UPDATE: New Location for the Registry Office Wedding Ceremonies in Gibraltar

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.

A Union Beneath the Sun: Celebrating Love and Heritage

A Union Beneath the Sun: Celebrating Love and Heritage

In the enchanting backdrop of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean's azure waters meet the iconic Rock.

In the enchanting backdrop of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean's azure waters meet the iconic Rock, we had the privilege of orchestrating a heartwarming gay wedding that beautifully melded two distinct cultures, epitomizing love in its purest form.

Marrying Traditions in Gibraltar

One of the grooms hailed from a Jewish lineage, adding a layer of richness to their special day. After the civil ceremony, we erected a beautifully adorned chuppah, a traditional Jewish wedding canopy, symbolizing the home the couple would build together in Gibraltar. With its four open sides, the chuppah also represented the couple's commitment to warmly welcome friends and family into their shared life on the Rock of Gibraltar.

To honour the Jewish tradition of breaking a glass, we incorporated a unique twist. Instead of one glass, two were used, signifying not only the historical reference but also the individual journeys of the grooms, culminating in their unified path in Gibraltar.

Golden Gibraltar Sunflowers

The couple chose sunflowers as their emblematic theme, infusing the venue with golden-yellow tones that radiated warmth. The Sunborn Hotel's wheelhouse, overlooking the Mediterranean and the Rock of Gibraltar, served as the perfect canvas for this motif. Sunflowers, with their unwavering pursuit of the sun, symbolized loyalty, longevity, and adoration - qualities mirrored the profound love celebrated on this special day in Gibraltar.

A Journey Around the Rock

Following the heartfelt ceremony, the newlyweds embarked on a picturesque car journey around the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. This not only provided a moment of serenity amid the bustling day but also offered the perfect opportunity to capture captivating moments against the stunning Gibraltar backdrop. Their joyous laughter, spontaneous moments, and the deep emotions visible in their gazes resulted in photographs they will cherish forever, all against Gibraltar's breathtaking scenery.

In Conclusion: A Gibraltar Love Story

This wedding is a testament to the enduring beauty of love and its ability to transcend boundaries, beliefs, and backgrounds. The fusion of traditions, the sunflower-themed décor, and the profound bond shared by the two grooms made this day unforgettable in the annals of Gibraltar weddings. We extend our warmest wishes to the newlyweds for a lifetime filled with sun-drenched moments, unwavering love, and shared odysseys in the heart of Gibraltar.