What is the legal definition of same-sex marriage?

Same-sex marriage means two people of the same sex marry each other under the law. It gives the same legal rights and responsibilities as opposite-sex marriage. You can marry in a register office, an approved venue or a registered religious building that chooses to host same-sex weddings. Each religious organisation decides for itself whether it holds same-sex weddings, so a church or other place of worship may not offer it even though the law allows it.

The rules on where you can marry and what your ceremony can include vary. Some venues and religious groups may have their own requirements. If you are unsure about a particular building or celebrant, ask them directly and check with the register office or GOV.UK. Humanist ceremonies are not legally binding on their own in England and Wales, so many couples add a short civil ceremony. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, humanist celebrants can conduct legal weddings.

You do not need to change your name if you marry. Your marriage certificate is the usual proof for passports, banks and employers.