CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS: FAQ'S

Which finger do I place the Wedding Ring On?

We guess it will be no surprise to you when we say that it is entirely up to each couple which finger to choose. The most common options are the fourth finger on the right hand (the one next to the little finger) or the fourth finger on the left hand(traditionally referred to as the ‘ring finger’). The ring finger is the one used by heterosexual couples when they wed, and some gay couples choose this as a demonstration that they are on equal terms or as a way of demonstrating to everyone that they are married. Many other fingers and even thumbs have been, and will continue to be, used so it really is your choice – there isn’t a right or a wrong answer. If you were seeking a definitive viewpoint then we apologise, so instead we offer you this one piece of advice. To demonstrate a stong union with one another, regardless of which finger or thumb is chosen, it is best to ensure that both partners wear the ring on the same one.

Does either partner need to Change Their Name?

Put simply, no. That said, a great number of couples will choose to share a surname to further demonstrate their union to each other and to friends, relatives and colleagues. Civil Partners can choose to retain the surnames they have, to have one partner adopt the other partners surname, or most commonly, to opt for a double-barrel surname with both original names joined by a hyphen (‘Lewis-Cooper’ for example) – although which surname goes first is for you to argue amongst yourselves!

Any change of surname, or change of title for that matter (i.e. from Miss/Ms to Mrs) can be done by Deed Poll via the Civil Partnership Certificate that is issued after the Ceremony. It is quite a simple procedure and your Registrar will be able to advise what forms need to be completed if you wish to go down this route.