Jersey marriage and civil partnership rules passed
4th March 2022
Image: Barbara Corbett has long campaigned for changes to the law in Jersey
New laws have been passed by Jersey’s States Assembly relating to:
- marriage,
- civil partnerships,
- the minimum age of marriage,
- marriage locations,
- naming children.
The main changes are as follows:
- Civil partnerships will be extended to all couples, regardless of sex.
- Married couples will be able to convert a marriage into a civil partnership.
- The legal age of marriage and civil partnership will be increased to 18 years of age (previously 16) in compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
- Couples will be able to choose a second wedding location as a backup when hosting an open-air wedding, in case of inclement weather
- 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 harm 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 (UNCRC).
The changes will come in to force later this year.
« Back to Blog