Same sex marriages from 29 March 2014

The Government has announced that the first same sex weddings in England and Wales will be able to take place from Saturday 29 March 2014, several months earlier than originally anticipated.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 received Royal Assent in July, but it was anticipated that the first same-sex marriages would not take place until summer 2014. Couples wishing to be among the first to marry will need to give formal notice of their intention by 13 March 2014.

The Government is also hopeful that couples who want to convert their civil partnerships into marriages and married people who want to change their legal gender while remaining married would be able to do so before the end of the 2014. Same sex couples who married abroad under foreign law are currently treated as civil partners in England and Wales, but they will instead be recognised as being married from March 2014.

Emma Alfieri from Steeles Law’s family team commented that it was positive news for many couples up and down the country and encouraging that the change will take effect earlier than anticipated.

For further information please contact the family team.