What is a civil union?

Answer 1

In general, civil unions were designed to provide rights and benefits to couples living as if they were married but who have not legalized the union through a formal ceremony. In truth, governments who have enacted civil unions have done so primarily to extend rights and benefits to same-sex couples who do not meet the requirements for a legal, traditional marriage . In many countries, a civil union is the same as a registered domestic partnership and both grant all the rights and responsibilities of a heterosexual married couple. Denmark was the first country to legalize such a union back in 1989 and many other countries have since followed. In the U.S., only a handful of states offer civil unions, none of which are recognized by the federal government.
Civil unions are largely recognized as a marriage equivalent between same-sex couples. This legal contract needs to be recognized by your local government in order for the process to be binding.

Answer 2

The process for civil union is identical to that for marriage. The couple must appear in person before the clerk, fill out forms, pay fees, show identification and obtain a civil union license. Then, a ceremony (of any kind) is performed before a civil or religious authorized officiant who then signs the civil union license and returns it to the clerk who then issues a certificate of civil union.

Answer 3

You apply for a civil union license. You take the license to a registered officiant and have a ceremony of your choice. The officiant returns the license to the clerk who then issues a certificate of civil union. You take your partner home and live together presumably forever in a loving, committed relationship. In this respect, a civil union is exactly the same as a legal marriage, except that it is not called a marriage.