Civil Marriages in Gibraltar
Having a legal civil wedding in Gibraltar is a straightforward process for overseas visitors, with no residency requirement and a simple and easy to follow process for submitting documentation.
Because of its proximity to Spain, which has much more strict regulations surrounding marriage of foreign nationals, Gibraltar is popular with couples who will later hold their wedding reception in Spain.
Wedding Locations
Registry office weddings can take place from Monday to Friday between 10 am - 12 noon.
There are a number of hotels who have been granted permission to hold weddings on their premises - more about these here. Civil marriages held outside the registry office can only be celebrated on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the normal hours during which marriages are held at the Registry Office.
If you plan to marry in a location other than the registry office (including any church or hotel) you must make this clear at the time of your application for a licence. Additional charges will be required to cover celebrant expenses.
Applying for a Marriage Licence
Applications for a marriage licence can be made as late as the day before the wedding, though to ensure a time slot at the registry office it is recommended that you apply for a provisional booking much earlier than that.
Foreign nationals wishing to marry in Gibraltar must apply for a Special Marriage Licence. The application can be made any time between 3 months and 1 day prior to the wedding.
This must be done in person at the Office of the Registrar any weekday before 10.30am.
Both parties to the wedding must attend, with their passports, and will be asked to swear an affidavit stating that they are free to marry and that their documentation is accurate.
Note: If you are planning to marry in the registry office you can make a provisional booking for a time for your wedding up to 12 months in advance. This time will be held until 10.30am on the day prior to the wedding, by which time it must be confirmed.
There are no residency requirements and all documentation is submitted in English.
Documentation Required
Applications need to be accompanied by the following documentation.
- A certificate of Freedom to Marry
In other words a Certificate of Nulla Osta or for UK citizens a Certificate of No Impediment. More info - A certified copy of birth certificates
- Divorcees have to present the “Decree Absolute” of their dissolved marriage and a certified copy of their original marriage certificate.
- Widowed persons have to present the “Certificate of Death” of their late partner. If they are not named on that certificate they will also need to produce a certified copy of their original marriage certificate.
- If either of you has changed your name by deed poll you need to submit the original change of name deed.
Fees
The following fees, in sterling, are payable at the time of submission of an application for a special marriage licence:
Governors Special Licence: £67.50
Certificates: £3.50 each
Commissioner for Oaths: £10-£20 (To swear the affidavit)
If your wedding will take place in the registry office there is an additional charge of £34 for the ceremony.