Wedding or civil partnership

[RuthW]

Why did you choose one over the other if you had a choice at the time?

If you didn't have a choice, which would you choose now?

Are there any advantages or disadvantages over one or the other?

Thank you.

Tbh I don't really understand the difference. From what I do understand it seems that couples who don't like the patriarchal history of marriage opt for civil partnerships.

In legal terms they are the same. In terms of ceremony they are almost identical (if you have a non religious ceremony) in terms of party, you can do what ever you like for either

www.gov.uk/government/publications/marriage-and-civil-partnership-in-england-and-wales There's a table on this link which shows the differences and similarities between marriage and civil partnerships (England and Wales). Marriage is a verbal contract, so both parties must say (or repeat after the registrar) certain words - at in civil partnership the parties can opt out of saying any words at all if they want to, and just sign a declaration with their witnesses.

Are civil partnerships recognised in all countries?
I eloped and had a Register Office wedding with 2 witnesses. I was worried that marriage is recognised everywhere but civil partnerships might not be.