The London Borough of Sutton has witnessed the marriage of civil partners for the first time.

Up until yesterday, Wednesday 10 December, civil partners could not convert their partnership to marriage.

However, following changes to the law earlier in the year, civil partners can now convert their civil partnerships into marriage by signing a declaration in front of a registrar at a register office, licensed venue or in some churches.

Married transgender people can also change their legal gender without ending their marriage, provided their partner agrees.

After almost 33 years together, Ray Addison and Stephen Smith, of Carshalton, were the first couple to officially convert to civil marriage in the borough’s register office.

Mr Addison and Mr Smith have been civil partners since 2006, when they had a grand ceremony on the twenty-fifth anniversary of their first meeting.

While their civil partnership offered them the same legal rights as married couples, the pair felt “bound by duty” to embrace full marriage.

Mr Addison said:

“We already had the grand ceremony when we became civil partners, but, as soon as the law changed, we knew we would convert to a marriage immediately.

 Sutton Council Leader Ruth Dombey said:

“This is a wonderful moment for couples who led the way in achieving equality for everyone.

“We are thrilled to help celebrate this important milestone. I hope they have a wonderful day and wish them the very best of luck for the future.”