Current marriage formalities
Marriages in Guernsey can be either a religious or a civil ceremony. To get married in Guernsey you will need to give notice of marriage if you are planning a civil or non-Church of England ceremony, by attending the Greffe, at the Royal Court in person.
There is a wide choice locally for couples wanting a religious ceremony; brief details of the island's 10 parish churches are available in the downloads section of this page.
If you have recently married and need to register your new details with various States' departments, for the time being you will need to contact them individually, although it is planned that this process will be made electronic in the future.
You may also need to apply for a new:
- Resident Certificate/Employment Permit (Right to Work)
- Passport
- You will also need to tell the Income Tax office of your marriage
Marriage Law Reform
In February 2019 the States agreed to proposals setting out how to update the Marriage Law to make sure it is inclusive, simple and fit for a modern society. The proposals were informed by the findings of public consultation in 2018.
The new Law has since been drafted, and in April 2020 the States gave its approval for The Marriage (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2020. It is hoped that the new Law will come into effect in early 2021.
When the new Law is in place, the changes will give couples more control and choice over their marriage ceremony, while continuing to ensure that appropriate checks and safeguards are in place to try to protect vulnerable people from illegal, forced and sham marriages. See the FAQs in the downloads section.
