Opposite-sex couples will be able to register civil partnerships in England and Wales from 31 December 2019 after secondary legislation was approved in the House of Lords on 5 November 2019.
At present, only same sex couples can have civil partnerships and convert their civil partnerships to marriage. As from 31 December 2019, opposite sex couples will have the choice of either marriage or civil partnerships.
It is intended to commence the regulations on 2 December, which would allow the first opposite-sex civil partnership to take place on 31 December, given the usual 28-day notice period.
It will mean that same sex or opposite sex, you will have the same choice of marriage or a civil partnership. Good times!