Gay couples getting married in Kingston are waiting to see if they will be offered the same services as heterosexual couples, when same-sex unions are legalised later this year.

Adele Bowen, 27, from Surbiton, and her partner, who does not wish to be named, are hoping to tie the knot in July 2006 among friends and family in their home town.

And although Kingston Council intends to offer the full ceremony, it has not yet finalised the details.

Adele and her partner had a blessing on July 26, 2003. She said: "We have friends and family living as far away as America and want them to celebrate the day with us.

"Kingston Council should offer the full service. It claims to have an equal opportunities policy and the borough is home to Reflex, one of the biggest gay and lesbian nightclubs in south London."

The Government has given councils the option to choose whether or not to offer the full ceremony when gay marriages are legalised in December.

Registrars offer straight couples a full ceremony, with guests and photographers allowed, but some councils are only allowing same-sex couples to sign the register.

Bromley Council has taken the controversial decision to deny gay couples the chance to hold civil partnership ceremonies at its register office or council properties, despite neighbouring boroughs welcoming same-sex couples.

Richmond Council offers ceremonies for same-sex couples and will continue to do so.

Gino Meriano, founder of Pink Weddings in Weybridge, the UK's leading gay and lesbian weddings planning company, has set up a petition calling for councils to offer the full ceremony.

He said: "I think some registrars have been given a hard time, as many have not yet been given all the information they need."

A spokesman for Kingston Council said: "The full details of what will be offered to couples have yet to be finalised as the council is awaiting conformation of the wording for the service.

"It is envisaged that the offer for same-sex marriages will be similar to any marriage. The formal signing of the marriage agreement will be undertaken at the register office in front of witnesses, family and friends.

"As with any such celebration, register office staff will seek to ensure that the occasion meets the wishes of the two people entering into the agreement."

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