Getting Married

Marriage in Gibraltar

Many engaged couples are getting married by means of a Governor's Special Licence which permits them to be married in Gibraltar within 3 days of application in person. They have the advantages of a wedding in the sun, minimum of bureaucracy and a ceremony conducted in English.

Marriage at St. Andrew's

Our main purpose is to support those who wish to make their vows in a Christian context, and to offer God's blessing at an important moment in their lives.

You do not need to be a member of the Church to be married in St Andrew's but the wedding service used and vows exchanged are similar to that of other mainstream churches.

While it is intended that marriage is for life, Presbyterians do not hold marriage as a sacrament, and thus it is possible for divorced persons to be remarried in church. Weddings where one or both partners have been previously married are now more common than they once were, but in all cases the minister has discretion to decline to solemnise marriages.

Blessings of civil marriages previously contracted may be undertaken, but if possible one ceremony is desirable and the legal marriage undertaken as part of the church ceremony.

Arrangements

You will be responsible for making the registration arrangements with the Gibraltar Registrar in Secretary's Lane. (Telephone: 20072289; Fax: 20042706; email: csro@gibtelecom.net)

They require 3 working days prior to the ceremony in order for a special licence to be issued (to us) so that the minister of St Andrew's can perform the ceremony.

For a Governor's Special Licence, passports and birth certificates (originals) for both parties are required; and where appropriate, divorce decrees and related marriage certificates. For fees and document queries please contact the Registrar (Note:The Public office opens mornings only and telephone calls are best in afternoon hours)

Those resident outside Gibraltar who wish to be married at St Andrew's must first agree a date with the minister, who will send confirmation and the text of the wedding service. (as above) We require a non-refundable deposit of £75 at the time of booking which will be deducted from the final fees. The current fees for our church are £170; plus £50 for music if required (whether organist,CD or digital organ); and £30 service charge (includes collection of licence and delivery of same after ceremony, plus cleaning church after ceremony.)

These must be paid one month in advance of the ceremony.

Service Practicalities

We will be happy to assist you in obtaining a photographic record of your wedding in a way which will not interfere with the dignity and integrity of the ceremony, but all video and photography arrangements should be discussed with the minister.

If you wish a qualified floral artist (with keys for access) to provide flowers in the church to your chosen budget, please contact Mrs Sue Orfila [email: sueorfila@yahoo.co.uk, telephone: (+350) 20073174] (NB: Mrs Orfila does not supply bouquets or buttonholes)

For more information or to make arrangements please contact Mr Bill Smith (Session Clerk) email: bill@wsrm.gi