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UK Wedding News

13/03/2014

Registration Opens For Gay Marriage

Registration has now opened for same-sex couples in England and Wales who want to marry on the day gay marriage becomes legal.

Following an extensive, and often controversial, campaign, same-sex marriage was passed into law last year. From 29 March 2014, gay couples will now officially be able to marry.

In addition, it is understood that existing marriages of gay couples that took place overseas will also be legally recognised from today (13 March), but for couples in civil partnerships, while they can choose to "upgrade" their relationship to marriage, a proper procedure for the conversion is not due to be in place until the end of the year.

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In a Government statement, couples wishing to tie the knot under the new legislation will have to give 15 days' notice of their intention to marry at a register office. For those who want to be among the first to benefit from the passing of the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act however, they will need to register on Thursday.

Under the terms of the bill, religious organisations will have the opportunity to "opt in" to offering the ceremonies, with the Church of England and Church in Wales prevented from doing so. There are also proposals to hold same-sex weddings in some British consulates and overseas armed forces bases, while arrangements for gay weddings in military chapels will be in place from June 2014.

In addition to England and Wales, Scotland has also passed a same-sex marriage bill. Ceremonies are expected to take place before the end of the year.

A similar law regarding gay marriage will not be introduced in Northern Ireland.

(JP/IT)

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"Registration has now opened for same-sex couples in England and Wales who want to marry on the day gay marriage becomes legal."