Weddings in Alderney
Weddings in Alderney
For a picture perfect wedding as unique as you are - choose Alderney!
Fringed by stunning white sand beaches, sparkling bays and a fort-studded coast, Alderney offers a wide variety of beautiful backdrops for your big day.
Say ‘I do’ at the altar, keep it short and sweet at the registrar office, or celebrate with sand between your toes or waves under your bow. On Alderney your wedding can be as unique as you are.
The Guernsey Marriage Law was modernised in 2021 to give couples the freedom to legally tie the knot anywhere they choose on the island, on land, in the air or at sea. This freedom of choice has produced a complete change in wedding styles with more than 30 civil celebrant led weddings celebrated in a wide variety of spectacular locations. Wedding couples have ranged from local childhood sweethearts, frequent visitors to the island and even couples who have chosen an elopement style wedding to a surprise location.
The island also lends itself to a deliciously different after-party. Sip bubbly at Braye or bumping along in a Tube carriage; munch wedding cake in a beer garden, quarry or a bunker. The friendly locals and their businesses will always go the extra mile to make it the wedding you dreamed of.
In keeping with Alderney’s laid-back vibe, the legal process is straightforward and there’s plenty of help on hand to guide couples along the way. Same sex marriages are also very welcome.
Let Alderney make your dreams come true!
How to do it
The first step is choosing between a civil or religious ceremony.
Civil Ceremonies
Led by an Authorised Civil Celebrant
Civil ceremonies can be solemnised by an Authorised Civil Celebrant who will provide a bespoke ceremony designed for you as a couple.This can be on any day, at any time and on land, sea or in the air anywhere in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. (Civil Celebrant contact details can be found on the Alderney Court Website http://www.courtofalderney.gg)
Your Civil Celebrant will offer you a complimentary initial meeting to outline the process and give you further advice on how to proceed. They must by law outline their cost structure. Once you have agreed and signed contracts your civil celebrant will ensure that you are following all the guidelines as well as designing and writing your Wedding ceremony script.
Led by the Deputy Registrar.
If you would like to get married during normal office hours 9am to 4pm weekdays (except public holidays) in a basic legal ceremony to be conducted in the Court House by a Deputy Registrar, you will need to contact the Court Office on 01481 820050 or email court@alderney.gov.gg to check availability for the time and date you would like and the booking will be entered into the diary and reserved for you. You then need to give notice to the Royal Court of Guernsey.
Religious Ceremony – Saying “ I do” at the altar.
St Anne's Church - Church of England
Couples who wish to get married in St Anne’s Church should contact the Revd Mother Samantha Martell for a chat about the process and to discuss dates on 01481 824866 or at vicarageonalderney@gmail.com The Church of England will take notice of marriage and administer the process for marriages which are to be solemnised by them.
Methodist Church
For information on getting married at the Methodist Church please contact Rev David Stretton 01481 822149 www.alderneymethodist.net
Catholic Church
For information on getting married at the Catholic Church please contact Father Paul on 01481 822105 pdzwig@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk
Civil Celebrant Led Weddings the Alderney Way.
FAQ’s
· What exactly is an Authorised Civil Celebrant?
They are self employed Celebrants authorised by the Royal Court of Guernsey to carry out legal wedding ceremonies anywhere in the Bailiwick of Guernsey on land, in the air or at sea. They have been trained to carry out all the legal processes correctly and are given a license by the court to carry out each wedding. They will guide you through all the processes and paperwork and ensure your special day runs smoothly.
They provide a bespoke service to their couples , writing ceremony scripts and including a range of poetry, readings, music and unity ceremonies to enhance each couple’s love story.
· Can we get married anywhere?
Yes, as long as you have the land owners permission. The States of Alderney has recently changed their system of gaining permission so the request is made by the Celebrant. The States of Alderney charges £150 for beach weddings and £300 for weddings in Forts or Bunkers. Since the law changed in 2021 locations have included beaches, forts, cliff tops, private gardens, The Anne French Room, hotels and a yacht.
· How long in advance do we need to apply for our wedding licence?
You can apply online to the Royal Court of Guernsey up to one year before your wedding date. The notice of marriage has to be posted on their website for 21 days and after that you have to show your original documents to the Greffier in Alderney or Guernsey at least one day before the wedding. The Celebrants recommend to do your paperwork as early as possible to remove any last minute anxieties.
· Do we need to live on Alderney to get married there?
No. In reality you don’t even need to have been to Alderney before! Do however please be aware of the vagaries of our weather and travel issues and plan to come several days before your wedding. It gives you a bit of relaxation time before the big day too.
· Can I have a hymn or prayer at my civil wedding?
No. There may be no religious content in a civil ceremony. If you want to have a religious ceremony contact one of our churches who will be delighted to help you organise a suitable service.
· We fancy an elopement style micro wedding, how small can our wedding party be?
5 is the minimum, the couple, the celebrant and two witnesses. Witnesses have to be over 18 and can be related to the couple but don’t need to be, witnesses can always be provided on island.
· What kind of elements can we have in our ceremony?
Each ceremony is written to fit the couple. Poetry, music, readings, ring exchanges and unity ceremonies all work well. You may want to include a role for special guests in your ceremony which brings a really personal touch to your ceremony. Your celebrant will guide you through all this in the planning process and weave the various elements together to make a truly memorable occasion.
