getting married on holiday

DigForVictory

If you're marrying here (England & Wales), your children can witness. There's no minimum age, but do please check with the registrars first. They constitute the authorities, but may require the witnesses understand what is going on and can sign their names, and they may also request two over 18s attend too.

Do talk over the whole runaway wedding thing carefully & thoroughly first though. An orderly queue of irate relatives is not worth it, but a modest party is altogether more reasonable.

ETA I asked a registrar - you can have up to 4 witnesses, so as long as 2 are over 18, there's scope for the children to witness pretty much regardless of age.

Carmk2008

Regarding the legalities when we decided to get married we weren't sure how it worked abroad we have since decided to get married here as its easier. My family won't bother that much, but I have said to my partner that I think hers will mind although they are such nice people they would respect our desicion as all they want is what's best for there daughter. We are in Scotland regarding the witness and our eldest is 18.

Robisere

We got married in a Registry office, not abroad and not what you are asking, but were both 'second time around' and skint due to first partners. My parents had both passed away, but brother and family were upset because we did not invite them to the actual wedding, only to the party that night, which was created mostly by friends and our two kids (teenagers then) I knew that my brother and family would try to take over everything, it's what they have always done and we wanted OUR day, not theirs. It was a wonderful day, friends and neighbours donated and prepared food, drink and our son the part-time DJ made the music. We finally got all guests out at 3:30 am.

We eventually moved away but still have the friends, while the brother and family are never seen. Over all the years we were and have been togther, none of them have ever been to any house we lived in, so we think we missed nothing.

You can choose your friends and the best ones remain friends for life. Siblings are another matter...

Gloomendoom

I did it for my first marriage. No friends, no family.

My family, in particular my mother, were extremely upset. I now realise that a wedding is no excuse to be inconsiderate. Other peoples' feelings matter.

For my second wedding, everybody was invited and practically everybody contributed in some way to it. Big weddings don't have to be expensive.

Tammykitty

I understand that some people want a small wedding - and that's fine.


I don't understand people claiming they want a small wedding and then having a big party to celebrate the small wedding.


I also don't understand the couples that marry abroad and then complain when some guests don't come.

Fireflyaway

You don't need to get married in the UK and Greece, just one or other. Greek marriages are recognised in the UK so it is valid providing you fulfil the requirements - minimum times in the country, the marriage is conducted by someone legally allowed to do it etc.
The only catch is if your certificate is in another language you will normally have to pay for it to be translated to English and certified if you need it to apply for a passport etc. Also you can lodge the certificate with the registrar general in London. That way its easier to get a copy if you lose yours. That's optional.
When I got married abroad it worked perfectly. We have few family so only my parents came then we had a barbeque for friends when we got home. It was cheaper and also a wonderful holiday with great weather and pictures.
A wedding is for the 2 of you so do what makes you happy.

balletshoes

Carmk2008 wrote: »

Looking to see if anyone has done similar and how it went. We are going to Crete in sept we are going to get married when there it will just be us and our three kids and we will get a couple witnesses over there. Do you think this is selfish as we both agree about not being able to justify thousands on one day. We will throw a small party when we come back for family and friends. I am not that close to my family but my partner is so not sure how they will take it.

you need to be sure your partner will be fully on board with getting married with their family not there. If your partner is okay with it, then in my opinion, no its not selfish.

PasturesNew

I don't see why you can't get married at the registry office ... have the local party at your house/a pub ... then go off on your holibobs/honeymoon the day after.

Far simpler and normal ... than doing something a bit obscure that might cause all sorts of issues for years to come.

Carmk2008

balletshoes wrote: »

you need to be sure your partner will be fully on board with getting married with their family not there. If your partner is okay with it, then in my opinion, no its not selfish.

This is what I worry about as I couldn't care less about mine not coming but I do want whats right for her and have repeatedly asked if she would like her family there and she has assured me its about us and the kids so she happy to do this.

chesky

Whose idea was it?