Civil Partnership Act 2004 allowed same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities as married heterosexual couples in the UK.
In accordance with the statutory instrument, Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 No 2661, religious premises were allowed to be used for civil partnerships.
In England & Wales, "Marriage of same sex couples is lawful." The Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act 2013, s.1(1)
The term husband will include a man married to another man, and the term wife will include a woman married to another woman (Sch. 3).
The Act also allows people undergoing gender reassignment who were married before transitioning to continue to be married as a same sex couple once their new gender has been officially recognised. Prior to this, transgender people were required to divorce their partner before they could legally change their gender.
From 31st December 2019 mixed-sex couples have also been able to enter into civil partnerships.
Same sex marriages performed overseas prior to the passing of the Act are now legally recognised, and officially binding.
Those couples already in civil partnerships can choose whether or not to get married.
Finding commentary on SOLO
Same-sex marriage -- law and legislation -- name of jurisdiction (optional)
Civil unions -- law and legislation -- name of jurisdiction (optional)
Gay couples -- Legal status, laws, etc
Children and same-sex couples
2002: Adoption and Children Act 2002 equal adoption rights
2008: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act. Same-sex couples recognised as the legal parents of children conceived through the use of donated sperm, eggs or embryos.