If you are recently engaged and planning a destination wedding, congratulations! With an abundance of romantic, beautiful and unique venues to choose from, Guernsey is the perfect place to get married! Here are our top 7 reasons to choose The Islands of Guernsey for your wedding.
1. You don't have to be a resident or have any connection to the Islands to get married here
Many people think you need to be a resident of a country to get legally married there, but Guernsey’s marriage law means you can complete a large part of the application process remotely. You will need to visit the registry office or church at least a day before your wedding to confirm your plans, but this means no hassle travelling back and forth before your big day.
You can choose any style of wedding ceremony you like, from a simple registry office wedding to a classic church wedding in one of the many historic venues around the Islands, or a bespoke legal ceremony with one of the experienced licensed celebrants in any location you wish.
More information about the process of getting married in Guernsey is available here.
2. It’s easy to get to Guernsey from the UK
Weddings nowadays usually involve bringing together family and friends from across the country, or even the world. If travel is already going to be involved in your wedding plans, why not venture just that little bit further to the Channel Islands? You can fly to Guernsey from many UK cities, including London, Exeter, Leeds, Birmingham and Southampton. Seasonal flights to other locations, such as Edinburgh, provide extra options during the summer, making it simple to hop on a short 30 minute flight.
Ferries also run between Guernsey and the UK, from Portsmouth and Poole, on a regular basis, meaning that the Islands of Guernsey have never been easier to get to.
3. Get the destination wedding feel, with home comforts.
Destination weddings can be tricky to manage, with time differences, travel and language barriers. The Islands of Guernsey allow you to have a unique and beautiful wedding, without those worries.
We still drive on the left, speak English and have no time difference from the UK; and with five stunning and varied islands to choose from, you can plan a wedding that is completely individual to you and your partner, with reduced stress and hassle. Getting married in Guernsey lets you have a wedding with sea views on white sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, or beautiful cobblestone streets; giving you the destination feel, without the need to travel far.
4. Amazing local wedding planners and vendors.
Guernsey has some of the best wedding and event planners to help guide you every step of the way. With their local connections and knowledge of the Islands, these great planners can help you create your dream wedding, even if you have never visited the Islands of Guernsey before.
They will be able to introduce you to excellent suppliers for your food, flowers, drinks, music, stationary, dress makers and more, and work with you to craft a day tailored to you.
Guernsey is also home to world-class photographers who can capture your wedding. They will be able to find the perfect locations for your photos, whether you are dreaming of beach sunset shots, amazing cliff views or chic city-style reportage.
We are also lucky to have wonderful florists who can transform venues into your dream wedding, such as Simply Bespoke, Brouards, Rose Bowl, In Bloom, Tiger Lily, and Freesia & Fox.
5. Thriving local music scene
Guernsey has a thriving music scene, with a huge array of local bands and musicians to soundtrack your day. Whether you are looking for a big band, DJ or acoustic tunes, there is a local Guernsey musician for you.
Here are just a handful to get you started: Kieran Higgs DJ, Guernsey String Quartet, Last of the Light Brigade, City Limits, Element 6, Toby Falla, Jacques Evans, and Underdog.
6. Fantastic local food and drink
Guernsey is well known for its excellent food that is guaranteed to impress your wedding guests. Restaurants and venues often use fresh, local produce wherever possible to create their dishes. We have lots of amazing island products, including our own unique gins, ciders, cheeses, meats and cakes.
In the main Guernsey town of St Peter Port, you will find fantastic restaurants and bars, perfect for pre-wedding celebrations or a city-chic reception. Hotels across the islands have outstanding kitchens, guaranteed to deliver amazing food for your wedding, and local catering companies, such as Cooked by James Ferguson and Sueco, provide wonderful food for weddings in all venues across the island.
For desserts, treats and grazing tables during the reception, there are many amazing small businesses who specialise in delicious party food and wedding cakes. Guernsey is a great place to experience fresh, delicious and exciting food at your wedding.
7. A huge variety of wonderful venues and hotels
The Islands of Guernsey are all unique, with different venues on each island, so there is the perfect location for every wedding. From cliff top tents to classic hotels, beach-side restaurants to entirely outdoor parties, there is something for everyone on the Islands of Guernsey. Here are just a few options for inspiration.
If you have a particular venue or hotel in mind, it is worth contacting them soon, as these ever popular venues tend to get booked up quickly.
