Gibraltar Weddings

GIBRALTAR WEDDINGS Gibraltar A modern destination steeped in tradition

GIBRALTAR HISTORIC ROCK THE TIMELESS ROCK OF GIBRALTAR CROUCHED AT THE SOUTHERN TIP OF EUROPE, WHERE THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA MEETS THE ATLANTIC OCEAN, HAS FOR CENTURIES WELCOMED THE WORLD TO ITS SHORES. Two and a half hours from the UK, the English speaking city reflects a hybrid of European culture and British heritage. Its unique people, encompass all the warmth of the Mediterranean, while the marks of centuries of historic sieges are complemented by Gibraltar's architecture and wealth of natural heritage. Today the thriving city is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of attractions, VAT free shopping and sightseeing activities.

The currency remains Pounds Sterling, although the Euro is widely accepted. Surrounded by five beaches and two marinas, water sports abound. A growing number of sporting events include the annual sailing regatta, which has widened the appeal to a younger market. Gibraltar’s marinas and historic town centre offer an impressive selection of restaurants serving fine international cuisine, lively bars and entertainment.

TIMELESS HISTORY FOR THE PERFECT SETTING RECENT LEGISLATION PERMITS THE MARRIAGE REGISTRAR TO MARRY COUPLES OUTSIDE THE REGISTRY OFFICE IF REQUESTED. FOUR OF GIBRALTAR’S HOTELS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED AS PLACES WHERE MARRIAGES CAN BE HELD. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS AND NATURAL SETTINGS WHICH ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR HIRE. THESE INCLUDE: THE MOUNT “The Mount” 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 The Alameda Gardens were developed in 1816 under the instruction of General Sir George Don, Lieutenant-Governor of Gibraltar, for the purpose of providing civilians with an area of beauty for rest and relaxation. Today the gardens have developed into the Botanical Gardens and house an open-air theatre and contain a number of protected species including rare specimens donated by the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. Wedding services are permitted in “the Dell”, an Italian style garden laid out by a Genoese gardener in 1842. Notable are two fountains dating from the early 20th century and a waterfall and Pond.

THE GARRISON LIBRARY The Garrison Library in the town centre was established in 1793 and houses some of the finest books published in the 18th and 19th centuries.

THE CABLE CAR STATION The cable car station at the top of the Rock is not only one of the most unusual venues to choose to exchange vows, but also offers stunning panoramic views across the European coast and to Africa.

PLACES TO STAY & ENTERTAIN GIBRALTAR OFFERS A RANGE OF HOTELS WITH STYLES AND BUDGETS TO SUIT ALL. The Caleta Hotel, The Eliott Hotel, The Rock Hotel and Queen’s 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.

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SIMPLE PROCEDURE LOCAL MARRIAGE LAW DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS. TO GET MARRIED AT GIBRALTAR’S REGISTRY OFFICE COUPLES ARE REQUIRED TO PRESENT THEMSELVES AT THE REGISTRY BY, AT THE LATEST, THE MORNING OF THE DAY BEFORE THEY WISH TO GET MARRIED. Couples will then be guided through the simple paperwork, and a marriage licence will be ordered for the next day.

Couples require their birth certificates, passports and if either bride or groom has been married before, a copy of their divorce decree absolute bearing the seal of the Court in original. A Gibraltar marriage is recognised world-wide.

Marriages both inside and outside of the Registry Office will be permitted Monday – Friday (certain times are applicable) The service is not available on a Bank Holiday.

Full details of the official Gibraltar Registry Office requirements, operating times, costs and a listing of Gibraltar’s hotels, airlines, UK tour operators and wedding services are available through the Gibraltar Tourist Board www.gibraltar.gov.uk or by calling 020 7836 0777.

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 either by telephone or in writing.

Provisional bookings can be made up to two years in advance of your chosen date.

GIBRALTAR

www.gibraltar.gov.uk 020 7836 0777

ROMANTIC SOJOURN THROUGH ITS YEARS OF HISTORY, SIEGE AND INTRIGUE, GIBRALTAR IS A CITY THAT EMBODIES A PASSIONATE SPIRIT. PERHAPS THIS IS WHY EACH YEAR HUNDREDS OF COUPLES VISIT THE DESTINATION TO GET MARRIED OR SIMPLY TO RENEW THEIR VOWS. Gibraltar’s appeal as a romantic sojourn is not new. During the 1950s Hollywood stars Lawrence Harvey and Margaret Leighton were one of the first high profile couples to say “I do” on the Rock. Many other celebrities followed in their steps. However, it is the marriage of Beatle John Lennon to Yoko Ono in 1969 that caused the biggest media sensation.

GIBRALTAR USEFUL INFORMATION The Gibraltar Civil Status & Registration Office: Marriage Registry Joshua Hassan House 3 Secretary’s Lane, Gibraltar Tel: 00 (350) 20072289 Fax: 00 (350) 20042706 Email: marriages.csro@gibraltar.gov.gi Gibraltar Tourist Board (London) 150 Strand, London, WC2R IJA Tel: 020 7836 0777 Fax: 020 7240 6612 Email: info@gibraltar.gov.uk www.gibraltar.gov.uk Gibraltar Tourist Board (Gibraltar) Duke of Kent House Tel: 00 (350) 20074950 Fax: 00 (350) 20074943 Email: information@tourism.gov.gi www.visitgibraltar.gi Gibraltar Tourist Board (Madrid) Torres de Colón, Torre 1 – Planta 3ª A, Plaza de Colón 2, 28046 Madrid Tel: (0034) 91 559 6259 Fax: (0034) 91 559 7470 Email: info@turismogibraltar.com www.visitgibraltar.gi