Bodas en Gibraltar

Weddings

A modern destination heaped in tradition Gibraltar’s popular appeal as a wedding destination started in the 1950’s when the cream of Hollywood found the former Colony the hot spot on the Med. As the 1960’s arrived Gibraltar’s cult status as wedding haven was cemented when famous Beatle John Lennon Married Yoko Ono and 007 James Bond himself as played by Sean Connery married actress Diane Climento. Today the timeless Rock of Gibraltar crouched at the southern tip of Europe, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, still attracts stars and the starry-eyed to exchange wedding vows. Beatle John Lennon with his wife Yoko Ono Just two and a half hours from the UK, the English speaking city reflects a hybrid of European culture and British heritage. 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 equally accepted. Surrounded by five beaches and two marinas, water sports abound. Gibraltar’s marinas and historic town centre offer an impressive selection of restaurants serving fine international cuisine, lively bars and entertainment. 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” 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 under the instruction of General Sir George Don, Lieutenant-Governor of Gibraltar, for the purpose of providing civilians an area of beauty for rest and relaxation. Today the gardens have developed into the Botanic Gardens. They 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 in the town centre, which was established in 1793 and houses some of the finest books published in the 18th and 19th centuries 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. 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 will 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.visitgibraltar.gi 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. There are a number of ways you can plan your wedding either through local professional organisers, in-house specialists at a variety of venues or through many of Gibraltar’s UK tour operators. The Tourist Board in London and Gibraltar remain available to offer contact information on all aspects of getting married on the Rock.