We are responsible for the law in England and Wales on what constitutes a valid marriage or civil partnership; marriage and civil partnership ceremonies; and which marriages or partnerships celebrated abroad are recognised as valid here. We provide information for cohabitants on their legal rights.
We are funding a Law Commission report on the legal rights of cohabitants when their relationship ends. It is considering whether there should be specific laws to secure homes and finances for couples who cohabit. We are compiling a list of countries whose civil partnerships are accepted as valid in England and Wales.
Contact us: email 
Other helpful sites and services
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Advicenow
information for cohabiting couples -
One Plus One
Explains the different legal position of married and unmarried couples