Current marriage formalities
As of March 2021, The Marriage (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2020 came into effect. This allows marriages to take place anywhere in the Bailiwick of Guernsey (including its airspace and territorial waters) provided that this has been agreed with the celebrant and the persons to be married. For more details on this, go here: guernseyroyalcourt.gg
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.
In April 2020 the States gave its approval for The Marriage (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2020 which came into effect in March 2021.
The changes 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.
Planning a destination wedding?
For more information about getting married in Guernsey, Herm, Sark and Alderney go to: Getting Married in The Islands of Guernsey | Visit Guernsey
