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Getting Married, Gibraltar

Zoe Marrion

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Hollywood lovers, heartthrob Lawrence Harvey and Margaret Leighton were one of the first high profile couples to say I do in Gibraltar. In 1962 as the world became entranced by the numbers 007, screen hero Sean Connery married actress Diane Cilento. Sadly, this marriage was not to last but Connerys affection for Gibraltar did as he returned in 1975 to marry his present wife Micheline Boglio Roquebrune. However, it is the marriage of Beatle John Lennon to Yoko Ono in 1969 that caused the biggest media sensation.
Today hundreds of couples are travelling to Gibraltar to exchange vows, choosing to follow in the footsteps of Sir Sean Connery, John Lennon and Yoko Ono and get married on the Rock. There are no residency restrictions and in theory you can get married with just 24 hours notice. However, as Gibraltar is a popular location for getting married it is wise to plan well in advance.
Local marriage law does not contain any residential requirements and so therefore it is a simple procedure, also a Gibraltar marriage is recognised world-wide. To get married at Gibraltars registry office you will need to present yourself at the registry at least 24 hours before you wish to get married. You will need your birth certificate, passport and if youve been married before, a copy of your divorce decree absolute. The registrar will only accept originals, not photocopies.
Recent legislation permits the marriage registrar to marry couples outside the registry office, if requested. Gibraltars three finest hotels have been registered as places where marriages can be held. In addition, you are able to choose from an historical building or perhaps prefer natural settings, these include, The Mount and The Alameda Gardens.
The Mount was built in 1797, today an officially listed building, which was formerly the official residence of the senior officer of the Royal Navy in Gibraltar, and which boasts fascinating gardens.
The Alameda Gardens were developed in 1816 for the purpose of providing civilians with an area of beauty for rest and relaxation. Today the gardens have developed into the Botanic Gardens. Wedding services are permitted in the Dell, an Italian style garden laid out by a Genoese gardener in 1842.
Gibraltar has seven hotels offering a range of styles and budgets to suit all. The three largest hotels, The Caleta Hotel, The Eliott Hotel and the Rock Hotel, permit marriages on their grounds and offer teams of advisors to assist with every arrangement from paperwork, catering, photography, flowers and the bridal suite.
It is advisable to book a wedding well in advance of the chosen date to avoid disappointment. Bookings need to be made directly with the Registry Office.