can make a provisional booking. If you want a date within the next 12 months, you can also make a definite booking, subject to availability.

All enquiries about possible Civil Partnership dates and arrangements should be referred to the Registrar.

Fees Payable

The following fees currently apply to Civil Partnerships in one of the approved venues. The fee should be submitted when you return your Civil Partnership Notice Form.

Cancellation

If you change your plans or decide to postpone your ceremony, you must notify the Registrar as soon as possible.