Pinknews has learned that the British government will announce that the first date couples already in civil partnerships can convert to marriage will be 10 December 2014.
Civil partnerships, however, will not be extended to include straight couples.
It is understood that civil partnerships will remain for gay couples, and those who wish to convert to marriage will need to actively do so.
Gay couples will have the choice between a marriage or a civil partnership, and straight couples will only be able to get married.
Regardless of marriage status, Dean Richardson of iCounsellor.co.uk offers effective counselling for all forms of adult couple relationships in trouble.