23 March 2023
On Friday 24 March 2023, amendments to laws governing marriage, civil partnerships, civil
registration, the minimum age of marriage, marriage locations and the naming of children will
come into effect.
The main aspects that have changed include:
- Civil partnerships will be extended to all couples, regardless of sex, and married couples will
be able to convert a marriage into a civil partnership
- The legal age of marriage and civil partnership will be increased from 16 years of age to 18
years of age in compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Couples will be able to choose a second wedding location as a backup when hosting an
open-air wedding, in case of inclement weather
- Registration functions are now able to be formally transferred from Parishes to the
Superintendent Registrar and back provided the correct notice period is satisfied
- In line with similar laws in other jurisdictions, the Superintendent Registrar will be able to
refuse to register a child's name that might cause mistake, confusion, or embarrassment to
the child – which complies with the Government's commitment of putting children first as
well as meeting obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Superintendent Registrar, Claire Follain, said: "These are important amendments to the laws
relating to marriage, civil partnership and birth registration which reflect a commitment to equality,
human rights and the rights of children.”
Minister for Home Affairs, Helen Miles said: “I’m pleased to see these changes coming into force
tomorrow. Not only are they important so that we comply with human rights legislation and
protect the rights and welfare of children, but it is also what Islanders want.
“Prior to the laws being approved by the States Assembly in March 2022, public consultations were
held in 2019 and Islanders clearly stated that they believe civil partnerships should be available to
all couples. There was also a clear consensus among respondents that we should raise the age of
marriage to 18 years old.”
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