Starting from December 15th, 2023, there's an exciting change for couples tying the knot in Gibraltar. The venue for Registry Office wedding ceremonies will now be the Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery, nestled within the City Hall.
However, before you exchange vows in this beautiful setting, couples must still attend the Civil Status and Registration Office at Joshua Hassan House to finalise their paperwork with all their original documents and proof of stay for final verification.
The History of the Gibraltar City Hall
Built in 1819 by Aaron Cardozo, a prosperous merchant of Jewish Portuguese descent, this mansion initially served as his private residence in Gibraltar. Despite legal restrictions on property ownership for non-Protestants, Cardozo, a close friend of Lord Nelson, gained permission to construct this impressive three-story house, situated prominently in John Mackintosh Square. It replaced the former hospital, chapel of La Santa Misericordia, and a prison.
Following Cardozo's death in 1834, the mansion became the Club House Hotel under John Ansaldo's lease. In 1874, Pablo Antonio Larios, a wealthy Gibraltarian-born businessman, purchased the property and oversaw its comprehensive renovation. Eventually, it passed to the Gibraltar colonial authorities in 1922, initially intended as a post office but later becoming the Gibraltar City Council's headquarters.
The building played a significant role in Gibraltar's telecommunications, housing an automatic telephone exchange in 1926. Over time, it underwent expansions, including a new floor and a northern extension, altering its original design. Today, this historic structure is home to the Mayor's Parlour and the Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery.
In June 2015, the Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery opened its doors. The establishment of this gallery was a long-held dream of Gibraltar's art community, particularly championed by the renowned local artist Mario Finlayson BEM, who was a leading advocate for a National Art Gallery to showcase the work of talented local artists since the formation of the Calpe Artists Society in 1954.
So, as you plan your Registry Office Wedding in Gibraltar, remember that you're not just celebrating your love in a stunning venue; you're also becoming a part of Gibraltar's rich history and artistic heritage. It's a truly unique and meaningful way to begin your journey as a married couple.