Whats the difference between a civil partnership and wedding?
Men and women traditionally get married but now they can also have a civil partnership (Picture: Getty)  Since June 2018 civil partnerships have been legal for both male/female and same-sex couples. The supreme courts recognised at the time that women and men are allowed to have one, rather than just having the option of marriage as a legally-binding union. Two women getting married, something gay people are legally permitted to do in the UK (Picture: Getty)  The 2004 Civil Partnership Act 2004 saying only same-sex couples are eligible was overturned on June 27 2018. The legal battle with the supreme court has been going on for quite a while but now judges say that banning the couple from eschewing marriage for a civil partnership is incompatible with human rights laws. Here are the differences between a civil partnership, which British same-sex couples have been able to have since December 2005 (gay marriage was made legal in England, Scotland and Wales in 2013). The concept of a marriage has long been coveted by many traditional couples (Picture: Getty)  The ceremony  In regards to the ceremony, there is a difference for those in a civil partnership. A marriage is formed when a couple exchange spoken words, whereas a civil partnership is when the second civil partner signs the relevant document, according to the Wedding Community. And a marriage is often taken in the form of a religious or even a civil ceremony. However a civil partnership is entirely a civil process. There is no requirement for a ceremony to take place. (Picture: Getty)  Ending a relationship  Breaking up can get pretty messy. If married, a couple who are living together can separate informally and there is no need for intervention of the court. However, if youre in a civil partnership, you will need to go to court. Because although you can separate informally, you need officials to dissolve the partnership. And even then you must have lasted for a year before you can apply. The only other way is to get the partnership annulled, or obtain a separation order. And you dont have a time scale on that. Same-sex couples can enter a civil partnership (Picture: Getty)  Travel  Marriage is a historic institution that is recognised around the world as being legally binding, something that is quite different compared to civil partnerships. Despite being legally recognised in a number of countries, there are some destinations where a civil partnership is not. This can cause issues if youre attempting to emigrate, or in the case of an emergency. In England, Wales and Scotland, both opposite sex and same-sex couples can marry in a civil or religious marriage ceremony. All couples may marry if they are above 16. They must also be free to marry, ie single, widowed or divorced. Meanwhile, a civil partnership is defined as a legally-recognised union of a same-sex couple. The couple have rights that are basically identical to those of marriage. Honestly, theres not a lot. Since civil partnerships were introduced to the UK in 2004, a lot has changed. To date, those in a civil partnership can obtain the same rights and responsibilities as civil marriage. Marriage can often end in divorce which can be messy (Picture: Getty)  The act was introduced nine years before same-sex marriages were legally allowed. And now areas of the law are pretty much the same for the two unions. These areas include acquiring parental responsibility, child maintenance, inheritance tax, social security, tenancy rights, full life insurance recognition and even next of kin rights. Well, for many they want to formalise their relationship and celebrate with both friends and family, but they dont want to be married. Cake isnt everything. MORE : Sir Elton Johns mother was against his civil partnership due to mild homophobia: She kind of ruined our day  MORE : Strictly Come Dancing bosses keen to welcome two same-sex couples for 2021 series