Date is set for new same-sex marriage rule

Until now, only same sex couples who are not in a civil partnership have been able to take advantage of gay marriage legislation, which came into effect from 29th March .

The Government has been working on adapting laws to allow couples in a civil partnership to convert their union into a marriage if they wish.

Couples will have to attend a register office and sign a declaration that they both wish to convert their civil partnership to a marriage in front of a superintendent registrar.

Couples can also hold a ceremony at a register office or approved venue if they want to formally mark the event, a Nottinghamshire County Council spokesman said.

So far the council has carried out 20 same-sex marriages and has another 32 booked.

Coun Glynn Gilfoyle, chair of the council’s community safety committee, said: “We’ve had same sex couples contact us wanting to convert their civil partnership to a marriage and it’s been unclear about when we will be able to this. It’s great news that we can finally take bookings.”

For more information call 0300 500 80 80 or go to www.celebrateinnottinghamshire.co.uk