Destination wedding: Gibraltar

Usually, planning a destination wedding in a European country can be a bit of a headache. Often, there's a need for at least one of the bridal couple to establish residency, even if it's only for a few days. There may be also whole bunch of complicated legal requirements, documents might need to be translated into the country's language and then there's the language barrier itself. If it's stressful arranging a wedding in a language you speak, imagine how much more frustrating doing it in a language you barely speak.

But there's at least one European hotspot that is actually very appealing as a destination wedding venue, and that's Gibraltar. Located at the southernmost tip of Spain, Gibraltar is a British protectorate and as such, it's an English-speaking country. Which is a huge plus in it's favor.

Furthermore, there are no residency requirements for a wedding. In theory, you could request your wedding date only 24 hours in advance. Reality though, requires more time simply because it's a popular destination and as such, is booked up quite far in advance.

It's a lovely place for a wedding. So beautiful, in fact, that this is where John Lennon and Yoko Ono tied the knot, as well as Sean Connery and novelist Frederick Forsythe. A major advantage is that you could probably arrange the wedding yourself, without the need for a wedding planner. There are a few hotels that offer a wedding package, including the ceremony, so there wouldn't be too much for you to do, apart from organising the paperwork, which really isn't complicated.



When to Go

The country has a warm, Mediterranean climate so you could easily have a winter wedding, but the best time of year to visit Gibraltar is from May to September.

Getting There

Gibraltar is accessible by land, sea and air. Daily direct scheduled air services originate from the UK & Spain. There are regular scheduled air services to Gibraltar from London and Madrid, all less than three hours away.

Legal Requirements

• No residency requirement

Documents needed:

• Entry visa to Gibraltar - you will need a visa if you're not an EU national. Check here for visa requirements.
  
• Any name change certificates
• Full birth certificate
• Full passport
• Divorce certificate (if previously married)
• Death certificate (if widowed)
• Certificate of No-Impediment or Single Status (for non-UK citizens)
  
• You will also need to complete a Special License form, which you obtain from the Registry Office.

Wedding Venues

If you want a civil wedding, then your options are varied. Either opt for a ceremony in the Registry Office, or choose a location such as:

• The Alameda Gardens

The tropical botanical gardens are a magical place for a wedding ceremony. The ceremony takes place in The Dell an intimate, exotic garden which was designed by Guiseppe Codali, the head gardener and horticulturist of the Alameda during the middle years of the 19th Century. A Genoese, he was brought to Gibraltar specifically to work in the gardens and his Italian influence can be clearly seen. There's even a 'bridge of sighs' in the garden!

• The Rock Hotel

Built by the Marquis of Bute in 1932, the hotel has a wonderful colonial feel, enhanced by it's Art Deco heritage. It's a superb choice for a wedding and the hotel has a number of attractive options available, including accommodation, catering, the ceremony, florist, hairdresser, photographer and make-up artist.

• The O'Callaghan Eliott Hotel

Probably the most elegant venue in Gibraltar, the hotel can offer a gorgeous wedding and is the perfect location for up to 200 guests.

• The Caleta Hotel

This is a fabulous option , especially if you'd like a very small and intimate wedding. The hotel has a good wedding package for small weddings, and even if it's just the two of you, they have a special package at £1295 which includes two nights in the bridal suite, bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, garden ceremony, champagne, cake, dinner, photographer and a chauffeur driven car.

Or, you could have a full church wedding, without a separate civil ceremony, as a religious ceremony is legal and binding. Then continue to one of the hotels, or to St Michaels cave, for your reception.

Wedding Planners

If you think you might want to use a local wedding planner, just to ensure that everything goes smoothly, then try Mediterranean Weddings, Flyaway Weddings or Weddingspecials.co.uk.

Things to do in Gibraltar

• Cable car ride to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar
• Visit St Michael's Cave
• Take a dolphin safari
• Visit the botanical gardens
• Try your luck in the Casino
• Lots of shopping and great restaurants (local cuisine consists of Spanish, Moroccan, Italian and British dishes. The national dish is calentita, a delicious oven-cooked chick pea fritter.)
• Visit one of the five fabulous beaches
• Try out a variety of water sports
• Drive to Spain - it's a short drive away - and sight see there
• Play golf in some of Spain's finest golf courses
• Hop on a Catamaran and cross the Mediterranean to Morocco

It may not be quite as easy as a Vegas 'quickie' wedding, but it's not far off, and you're bound to have a glorious time in this tiny, sunny, friendly part of the world.

Source