Weddings in the UK have unfortunately turned into a nightmare for many during lockdown, with an lots of couples having to cancel their big day or postpone them for months or even years.
This has of course caused a backlog, with many now struggling to find their dream venue for their wedding.
However, have you thought of heading abroad?
Of course, there are still travel restrictions in place for many destinations which mean we can't go there – but Gibraltar isn't one of them.
Being on the green list means you can travel there pretty easily. The flight is also relatively quick and being a British Overseas Territory means you don't even have to exchange your money as you pay in British pounds.
As well as all this, there are no restrictions for wedding receptions, according to The Hon Vijay Daryanani MP, Minister for Business and Tourism of Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar.
With this in mind, we've brought you the top five wedding venues in Gibraltar which you may want to consider before your big day.
1. Sunborn Yacht hotel
What better place to get married than a truly unique 5-star Super Yacht Hotel?
Sunborn Gibraltar is moored in one of Europe's most exclusive locations and can provide a bespoke wedding experience in a venue like no other.
As well as this, you could also stay in one of the hotel's luxury rooms, enjoy its pool and casino and have dinner in it's stunning restaurant while you're there getting married.
The hotel can cater to wedding parties of up to 300, with prices starting from £800.
Talking about wedding at Suborn Gibraltar, Britta Weiser, Director of Sales and Marketing, told Daily Star: "Weddings on Sunborn Yacht Hotel are very unique due to the fact that you are saying ‘Yes’ to the person you love on the top deck of the only 5 star floating Yacht Hotel worldwide with a backdrop of the Rock to one side and views to the Ocean and Spain to the other side.
"For your reception you can either choose to dine under the stars with the roof opening in BARBARY Restaurant or party until the early morning hours in the glamorous settings of Aurora Ballroom."
2. St. Michael's Cave
St. Michael's Cave is the name given to a network of limestone caves located within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve of Gibraltar, at a height of over 300 metres above sea level.
The unique venue is one of the most stunning locations you could choose to get married in Gibraltar.
The largest of the chambers, named the Cathedral Cave, currently serves as a unique wedding reception area offers a majestic backdrop to get married. This is for couples looking for an exotic and unusual wedding.
The St Michael’s Cave reception can accommodate 120 guests and the venue can host a Blessing, Civil Marriage, drinks, canapés and receptions as well as provide wedding decor.
Prices for the St. Michael’s Cave is from £1250 and weddings can only take place at 7pm.
3. Gibraltar botanic gardens
The Gibraltar Botanical Gardens are perfect for those wanting an intimate garden wedding.
Within the gardens, there are several areas which are perfect for dream wedding scene, which are all surrounded by tropical plants, flowers, trees, beautiful landscaping, ponds and fountains that add a romantic quality to your big day.
The Gibraltar Botanical Gardens has a variety of areas where you can get married and have your celebrations.
Some of these only permit 16 guests, however the Bandstand can accommodate up to 80 guests.
4. Mons Calpe Suite – Top of the Rock
The Mons Calpe Suite is one of Gibraltar's most impressive wedding venues with breathtaking views.
The venue is situated on the top of the Rock of Gibraltar itself, so you will be able to look out at the rest of Gibraltar on your big day.
It is accessible by a scenic six-minute cable car ride or a 20 minute car drive and venue boasts circular glass walls overlooking the blue expanse of the Bay of Gibraltar, Spain and Africa beyond.
Weddings take place at The Terrace located inside the Mons Calpe Suite, beside the Suite’s restaurant.
The maximum number of guests permitted at the Suite during the ceremony is approximately 60.
5. The Rock Hotel
The Rock Hotel truly offers couples a first class experience when it comes to weddings.
The four-star hotel us perched on the famous Rock itself and has uninterrupted views of Gibraltar’s magnificent seascape.
A dedicated events team is on hand to tailor your entire experience to your individual needs and to answer any and all questions relating to every aspect of your special day.
They have a variety of Gibraltar wedding packages for those of who like to keep things seamless and simple.
The hotel's award-winning Executive Chef, Alfred Rodriguez, is also on hand, along with his exceptional brigade of banquet chefs, bring a wealth of experience, expertise and fine cuisine to every wedding.
They can provide pre-wedding advice and tasters as part of their inclusive and personal service, and have a passion for meeting any dietary requirements.
The hotel can cater for up to 200 wedding guests and can offer both indoor and outdoor function spaces, as well as offering excellent accommodation rates – and most cases complimentary accommodation for the bride and groom.
The Rock Hotel is also a renowned venue that has been graced many world class musicians, Hollywood stars, royalty and world leaders such as Winston Churchill and Errol Flynn.
Things to note about Gibraltar weddings
For Gibraltar wedding ceremonies, guests and couples still have to wear masks during the ceremony if it takes place in an enclosed space. However it the ceremony is outside, no one has to wear masks. For receptions, dinner and dance parties there are no restrictions anymore at all.
Despite being on the green travel list, unvaccinated air travellers will require a pre-flight Covid-19 test before travelling to Gibraltar. A Covid-19 Lateral Flow Test is required for those arriving by air from a green list country and have not been to any other country 10 days prior to arrival in Gibraltar.
You must inform authorities if you have travelled to a country or territory in the amber or red list in the 10 days preceding your arrival in Gibraltar. You can get the latest Gibraltar Covid-19 travel restrictions at VisitGibraltar.
Under the Gibraltar Marriage Act, by means of a Special License granted under Section 13 of the Act, residents and non-residents alike can marry in Gibraltar without the need of having to reside in Gibraltar for any length of time, although for administrative purposes a minimum notice of one working day is required. It also enables civil ceremonies to be conducted at approved locations outside the Registry outside working hours and at weekends.
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In order to get married at the Marriage Registry or by means of a Special Licence, you must be able to satisfy the Registrar that you are free to marry by completing affidavits and signing them before a Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public of your choice in Gibraltar. A list of registered Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Publics will be provided by the Registry upon request. Please remember however, that Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public will charge you for their services.
Talking about weddings in Gibraltar, The Hon Vijay Daryanani MP, Minister for Business and Tourism of Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar said: "Gibraltar is the ideal place for weddings with minimal formalities and no restrictions on ceremonies currently in place.
"In addition Gibraltar is still one of the only Green List countries for travellers from the UK.
"Our wedding venues are unique and all set in one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean.
"Thanks to the assistance of the UK Government, we also have a fully vaccinated population, making Gibraltar one of the safest places to travel to in Europe at the moment. With a great range of hotels and a greater choice of departure points from the UK than ever before, Gibraltar is also a great place for a honeymoon."
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