GETTING WED ON THE ROCK

A whole host of famous people have been married in Gibraltar with perhaps the most recorded being the ceremony between John & Yoko in 1969. However, the first celebrity wedding was Lawrence Harvey and Margaret Leighton. The Rock also has a strong 007 connections with Sean Connery being married in Gibraltar twice to Diane Cilento and to his present wife, Micheline Boglino Roquebrune. Also let us not forget not to be shaken or stirred Roger Moore who started his honeymoon there. Indeed the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana also embarked on their honeymoon cruise from the Rock but that is another story.

If you would like to follow in their footsteps here is some information on getting wed on the Rock but first a couple of points that need stressing. Firstly this is only an overview and you need to make your own enquiries to ensure your hopefully happy day goes well. Secondly the information relates to civil marriages for non-residents using the Governor's Special Licence. Naturally if you wish to have a church wedding then you need to approach the minister to see what is and what isn't possible. Thirdly and lastly, this is addressed  to British and EU citizens, other nationals should enquire whether there are visa or other restrictions on their getting married in Gibraltar.

Getting wed in Gibraltar is very simple. You can in theory get wed with 24 hours notice although in practice the registry office is very heavily booked so pre-planning is advisable. Also there are no residency requirements and you do not have to stay the night before the ceremony on the Rock. 

If you are unmarried you will require your birth certificate and in some circumstances a certificate to certify you haven't been married before.

If you are a widow or widower you must furnish a copy of your previous partner's death certificate and your birth certificate. If your former spouse's death certificate does not name you as the widow or widower of the deceased then a copy of your original marriage certificate is required.

If you are divorced you must submit your birth certificate, your previous marriage certificate and your final and absolute divorce decree.

In each case where documentation is required it must be the original and not photocopies.

A recent development in the last couple of years is that you can now get married in a civil ceremony in Gibraltar at locations other than the registry office. For instance you might like to be wed in the splendour of the Botanical Gardens, the Mount or a hotel such as The Caleta. If you wish to choose a stunning location at least three months notice is required for such ceremonies.

Weddings outside of the registry office are usually held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 10.00 and Noon. You need to book such a service at the Registry Office and clearly state that you want the service held at an approved venue. You will also be charged for the hire of a taxi to bring the Registrar to and from the venue. Again these details must be checked with the Registry Office.

The Gibraltar Registry Office has moved to Joshua Hassan House, 3 Secretary's Lane, Gibraltar. Tel: 00 350 - 72289 or 51725. Fax: 00 350 - 42706. Email: marriages.csro@gibtelecom.gi Marriages are normally held on Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and Noon.

How much will it all cost? There is a £100 fee for performing the ceremony at a location other than the Registry Office. Taxi costs to and from the Ceremony if held at another location. Governor's Special Licence £67.50. Ceremony £40. Certificates £3.50 each and a further charge of between £10 and £20 payable for the services of a Commissioner of Oaths. Naturally ceremonies held at the registry office ceremony are cheaper. As prices are subject to increase ensure that you ask the staff at the registry office the current costs when you contact them.

If you are thinking of getting married on the Rock and require more information  then the Caleta Hotel has a very useful brochure. The Caleta Hotel is in a stunning location on Catalan Bay. They have romantic packages for just two people, can cater for smaller parties right up to celebrations for 350 - simply email us at info@wedgibraltar.com and we will organize their special wedding brochure to be sent to you. Just email us your name, address and email address and we will do the rest. You can also click on the photograph for a direct link to the hotel's website.

We cannot contact the Registry Office on your behalf.

One word of warning. Getting married on the Rock is very simple and will truly give you a day to remember. However do not marry in haste. Getting a divorce on the Rock is another ballgame altogether - Las Vegas it isn't!