Civil Partnerships Abroad

Back in 1989 Demark led way and where the first country to introduce civil union status. There are now many more countries that offer a form of legal gay marriage or civil union. Countries where gay marriage is legal include:

• Sweden
• South Africa
• Portugal
• Norway
• Netherlands
• Nepal
• Mexico City
• Iceland
• Denmark
• Canada
• Argentina

Other countries and states that recognise same-sex civil unions and civil partnerships but do not offer equal rights to heterosexual couples include:

• United Kingdom
• Uruguay
• Switzerland
• Spain
• Slovenia
• Poland
• New Zealand
• Luxembourg
• Italy
• Israel
• Hungary
• Greenland
• Germany
• French Guyana
• France
• Finland
• Falkland Islands
• Czech Republic
• Croatia
• Brazil
• Belgium
• Austria
• Andorra
• Australian Territories:
• The Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Victoria
• Western Australia

US States:

• California
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• Oregon
• Vermont
• Wisconsin

For a full explanation of gay marriage legalities in each of these countries and states please visit of legalities of gay marriage section.

You cannot register an overseas civil partnership ceremony in the UK. As long as your civil partnership is valid and legal in the country in which it took place, it is likely to be recognised in the UK. If you wish to have a civil partnership abroad you can apply to have your documents sent from the relevant country via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and deposited with the General Register Office (GRO). Copies of your civil partnership record can then be easily obtained.

Other Useful Articles:

What Documents do I need for my Civil Partnership Abroad

Civil Partnerships