weddings

[hannah40]

we are in our 40,s with 2 young children we want to get married but dont have much money and just want a quiet affair ,we are off to spain for a holiday in the summer can we marry there?and if so how?

[kira000]

It would be very difficult if not impossible as in Spain they ask for at least one partner to have been resident in Spain for several years.

You could try marrying on a boat here such restrictions to apply, or alternatively Italy or Cyprus both allow marriages of non residents.

[hannah40]

the thing is lots of people say why get married ,im widowed and my partner divorced,but i have 2 under 5,s and want to marry before they get older but we dont want a big wedding.if we go to a registry office do we need a witness?and if it is just us and a witness wont the registra wonder where evry one else is?

[kira000]

Dont worry about what anyone else thinks. You are doing it for the two of you..and you should have the wedding you want, where ever and however you like.

Registrars see couples coming in by themelves alot, sometimes staff at the registry office are the witnesses! There is nothing wrong with a small wedding for the two of you.
If you do want to have just the two of you, talk the registry office, and ask if they would be able to provide witnesses.
Otherwise, are there a couple of close friends or family you could ask?

[kira000]

Not sure where in Spain you are on holiday, but if you are in the south, you could have a look at crossing over to Gibraltar. It appears from a quick look that they do not have minimum residency, but you may need to register your intent in advance.

Have a look at this website.
http://www.mygibraltar.co.uk/Gibraltar_Married .aspx

[hannah40]

thanks for the advice.

[Naomicorlett]

Our daughter went to registry office with her husband to be and 2 witnesses . Not an eyebrow was raised. They had party later with pretty frock ( for her) . Do whatever suits you but easier to do the deed in England and then go on holiday. Best wishes whatever you decide.

[hannah40]

do you know how much weddings at registry offices cost and what id you need?

[Naomicorlett]

I dont sorry .I live in Isle of Man and might be slightly different here. Ring your local Register Office and ask.

[dancecaller]

My daughter married at a register office. It was quite cheap and very nice. I was also married at the same place 40 years ago and it was a bit bleak then, it's been rebuilt and upgraded.
She just invited immediate family on both sides, then had a party the next day (buffet and barn-dance) for friends and other relatives.
It came to hundreds not thousands.

If you get married on holiday maybe your parents will wish they could have been there, so talk to them and anyone close beforehand, rather than soothing ruffled feelings afterwards.

But it's your decision, and your day in the end. Take a friend to the register office so that you have a photo of you signing the register for the children to see in their old age.

[hannah40]

thanks for your reply.we are both in our late 40.s and we dont have parents or family left now,so it is just friends and they are few and far between,so it is just us and our 2 young children that is why we want a quiet affair.

[Naomicorlett]

Whatever you decide to do have a lovely day and a lovely life.

[Banali]

Why not have a registry office wedding here about �75 and have your holiday as your honeymoon. So instead of spending half the holiday rushing around trying to organise things, you actually have a rest.

The ceremony in a registry office can be really simple, you and your husband to be and 2 witnesses. The actual legal necessities take 5 mins only.

http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/marriages/

[weas]

did you know that the captain of the plane can legally marry you! what fun that would be

[hannah40]

really that does sound fun.

[sue34]

Hello
I was in the same place as you last year we have two small kids and no family

And we did not want to waste money on tag along guests�

We went to Gretna green. They do it all for you there ie photos
We went there stayed in the smiths hotel they have a family room
Went across the road on the day got married then later on we went for a meal in the hotel.
And they supply the witnesses as well lol
And it can be as cheep or as expensive as you want and if you get married mid week its better more dates

Good luck