Guernsey’s new ‘Wedding law’, entitled the ‘Marriage (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2020’, comes into effect on Monday 1st March 2021.
The new Law replaces the Marriage Law of 1919 which was considered outdated and did not meet the requirements of modern society. The new Law has simplified the administrative procedure required before a couple are married, whilst ensuring that the necessary safeguards are in place to prevent illegal marriages.
Under the new Law couples can choose to be married in the same way that is available today, or choose a number of different venues around the island, including hotels, gardens or on the beach.
Although the new Law takes effect from the 1st March it will not be possible to get married under the new provisions until later in the month, this is because notice of marriage has to be given and once accepted by the Greffe published for a minimum of 21 days. Anybody wishing to get married during this period can give notice under the 1919 Law but the marriage will have to be conducted under the terms of the 1919 Law.
The Royal Court website has been updated with the procedures under the new marriage law and application forms to apply to give notice of marriage may be downloaded from the site from the 11th February.
Several organisations and individuals have applied to be Authorised Civil Celebrants to conduct legal civil weddings and will shortly be undertaking training, which is being given by the Head of Registrations. As soon as it is known who the Civil Celebrants are, their contact details will be added to the Royal Court website. This is expected to be on the 11th February 2021.
