Conversion of Civil Partnership to a Marriage or Marriage to Civil Partnership

New legislation came into effect on 7 December 2020, enabling couples to convert their same sex civil partnership formed in Northern Ireland to a marriage, or opposite sex marriage formed in Northern Ireland to a civil partnership.

You can make an appointment to have your conversion at Bangor Castle. You do not need witnesses. Both partners must attend together for the conversion signing. Once you have made an appointment please submit your application form and relevant documentation.    

If you would prefer to have a ceremony to sign the conversion with family and friends attending, you can book this with the Registration Office by calling  028 91 278003/4. Once an appointment has been made please submit your application form, relevant documentation and fee. Room hire fees will apply and ceremonies will take place under the current coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.

Conversions do not have to take place in the original district where the civil partnership or marriage took place.

Application form to convert a Civil Partnership to a Marriage (GRO 500)  (link will open NI Direct website) 

Application form to convert a Marriage to a Civil Partnership (GRO 501)  (link will open NI Direct website)

Documents required:

Send your completed application form, including original marriage or civil partnership certificate and photocopies of photographic ID (preferably passports). Please do not post your original passports a photocopy will suffice, and you can bring the original passports to your conversion appointment.

Please post your documents to:

The Registrar
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Town Hall The Castle
Bangor
Co Down
BT20 4BT

If you require a certified copy of your Civil Partnership Certificate or Marriage Certificate, please contact The General Register Office on 0300 200 7890 or www.nidirect.gov.uk/gro