Gibraltar Weddings - A Civil Wedding

Home

Wed On The Rock

A Civil Wedding

GETTING WED AT GIBRALTAR’S REGISTRY OFFICE

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 partners 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 The Dell at the Botanical Gardens (April 1 to October 30 weather permitting), the Mount, the top of the Rock, the Garrison Library or hotels such as The Rock and the Caleta. If you wish to chose a stunning location at least three months notice is required for such ceremonies.

Weddings at the registry office are only conducted from Monday through to Friday. However it is possible to have a civil wedding at an approved location outside of the registry office any day of the week including Sunday.

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 - 20072289 or 20051725. Fax: 00 350 - 20042706. Email: marriages.csro@gibraltar.gov.gi Marriages are normally held on Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and Noon at the regstry office but 7-days a week at other locations.

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 information packs from the Gibraltar Tourist Board and the Rock Hotel you can simply email us at info@wedgibraltar.com and we will organize it for you. Just send us your name, address, telephone number and/or email address and we will do the rest. However 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!