To have a Domestic Partnership formalised in Bermuda please note the following:
The Domestic Partnership Act 2018 defines a domestic partnership as being between two persons who meet the following criteria:
- The parties are both 18 years and older
- Neither party is currently married, or already in another domestic partnership (locally or overseas)
- The relationship is not within the prohibited degrees of domestic partnership as set out in Schedule 1 of the Act; for example, a relationship between parent and child or between siblings
- If the couple is in compliance with the conditions outlined in the Act, they, whether same-sex or heterosexual, they can formalise their relationship as a domestic partnership.
Domestic Partnership announcements for formalisations are published electronically on the Bermuda Government "The Official Gazette" website.
Find out how to apply for a marriage licence.
Persons previously formalized in Domestic Partnership
Under Bermuda law, you can only be in a domestic partnership or married to one person at any given time. If you have previously been married you must provide a copy of your final divorce decree (decree absolute), or if you have previously been in a domestic partnership you have to provide a copy of your dissolution of domestic partnership. The final divorce decree (decree absolute) or dissolution of the domestic partnership must be submitted along with the
as evidence that you are free to formalise your domestic partnership.
If your dissolution took place outside of Bermuda, the Registrar may also require you or your intended domestic partner to obtain a certificate of non-marriage from the relevant authority in the country where the divorce or dissolution was granted. The signature on the certificate of non-marriage must be validated to confirm that it is genuine. If you are widowed, you must provide the Registry General with a copy of your deceased partner's death certificate.
ANY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION, WHICH IS NOT IN ENGLISH, MUST BE TRANSLATED PRIOR TO SUBMISSION.
Formalisation
The formalisation of Domestic Partnership ceremonies may be performed by the Registrar General at the Registry General’s office between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each weekday, and on Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. and noon. An additional fee of $245.00 is payable for such ceremonies. An attractive room is available especially for these occasions. In addition, ceremonies can be held at any one of the 24 alternate venues for a fee of $450.00. One week’s notice is required for reserving a date and time for a domestic partnership formalisation ceremony.
Please be aware that two witnesses are required for every ceremony. On weekdays, Registry General staff are available to act as witnesses, but you must inform the office that you need witnesses at the time the appointment is confirmed. For Saturday ceremonies, you must bring your own witnesses.
Maritime Domestic Partnerships
You can have a Domestic Partnership formalisation on the high seas conducted onboard ships registered in Bermuda. The Domestic Partnership ceremony is performed by a Domestic Partnership Officer of the ship on which it takes place. You can make arrangements for a maritime domestic partnership through:
ROYAL OCEAN EVENTS
Rep: Princess Cruises
7228 Progress Way, Unit #12
Delta, BC.
Canada V4G 1H2
Tel: 778-434-3550
Toll Free: 1-855-434-3550
Fax: 778-434-3557
Email: Send us an email
Web: Click here
or
P&O CRUISES
Carnival House
100 Harbour Parade
Southampton
United Kingdom SO15 1ST
Tel: 011-023-8065-7798
Fax: 023 8065 7018
Email: Send us an email
Web: Click here
Domestic Partnership announcements for formalisations are published electronically on the Bermuda Government "The Official Gazette" website. After the ceremony, the details are forwarded to the Registry General and entered into the Register of Domestic Partnerships.