Wedding elopements in Gibraltar

Wedding elopements have become a popular choice for couples who want to tie the knot in a more intimate and private setting. Hour Weddings Gibraltar is the queens of elopements & are here to assist you every step of your journey. Unlike traditional weddings that involve a large guest list, wedding elopements usually involve only the couple and a few close family members or friends. In this blog post, we'll explore what wedding elopements are, why they're becoming more popular, and some tips for planning your own elopement.

What is a wedding elopement?

Traditionally, elopements were viewed as secretive and spontaneous weddings that involved couples running away together to get married without their families' knowledge or consent. However, modern wedding elopements are much different. Nowadays, elopements are often planned in advance and involve just the couple, an officiant, and a few witnesses. Hour Weddings can provide free witnesses & stunning locations for your wedding in Gibraltar.

Elopements can take place anywhere, from a beautiful park to a stunning beach or even in a cozy cabin in the woods. They can be as simple or as elaborate as the couple wants, but the focus is always on the intimacy and connection between the two people getting married. Gibraltar has several beautiful locations.

Why are wedding elopements becoming more popular?

Wedding elopements are becoming more popular for several reasons. Firstly, they offer a more intimate and private way of getting married. Many couples feel that traditional weddings are too large and impersonal, and they want a more meaningful way to celebrate their love.

Secondly, elopements can be more affordable than traditional weddings. With no need to cater to a large guest list, couples can save money on venues, catering, and other wedding expenses. They can also choose to spend their money on other things, like a dream honeymoon or a down payment on a new home.

Finally, elopements offer more flexibility in terms of location and timing. Couples can choose to get married at any time of the year and in any location they want, without having to worry about the logistics of hosting a large event.

Hour Weddings are proud of providing a first class service in Gibraltar for all clients. If you are interested in eloping in Gibraltar please contact us on info@hourweddings.com

Where can I get married in Gibraltar?

Team Hour Weddings have put together answers to the most askedvquestions for clients who want to get married in Gibraltar.

Where can I get married in Gibraltar? Interesting question, in Gibraltar by law only weddings in certain places are legal. These are divided into civil weddings & religious weddings. Let us start with religious weddings.

Religious weddings are carried out in a place of worship. In Gibraltar, we have the following places of worship (all of which we have liaised with on a regular basis:

• Holy Trinity Cathedral - Church of England

• Cathedral of Saint Mary the Crowned - Catholic

• Shrine of Our Lady of Europe - Catholic

• St Theresa's Church- Catholic

• The Church of our lady of Sorrows - Catholic

• Shaar Hashamayim Synagogue - Orthodox Jewish

• Flemish & Great Synagogue - Orthodox Jewish

• Sacred Heart Church, Gibraltar - Catholic

• Mosque of King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz

• St Andrew's Church - Church of Scotland

• Mandir Temple - Hindu

A long extensive list as you can see. Gibraltar, although small, is proud of so many religions & cultures living together in harmony. These weddings via Hour Weddings are spectacular and so special.

Then there are civil marriages, these are organised via the registry office & can only be carried out in specific venues in Gibraltar.

Registry Office

Many celebrities (John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Lawrence Harvey, Margaret Leighton, Frederick Forsythe, Sean Connery & Roger Moore to name but a few) have visited Gibraltar specifically to get married. The room in which John & Yoko got married is now, in fact, a storage cupboard in the registry office but there are plans to get this room renovated and made available again for registry office weddings for the complete 'John & Yoko' wedding experience. Should the sun gods be smiling down at you on the big day and, if you ask nicely, the registrar may just agree to conduct your ceremony outdoors in the little garden adjoining the registry office.

The Dell (Alameda Gardens)

Designed by a Genoese horticulturist, the Dell is an intimate venue perfect for intimate, outdoor, civil ceremonies.The pretty venue can hold up to 15 guests in the sunken area beneath the wooden bridge. For weddings with more than 15 guests, they may stand on the bridge itself looking down at the ceremony taking place in the garden below. The bridge is quite low so views are clear and uninterrupted and guests will still feel involved in the proceedings.

The Open Air Theatre (Alameda Gardens)

For larger wedding parties, the Open Air Theatre is a more apt choice as it can hold up to 450 guests.Here, you can get married whilst standing in the middle of a large, fish filled pond with your guests sitting on the grassy verge. Perfect for both ceremonies and receptions.

Wisteria Room (Rock Hotel)

Located at the Rock Hotel, the venue can hold up to 40 persons for a civil ceremony followed by meal. Glass patio doors lead out from the room onto a terrace overlooking the sea.

The Khaima (Rock Hotel)

A new & unique concept in Gibraltar, the Khaima is a large marquee with capacity for up to 200 guests located in the grounds of the Rock Hotel licensed for civil ceremonies. Its red, green & gold decor and flame torches give the impression of being in exotic Morocco hence its name which means marquee in Moroccan.

Mons Calpe Suite

Completely unique and completely epitomizing all that is Gibraltar! This venue offers you a vantage point at the top of the Rock as you take your vows. The views are incredible with the glittering blue ocean spread out beneath you; Spain ahead of you and Morocco to your right.

Bay & Rock View Suites (Elliotts Hotel)

You'll find these two suites on the 8th floor of the Eliott Hotel which is the pool level. The suites can be used as one large venue or may be divided to make 2 smaller rooms. The Rock View suite has a nice terrace suitable for outdoor drinks receptions. The venues are licensed for civil ceremonies.

Mayors Parlour (New Venue)

Set in the heart of town, a beautiful historical building with gorgeous backdrop of the Rock of Gibraltar. This venue is new & has a long waiting list.

The Marina (Restaurants)

Last but not least, we work with two restaurants which do weddings overlooking a pretty Marina. Yachts, champagne & wedding vows - I Do!

How easy is it to get married in Gibraltar?

One of our questions we get asked frequently has how easy & quick is it to get married in Gibraltar. For those wondering, Gibraltar has recently been on international news for being the Las Vegas of Europe for wedding ceremonies. The marriage requirements in Gibraltar are like no other, let us spill the tea.

To get married in Gibraltar you need the following:

1. Proof of one night stay in Gibraltar in a hotel with receipts. If you book with Hour Weddings we will send the receipts & proof on your behalf and also offer you cheaper rates.

2. Birth certificates. These needed to translated into English by a certified translator. We know someone

3. Passports

4. If you have been divorced we need the decree absolute & divorce paperwork from your previous marriage (once again English translation here to.)

So why hire a wedding planner? Well one of the most popular reasons couples hire Hour Weddings as their wedding planner is to help save valuable time and effort in the planning process, as well as the wedding itself. Paperwork back and forth, understanding the law, processes, payments it all takes time.

Wedding planners are also troubleshooters leading up to & the day of your wedding. Hour Weddings have gotten couples out of some big pickles in our 20 years of business, from clients who have forgotten their visa, cancelled flights, wedding dress stained - you name it - we have resolved it. Monica was born and bred in Gibraltar & knows every shop, business & professional you may need assistance with on your special day, with this, there is a small price tag.

Legislation & requirements are always changing, especially in Gibraltar. In the last couple of years the registry office has made various changes with no notice to couples getting married. Make sure you are up to date with the latest changes & partner with someone who will sort everything out for your special day.

Like what you see? Contact info@hourweddings.com for more information

History of the Alameda Gardens wedding venue

One of our popular wedding venues is the Alameda Botanic Gardens. We have decided to write a little history on all of our wedding venues here in Gibraltar.

The Alameda Gardens opened its beautiful gates in 1816 by Lieutenant-Governor Sir George.

The gardens were funded by voluntary contributions, including some from the Amateur Theatre, and monies raised via a series of public lotteries. The Alameda was laid out with numerous interconnecting paths and terraced beds, using mainly the local limestone.

The original layout remains largely intact and a series of guns and commemorative busts attest to the gardens' age and Gibraltar's important military history. It is for this reason that several of the monuments within the Alameda are listed under the Gibraltar Heritage Act.

During the 1970s the Alameda Gardens gradually fell into a state of disrepair. They were finally rehabilitated and converted to a Botanic Garden in 1991, expanding the Alameda's role to include education, research and the conservation of flora.

Although restoration is ongoing, works around the gardens mostly consist of new projects and consolidation of the vast improvements that have been made over the past three decades. These include the continued development of planting beds, enhancement of recreational areas and a glasshouse in which to display plants from tropical and extreme arid climates. 

The term Alameda is derived from the Spanish word 'Alamo', or Poplar. It is commonly used to describe promenades that are lined with Poplars or other trees.

Now in 2023, the gardens is well manicured and is home to some rare tropical plants rarely seen elsewhere. There are so many areas in the Gardens you can marry in, it is truly a magical place to be. For more information, check out our Alameda Gardens photo albums on our website

Can you get married at the Top of the Rock Gibraltar?

Here at Hour Weddings Gibraltar, we have over 20 years of experience in the wedding industry & are experts in the Gibraltar marriage field. We are answering all of the most asked questions some of our couples have asked over the years. We hope this is useful when deciding on whether getting married abroad in Gibraltar is the right step for you

Can I get married at the Top of the Rock of Gibraltar.

The short & sweet answer is yes. Let us explain…

Gibraltar is 426m high and looks over the gorgeous Spain, Morocco and into the Mediterranean Sea. Gibraltar is a British colony & uses the British pound but has the weather of the South of Spain, the perfect combination.

In Gibraltar, there are only certain locations which you are legally allowed to get married & we can count them on our hand. Therefore when we say, yes you can get married at the Top of the Rock it means you can get married in the specific location of the Mons Calpe Suite. This is an official wedding venue and only weddings would be able to take place here (and not outside in the rouge for example.)

The Mons Calpe Suite has stunning views & is a beautiful venue with so much natural beauty. Photographers love this venue as there is so many photo opportunities in the surrounding of this venue. To get to this venue you can either travel by taxi (which is recommended when the weather is bad) or cable car. The cable car is a fun way to get to the top (a short 7 min ride) but unfortunately if the weather is bad they close.

The Mons Calpe Suite have an exclusive room for weddings & you are able to have your wedding lunch here too with a great menu & wine list. Want to dance into the night? Thats fine too, the Mons Calpe Suite is available to rent by the hour after hours.

Mons Calpe Suite Weddings 2023

2023 weddings are well on their way & we here to give you the low down on all the wedding hypes in the wedding industry in Gibraltar.

Mons Calpe Suite is located at the top of the Rock of Gibraltar and can be accessed by the cable car. This is famous as wedding venues go in Gibraltar, their stuning 360 view room where couples get married, looks over Spain, Morocco and the Mediterranean Sea - fabulous. This venue is great if you like an intimate small ceremony (and they are open year round.)

If the cable car is not running that day (sometimes due to weather conditions this service is shut) - taxis are able to access the upper rock but please note that the drive up is a minimum of 20 minutes.

It is not recommended parties with young children visit the Mons Calpe due to the amount of wild barbary apes in the area that running around and could potentially harm baby. The apes are known to snatch food & anything they can get their hands on. Whilst inside the Suite you are completely protected this obviously, however we do note that this is something you need consider when getting out the taxi & you have small children.

The hotel we recommend you stay in if you are getting married at Mons Calpe Suite the Rock Hotel - it is the closest hotel, a beautiful colonial Gibraltarian hotel with stunning views of the Bay.

If you would like some more information on how we can help you plan your wonderful wedding in Gibraltar, please feel free to contact us on info@hourweddings.com

Wedding trends 2023

Hour Weddings Gibraltar is a luxury wedding planning agency in Gibraltar & the South of Spain. We help plan, coordinate and decorate weddings as one of the largest wedding planners in the area. We have put together some of our wedding trends which couples are loving this year:

Natural tones

Brides who are choosing to get married with us in Gibraltar are choosing from a netural pallete such as beige, white, creams and baby pink. Subtle, not bold, sultry not bright. These tones are sure to set the scene in 2023.

Smaller weddings

Long gone the massive guestlists, after COVID couples have generally reevaluated and opted for smaller parties. The general consensus is if you havent seen them in 1 year, theyre not invited.

Destination elopments

Here at Hour Weddings, you can imagine we love this one. Gibraltar is the perfect venue for destination weddings, with its easy marriage process, beautiful locations and very helpful wedding planners.

No favours

We are so glad to see the back end of favours. Time and time again we clean these up at the end of the night. So much thought, time and money is wasted on favours at wedding. Instead treat your guests to flip flops and shawls for their comfort.

Let us know what you think? Hour Weddings is pleased to answer any questions you may have on info@hourweddings.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Shimarlie & Peter at the Alameda Gardens

We always love a blog on our latest couple to get married. Here is the story of a beautiful Alameda Gardens wedding in 2022. Shimarlie and Peter chose to get married in the Botanic Gardens which is located next to the Rock Hotel Gibraltar, another amazing wedding venue! Shimarlie is local, therefore choosing Gibraltar as their wedding destination was easy, Peter is from the UK & they met whilst Shimarlie was living there.

They had 140 guests, which were welcomed into the open air theatre with light refreshments. We opted for fans & umbrellas as it can be quite hot in Gibraltar during the summer months and highly recommended for the comfort of your guests. Shimarlie arrived by wedding car with her father & her and her husband tied the knot over the pond (it was so serene.)

The ceremony took about 30 minutes (this is a normal ceremony time in Gibraltar, however it can be extended if you wish.) Afterwards guests had some nibbles and more refreshments, need to keep them hydrated on a hot summers day!

Afterwards they celebrated at the Police Club Gibraltar, a new venue for us to work with. It was lovely full of lots of love & sangria. We assisted with decoration of the venue too. Their families came together to laugh, share stories and dance. Congraulations to the wonderful couple. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.

How to get married at the Registry Office

Registry office weddings is by far the most popular option for couples wishing to elope abroad. The Registry Office in Gibraltar has been open since 1902, when it became legally obligated to register weddings. Gibraltar has been more and more popular over the last twenty years as a wedding destination because of the minimal documentation needed to get married. We always recommend a wedding planner, purely to the ever changing nature of the fees, documents and requirements (there has been many changes over the last years without any notice to clients, this has left many couples who have not been guided by a wedding planner bitterly disappointed as they may have had their wedding cancelled or price doubled.)

Registry Office weddings can be made more special with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, an Hour Weddings photographer & lunch for 2 at one of our most fabulous restaurants.

Wedding planners such as yours truly are local and have been working in the industry for nearly two decades - wedding planners are invaluable for many other reasons than just your wedding planning. Car broken down in Gibraltar? Call us. Need a booking for dinner? Call us. Need recommendations for the best wedding photo spots? Let us know, we can help. Wedding planners are well connected & can help you at any point during your stay in Gibraltar.

The documents to have a registry wedding vary on your current marital status & country you were born. Contact Hour Weddings on info@hourweddings.com on what 2023 documents you need.

Sotogrande Weddings

What to do when visiting for your wedding in Sotogrande

Are you getting married in the Sotogrande area, in the beautiful South of Spain? Hour Weddings Espana have put together a list of our favourite activities and things to do, to keep you and your family busy during your wedding celebration. We always recommend sending your guests a list of fun things to do to keep themselves entertained the days before or after your marriage ceremony. Please feel free to copy any of these for your guests!

Walks & hikes

There are a number of beachside and mountain walks available in Sotogrande and the surrounding area. The region is full of natural beauty, steeped in lots history. They cary in difficulty so there is something for everybody.

Golf

Sotogrande is without a doubt a hub for golf, with plenty of clubs to choose from. If you are getting married at a golf club in Sotogrande ask your wedding planner (us?!) to organise discounted golf rounds for you and your guests.

Exploring the Puerto 

The Puerto of Sotogrande is full of new restaurants and forever bringing in new shops, stalls, bars and vibrant nightlife. In the height of the summer, this area is buzzing & there is always something to do. The classic Restaurante Ke & sushi restaurant Don Diego needs to be mentioned as the best restaurants in the puerto.

Beach clubs

There are two main beaches in Sotogrande with plently of beach bars and restaurants to choose from. The Trocadero club is an opportunity to mix with the rich and famous, sipping cocktails and lounging by their pool.

Take a day trip to Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a short 20km drive and is a perfect day trip for friends and family. Visit the monkeys at the top of the Rock & see the dolphins swim in the Bay of Gibraltar. To enter Gibraltar you require passport and other documentation as you are exiting the EU (Gibraltar is a British territory) therefore make sure you have these documents to hand.

What do you think? There is plenty to do in Sotogrande around your wedding time. Entertaining your family throughout your wedding week can be stressful! Hour Weddings is a luxury wedding planner in Gibraltar & South of Spain - email us on info@hourweddings.com for more information on how we can help you with your special day.

HOW QUICKLY CAN YOU GET MARRIED IN GIBRALTAR?

How quickly can you get married in Gibraltar, a question we get asked so often. Gibraltar is the perfect destination for your wedding and we will tell you why. You only have to be in Gibraltar for 36 hours in order to have a marriage which is legally binding. The process is so easy and simple, however we always recommend going through a wedding planner due to the every changing laws on paperwork and requirements.

What needs to be done before getting married in Gibraltar?

In order to receive your wedding license, contact Hour Weddings for an up to date requirements for getting married in Gibraltar. Hour Weddings have worked very closely with the registry office for the last 17 years (yes we are the oldest wedding planners in Gibraltar!!)

What types of Gibraltar wedding are available?

In Gibraltar every type of wedding is available. The quickest way to get married is via the registry office. However, we pride ourselves on religious weddings too and have strong links to the church, temples and synagogues in Gibraltar. Whether its a small registry wedding or elaborate 4 day Hindu ceremony, we are here to help.

Gibraltar weddings & things to do

Spring weddings in Gibraltar are ever so popular. The weather begins to warm up & flowers bloom. Gibraltar wedding planners have been so busy for 2023 and upcoming nuptials. Hour Weddings Gibraltar has come up with new packages for additional wedding services for all new clients. See below our top packages, feel free to email us on info@hourweddings.com for more information on how we can help you.

Package one: Bridal Hair and Makeup, Bridal bouquet & matching boutonniere, One hour of professional photography in the venue of choice

Package two: Bridal bouquet & matching boutonniere. One hour of professional photography that covers your ceremony and photos around Gibraltar. Romantic meal in the luxury marina for two with decor and flowers.

Package three: 1 night stay in a Deluxe room at hotel of your choosing with Champagne on arrival, Bridal hair & makeup, Bridal bouquet & boutonniere. Wedding car for 1 hour One hour of photography in your chosen venue and around Gibraltar, Romantic 3-course meal in one of the top restaurants of Gibraltar and Wedding cake for two.

Other services we provide are as following below (we are always adding to our portfolio so please contact us for the most updated list.)

Kids: kids corner including colouring and pretty decor, glitter tattoo & face painting station, smoothie station, kids entertainer & magician

Adult stations: cocktail station or mocktail station, dessert station, specific food station (most recently we did a spanish food station with spanish ham cheese, marmalades and tapas) flavoured water stations

Entertainment: opera singers, duo trio or quartet (either singer or musicians) grand pianos, soul or reggae singers, surprise singing waiters.

Other activities in Gibraltar: we have organised private dolphin safaris with drinks and food for families, private tours of the upper rock in Gibraltar, summer beach day with refreshments & food as well as transport and umbrellas to and from the beach.

Remember, getting married in Gibraltar does not need to be just about the wedding ceremony! Turn it in to a fun holiday for the whole family. We do not want to toot our own horn but Hour Weddings has year after year been recognised as the best wedding planner service in Gibraltar & have the most reliable supplier list in the area.

Message us for more information on how we can help you today!

Sotogrande Wedding Venues 2023

Wedding venue visits in Sotogrande - 2023

Last week our team visited the surrounding Sotogrande wedding venues for their annual ‘check up.’ On our check ups, we make sure that all venues as still as advertised, there has been no changes or deterioration in the quality of the venue. We also view any new aspects of the venue, update floor plans & check their menus for the year. We are so pleased we visited these gorgeous wedding venues. Every year venues improve their services & always upping their game. Hour Weddings Espana has had the pleasure of organising weddings in Sotogrande in 2006. We have built strong relationships with suppliers, over the years we filtered out all the rubbish ones, ensuring we only use the best of the best for our clients. Here below is an outline of venues we have visited, although some are not included on this visit. Email us on info@hourweddings if you would like more information on our wedding services & how we can help you today. 

So Sotogrande

So Sotogrande is a relatively new 5 star hotel in Sotogrande alto with state of the art facilities, restaurants, pools and much more. The SO is sophisticated & easy location if you would like your guests to stay on site. Getting married in Sotogrande couldn’t be any easier! This brand new venue also means equipment with no wear & tear,  

Polo Valley 

Polo Valley is a 10-15 min drive from the main Sotogrande area. It is inland towards the lush mountain range in Malaga region. The polo valley is a beautiful location to get married in, with an area for cocktails & nibbles with dinner and dancing. It is located on a river, during the days there are marvellous views & steeped in nature. This venue can cater for 300 + guests is great for the out of summer weddings (we can imagine the summer will be very hot.) 

San Roque Golf Club

San Roque Golf Club is the closest of all venues to Gibraltar & is a beautiful venue for large weddings. Spanish sun & sangria with luscious tress & fauna. The San Roque Club has not changed in the last 15 years, why would it? One of the most popular upmarket wedding venues in the area, San Roque Golf Course is a gem.

Santa Maria Polo Club

Another polo club, this time closer to the sea. Located next to the Puerto Sotogrande this wedding venue is absolutely stunning. We have years of experience at this venue & we know what works. The well manicured lawn overlooks the polo fields with space for hundreds of people to enjoy the special day. 

All venues in Sotogrande have pros & cons, get in touch with us today to see how we can help you with your special day 

Sea adventures in Gibraltar

Are you visiting Gibraltar to get married & looking for activities on the rock? There are so many great options in Gibraltar to keep you and the family entertained whilst here for your wedding day. Gibraltar is surrounded by sea, the bay of Gibraltar on the west & the Mediterranean on the east side. We have glorious weather & is a perfect destination for a wedding, in the summer we reach 30 degrees celcius and have minimal rain. Here are some of our favourite water activities when you visit.

Stand up paddle at Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is a glorious hidden gem in Gibraltar, the best beach by far but very difficult to access. If you are mobile and able, visit the beach for stand up paddle boarding where you can rent boards for 10£. You require little experience & can float on the water and admire the beautiful rock. If you are strong, stand on the board explore the waters and caves of Gibraltar.

Yacht charter

Hire a yacht for the day. Hour Weddings can organise a boat to leave the Ocean Village Marina (contact us on info@hourweddings.com - we have some fab prices.) There arent many boats available in Gibraltar, but those who do offer this service will start in the North and travel into the Bay, where you are surrounded by dolphins & views of Africa.

A good old swim

Jump into the water at Rosia Bay, once again difficult access but for those who are able to walk, fantastic green and transparent waters, small beaches is a gorgeous way to bathe and enjoy Gibraltar (and its free!) There are also free pools in this area for those who do not like the sea. This is also a great spot to take wedding photos in Gibraltar.

Dolphin Safari

The dolphins of Gibraltar swim in the bay and 99% of the time, dolphin safaris spot large groups of majestic bottlenose dolphins in the bay. It is a pleasant ride out into the sea and not too choppy. The trip costs around 25£ - we have discounts for all of our clients.

We hope you enjoyed our sea adventures blog. Hour Weddings is a luxury wedding company offering weddings in Gibraltar & the South of Spain. We are so excited to welcome you on your visit to Gibraltar.

How to have a truly Gibraltarian wedding

Are you travelling from abroad to get married in Gibraltar? Hour Weddings Gibraltar have put together a guide on how to have a truly unique wedding like locals do. Let us know what you think below

Start late finish late

Unlike English weddings, wedding receptions in Gibraltar usually start at 6-7pm and finish at 4 in the morning (that’s an early finish) It gets dark quite late in the summer months, where the sun sets at 10pm. For a truly Gibraltarian experience, start the party a little later in the evening.

Food & drink

A Quintessential food item at a wedding in Gibraltar is the jamon serrano ( a Spanish delicacy, the leg of cured pork finally sliced.) So many of our couples loved this idea at their weddings and got incredible feedback from their guests, even the picky eaters! The jamon ham will slice piece by piece and then serve your guests. As for drink, in the Spanish side of the border you have great wines from Ronda & Sherry from Jerez. Some wedding clients opt for either of them. We have a food & wine advisor who can help you make the right choice for your wedding day

Flip flops

It is local custom to remove the high heels for the dancing and put flip flops on. We can source reasonably priced flip flops for your guests & make sure they are comfortable for dancing for the rest of the evening. In Gibraltar, everyone loves to drink and dance at weddings.

Dress to impress

It is accustom when getting married in Gibraltar, locals where full length dresses – definitely dressing to impress. Make up artist & hairdressing is also a quintessential part of the getting ready process. This is the same across the border in Spain. No hats either, hats are a no no at Gibraltar weddings and more of an English tradition.

Hour Weddings Gibraltar is a luxury wedding planning service – priding itself on excellence, elegance and experience as the oldest wedding planner agency in Gibraltar. Please contact us on info@hourweddings.com to see how we can help you wit your special day.

2023 Weddings in Gibraltar

We are now looking towards 2023 wedding trends when getting married in Gibraltar & so excited to see what this year brings. Getting married in Gibraltar or South of Spain? Hour Weddings Gibraltar is here to give you the low down on what we are seeing trending for 2023 weddings

Goodbye favours

I think couples have finally realised that favours, although cute and thoughtful, are expensive and are usually thrown away or not even taken home. We have seen this at so many weddings; so much hard work is put in to creating handmade favours & we clear so many of them off tables & chairs after everyone has left. Want an alternative? Focus on comfort for guests in the form of flip flops to dance the night away, shawls if it is breezy at night, fans if it is too hot, or heel stoppers so stilettos do not sink into the ground.

Alternative open bars

Thinking of other ways to treat your guests? Alternative open bars are on the rise at weddings, our favourites are the ice cream or gelato open bar & coffee open bar, where guests can help themselves to unlimited amounts of whatever you are offering. This is great for those who do not drink or have an older crowd (or kids) at a wedding. Not everybody drinks alcohol so it is a thoughtful idea for those who are not doing tequila shots! Hour Weddings Gibraltar has organised a cheese & chactuerie station, ice cream, coffee, slushies & juice station for clients coming to get married.

Alternative flowers

We left the traditional rose aesthetic a long time ago, but we are moving more towards wild flowers & seasonal beautiful new varieties. If you are open minded these wild flower bouquets are breathtaking, usually cheaper in price & full of colour. In Gibraltar & South of Spain we work with a fantastic florist who creates whimsical bouquets for our brides.

Candles Candles Candles

We are seeing a sharp rise in colourful tall candles used to decorate tables, however we will mention that a lot of venues in Gibraltar and South of Spain will not allow open flame in wedding venues to do venue protocol ( it is a very dry part of Spain and high risk of wildfire) However, if the venue permits candles add a romantic touch to venues & sets the scene for a night of dining and drinking with family and friends.

What do you think? Contact us on info@hourweddings.com for a professional service on wedding planning in Gibraltar & South of Spain.

A guide to getting married on your wedding day

Your wedding morning should be stress free & exciting - whilst your wedding planner (hint hint) sorts out suppliers, time line & logistics Hour Weddings Gibraltar has put together a guide to getting ready on your special day

Self care in the morning 

Lots of water, vitamins, skin care & a tea. Try to relax in the morning as you have a long day ahead. Allocate as much as you can to your bridesmaids & groomsmen. Do not leave any tasks til the morning of - the day of your marriage is supposed to be super relaxing!

Food & drink 

Remember that both bridal and groom party need feeding & beverages. It is a long day (especially for the girls) & clients forget to eat. Pre order sandwich boards & ask best man to arrange soft drinks for both parties. A couple of bottles of champagne & glasses for photos is highly recommended (pls consider your make up artist & hairdresser in your food numbers.) At Hour Weddings we will happily organise this aspect of your wedding for you

Timeline

Always start an hour earlier than you think you should - make up, hair & photos take time - a lot longer than you think. Organise your timeline ahead to ensure you are not stressed that you are going to arrive late (ask your wedding planner to help you plan your timeline!)

Gifting 

This is the prefect time to hand over gifts for bridal and groom party. Ask your wedding planner for hints on your wedding day

Payment

Make sure your hairdresser & make up artist is pre paid or you get your maid of honour to pay them on your behalf 

Hangers, robes & shoes 

Layout all the above the night before - make sure your photographer gets to take photos of these before they are used 

Other things for photos 

- invitations

-rings

-perfume 

- Polaroid photos of yourselves 

- calligraphy vows 

- shoes 

- TikTok dance routines (I’m not joking!) 

Hour Weddings will assist you every step of the way & help you structure your timeline. We will pour your champagne & be your little helper for the morning. Gibraltar & South of Spain luxury wedding planners

Weddings at the Marina Gibraltar

Weddings at the Waterfront Marina Gibraltar

Thinking of getting married in Gibraltar? Gibraltar is a prime wedding destination in Europe due to it being so easy to get paperwork done and tying the knot. That being said, the laws and regulations to marry in Gibraltar are always changing, we always recommend a wedding planner here to avoid disappointment. The marina weddings are one of our wedding venues, suitable for small elopements & wedding parties is our marina wedding venues. 

Overlooking the gorgeous Queensway quay, yachts and busy restaurants is Britain in the sun. Pay with the pound, reasonably priced pints & fish and chips on nearly every menu. If you are looking for comforts of the UK here in Gibraltar this wedding venue is perfect for you. This is what getting married in Gibraltar is all about.

We will say, this wedding venue is best in the spring summer & autumn months, there is risk of heavy rain in the winter & may be unpleasant (the nearest car drop off is a walk to the restaurants) only a couple of minutes but still something to be noted if you are dressed for your wedding.

Hour Weddings will assist you every step of the way, we will help you pick out a venue most suited to your needs, you sit back & relax and we will do the rest. We will guide you & advise you on how to make your wedding day as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Hour Weddings has the best team available to help you, we have over ten wedding agents speaking English Spanish German Italian & Hebrew, all with years of experience in this local industry. 

Still not sure on a venue? Email us on info@hourweddings.com and a rep will get back to you 

Best restaurants in Ocean Village Gibraltar

Are you coming to get married in Gibraltar? Hour Weddings Wedding Planners have put together some of the best places to eat in Ocean Village whilst you are here. Hour Weddings are one of the oldest wedding planners services in Gibraltar & operate a luxury service, here to help whenever you need. Ocean Village is a loud busy marina, perfect for a beer in the sun. Here are our favourite spots

1. Little Bay Gibraltar is hands down the best restaurants in the OV – this award winning indian restaurant is pricey, but worth the pennies. They serve a wide array of Gins and their curries are to die for.

2. Biancas, Biancas is a lovely bisto serving a bit of everything, from the English breakfast to pizzas in the afternoon, they also have a great selection of chicken fish burgers etc. There is something to please everyone & this family run restaurant has outdoor seating to relax in the sun.

3. Monte y Mar – a posh new restaurant serving premium steaks (large cowboy) and fancy seafood like oysters lobster and big prawns (their wine list is great too) This small restaurant sits on the water and has picturesque views – a perfect romantic meal whilst visiting Gibraltar for your wedding day.

4. Kamakura – a small sushi restaurant serving raw fish like nigiris & California rolls and also tempanyaki cooking (cooking on fire grill – they do a little show) If you are getting married In Gibraltar they do also do special menus. This Japanese restaurant doesn’t have any views but the quality of the food is top notch and definitely a great option if you like Asian food.

5. Cheese & wine bar (next to the Express Kiosk) this little bar has some lovely premium wines &nibbles (cheese ham crisps etc) and is a lovely drinks stop before dinner. It has a couple of bar stools and tall tables to sit and drink wine and people watch. We recommend booking this as the Gibraltar summers get very busy and usually fully booked.

Hour Weddings Gibraltar offers complimentary bookings for all of their clients including restaurants, taxis and other leisure activities whilst in Gibraltar. Please feel free to contact us to see how we can help you today on info@hourweddings.com

Wedding days in Gibraltar - what to do

The day after your wedding

Getting married in Gibraltar? Not sure what to do the day after your wedding (aside from nursing a hangover maybe?) We have put together some fun things to do whilst visiting Gibraltar. Gibraltar is a great weekend break & for a very small peninsular has great options for families and couples visiting. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Gibraltar.

1. Visit the beach ( our favourite beach in Gibraltar is Sandy Bay and can be accessed by bus on the Eastside of Gibraltar) after the long walk down to the beach you are greeted by friendly locals, crystal clear water and a local beach hut serving ice cream, sangria and fish and chips (this beach is only accessible for fully mobile adults, wheelchairs and prams best to go to Catalan Bay)

2. Early morning upper rock walk – this is only to be braved by those who have a relative level of fitness. If you fit this criteria, walking up the rock is absolutely stunning. Views overlooking Spain and Morocco as well as being surrounded by wildlife (apes birds & fauna) this is a nature lovers dream come true.

3. Sip champagne in Queensway Quay – on a warm day there is nothing better to do than sip some champagne at one of the marinas, Queensway is our Marina of choice, more upmarket and quieter than the rowdy Ocean Village. Surrounded by yachts and overlooking Spain

4. Book the Queens Private Cinema for you and your family – The Queens is a hotel based in Casemates with a private cinema at the back which can fit 16 people. Watch your favourite movie on their comfy sofas & sipping cocktails and eating popcorn. This is a brand new facility in Gibraltar & we absolutely love it!

5. If its raining? Check out the Rock Hotel for their lovely high teas served with scones or even their Sunday Roast overlooking the bay of Gibraltar.

6. Cross the border to have tapas in Spain – ensuring you have the right documents (if you are Uk a passport) you are able to cross the border even for a couple of hours to enjoy some delicious authentic Spanish food. You do not need to go far, La Linea De la Concepcion, the town across the border is the perfect place to eat some cheap tasty food.

If you require some help or information on what to do whilst here for your wedding, please do not hesitate to contact us on info@hourweddings.com