Since 1999, the State of California has registered domestic partners. Couples who do not want to be married or are not allowed to marry can  register as domestic partners. This is an especially  important step in gaining legal rights and benefits for men and women in a same-sex relationship.

Please follow the link below to visit the California Domestic Partners Registry.

CALIFORNIA DOMESTIC PARTNERS REGISTRY

REGISTERING AS DOMESTIC PARTNERS AND YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY

We have performed hundreds of same-sex unions here in our beautiful city of San Diego. Unlike states like Colorado and Connecticut, California (sadly, as of yet) does not offer same-sex couples the option of a Civil Union. Since the right for same-sex couples to legally marry was revoked and deemed illegal in California on November 4, many of our couples are opting for a Domestic Partnership while we wait for the Supreme Court decision in March.

However, if you are planning to have a commitment ceremony and are registering as domestic partners, you can bring your paperwork to the ceremony and Renate would be happy to incorporate the signing of your Declaration of Domestic Partnership into your commitment ceremony... similar to the signing of a marriage license!

Renate is a commissioned California Notary Public, and is legally qualified and would be happy to notarize your Declaration of Domestic Partnership at no charge.