Same-sex couples currently in a civil-partnership will not pay a fee for converting their civil partnership to a marriage, beginning 10 December for one year .

Culture Secretary, Sajid Javid has told parliament that the cost of these conversions would be waived for couples who entered into cvil-partnership prior to same-sex marriages being permitted.Mr Javid informed the house that the regulations were to be laid before parliament that day during question time on 3 July 2014.

The Scottish Parliament passed legislation allowing same-sex marriages in February 2014, which will mean that the first same-sex weddings could take place this Autumn. The law in England and Wales was also changed and has allowed same sex marriages to take place since March 2014.Northern Ireland has not yet passed a law to permit same sex marriage.

Following a consultation it was decided heterosexual couples who wish to have their relationships recognised as a civil partnership rather than a marriage will not be granted permission.

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