radka horvath photography

5 REASONS TO ELOPE IN GIBRALTAR

Top of the Rock Gibraltar

Elopements and intimate weddings are becoming increasingly popular everywhere, so here are my 5 reasons why you should elope to Gibraltar.

1. Gibraltar weddings are legal worldwide and the paperwork is simple

There are no residency restrictions for getting married in Gibraltar and you are only required to stay one night at a hotel/airbnb either before or after your ceremony. You will need a proof of your stay for the registrar. The accepted documents are a hotel bill or booking confirmation from the hotel/residence showing that the relevant accommodation has been paid for.

Single persons who have never married or those who have not entered into a civil partnership only need to provide the following documents:

- Passport or National Identity Card.

- Original full Birth Certificate showing parents' names (or an Adoption Certificate).

For full guidance notes and booking form please visit the Gibraltar government website :

https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/civil-status-registration-office/marriages-civil-partnerships

Old town Gibraltar

2. Gibraltar has 300 days of sunshine per year in a subtropical climate

As you might well imagine, given its fortunate location at the tip of Southern Spain, Gibraltar enjoys a warm, Mediterranean/subtropical climate. With long, hot summers and mild winters, you would have to be very unlucky to experience any serious cold weather or prolonged rainfall during your stay. The average high temperature in August is 28°C only falling to a minimum of around 17°C in January/ February. Rainfall occurs mainly in the winter months.

If you choose to get married in Gibraltar in winter chances are that you'll have a wonderfully sunny day with a minimum of tourist interruption!

Can you imagine your wedding photographs taken on a beach with no-one else around? We get many days like these from November until March in Gibraltar.

Catalan Bay Gibraltar

Sandy Bay Gibraltar

3. Unique photography locations all over the Rock

Gibraltar has several unique locations and it's very photogenic. Depending on your preferences you can choose natural or urban/rustic locations.

Natural locations: Alameda Gardens, Top of the Rock and the beaches.
Alameda Gardens is green all year round and has many beautiful spots for photographs, it is ideal in the summer as it provides some shade from the intense heat.
The top of the Rock is accessible either via the cable car or with a taxi/car for a more scenic climb. The best photos on the Rock are always captured either early in the morning or at sunset as you avoid the crowds and the light is lovely and soft. On clear days the views are spectacular.
Beaches are best in the autumn, winter and early spring as there are no crowds of beachgoers to spoil your photos. :)

Urban locations: Old town Gibraltar, Queensway quay, Rosia bay and Europa point lighthouse
My favourite spots for photos are the little old streets and patios of Gibraltar, they are a mix of the British colonial style with quirky rustic nooks smothered in history.
Queensway Quay is a luxury yacht marina lined with restaurants and bars, very stylish and provides a fantastic background for more elegant images.
Rosia Bay is an ancient port, very rough and ready. It makes a great juxtaposition between the stylish newlyweds and broken industrial concrete on the waters edge.
Europa point lighthouse is the southernmost point of Gibraltar, the gateway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This area is basically the southernmost point of Europe but can get a little blustery in winter!

Gibraltar airport: This location has the best views of the entire Rock in the background and is where the iconic shot of John & Yoko was captured, it is a perfect way to round off your shoot. :)

Top of the Rock

Alameda Gardens

Old Town

Rosia Bay

Queensway Quay

Old town

4. Non traditional wedding venues

The law in Gibraltar permits couples to get married outside the registry office for an additional fee. There are many venues in Gibraltar approved to carry out weddings.

Do you fancy getting married on top of the Rock, in a cave, or on a yacht? Gibraltar has it all. Here are a few of my favourites:

The Dell (Alameda Gardens) - definitely at the top of my list. It's very private as it only can be booked for weddings and it's surrounded by lush greenery. If you love nature and a relaxed feel this place is for you.

The Dell - Alameda Gardens

The Dell

Mons Calpe Suite - if you are not scared of heights, you can get married in the restaurant on top of the Rock, surrounded by amazing views. It's all a bit of an adventure from catching the cable car to meeting the monkey guardians of Gibraltar up at the top.

Top of the Rock

The Garrison Library - this place is virtually unknown but is incredibly photogenic and full of history. It's ideal in the winter months and is definitely an upgrade compared to the slightly boring registry office. A big bonus is that the library has a private garden that is ideal for photos after the ceremony.

Garrison Library

The Sunborn yacht hotel - Gibraltar's only 5* hotel. If you are looking for a bit of luxury this is the right spot for you.

Sunborn yacht hotel Gibraltar

You may also have your ceremony on board any passenger ship registered in Gibraltar of over 100 gross tonnes and carrying more than 12 passengers.

5/ John Lennon and Yoko Ono did it, so why don't you?

Sean Connery did it too... and twice! :)

Elopements and intimate weddings are becoming more and more popular in Gibraltar. The Rock is conveniently located next door to Spain and is just a short hop on a plane from the UK.

So why not escape the stressful planning of a big wedding? You can have a day that is just for you with no expectations to uphold or family dramas to deal with.

Celebrate your wedding day with the love of your life in the most simple and authentic way.