The beautiful island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands is a hidden gem filled with gorgeous beaches, wonderful food and luxurious hotels, making it truly perfect for a wedding to remember. We visited them to find out more and spot the best places and venues for a wedding – and all the advice you need for a Guernsey wedding.

[words by Elizabeth Kenyon]

I have visited Guernsey before, just for a day, to St Peter Port as a foot passenger on the fast Poole ferry. A beautiful day, but I didn’t know what my three day trip and a quick flight from Southampton (about 30 minutes in the air) had in store.

Our top venues in Guernsey

Secret coves, beautiful hotels and the warm welcome of the people of Guernsey and its sister islands await you if you decide to get married here. I’ve listed my top picks and venues below.

Les Caches farm

Our first stop was Les Caches Farm, a collection of fine 15th to mid 19th century Guernsey farmhouses and outbuildings owned, restored and managed by the National Trust, Guernsey; an ideal location for your rural wedding in a beautifully restored building and with plenty of outdoor space for after the ceremony.

little bot

The south coast of the island offers beautiful bays and wedding ceremony locations including Petit Bot which lies at the foot of two forested valleys with two other valleys, Jerbourg and Fermain Valley, each offering their own unique character and hotels conveniently located for the big day .

Les Cotils

Another popular spot is Les Cotils, which sits high on the hill and benefits from beautiful views. Notable is the area of ​​wildflower meadow in its soil during the season, ideal for photo and video shooting.

In fact, in spring Guernsey overflows with lush fringes of wildflowers and the constant chirping of birds, providing the perfect accompaniment to your outdoor ceremony.

Castles galore

Guernsey is rich in history, forts and castles due to its strategic military location. This has the advantage of offering a plethora of unusual wedding venues such as Vale Castle or Castle Cornet on St Peter Port harbour.

Small large group hotels

We stopped at some important bays and beaches on the west coast of the island; Pembroke Beach in Cobo Bay where you might be lucky enough to catch a ‘balcony gig’ and Vazon before returning to the Peninsular Hotel, which sits on a picturesque headland overlooking Grand Havre Bay.

This hotel is part of the Little Big Group, which also owns Les Douvres and Le Fleur de Jardin. All three hotels offer unique settings for a wedding.

The farmhouse

Guernsey really does have a wide range of venues, another is The Farmhouse which is set in extensive grounds amidst the picturesque Guernsey countryside, just minutes from beautiful sandy beaches and spectacular cliff walks. The gardens are lovely and the food is pretty good too!

candy gardens

The Candie Gardens in central St Peter Port provide a beautiful, lush backdrop for your photos and are just steps from the capital’s two Red Carnation Hotels, the Duke of Richmond and the Old Government House Hotel and Spa, where You can stay in their brand new rooftop Governor’s Suite if you have the budget. This offers spectacular views over St Peter Port, the harbor and beyond.

The White House Hotel, Herm

From Inter Island Quay you can take the ferry to the other islands, each with their own characteristics, from hilly landscapes to rugged cliffs. Herm Island is a scenic short break stop, just off the coast of Guernsey and only 20 minutes by ferry from St Peter Port across the beautiful Channel Island waters.

If you’re lucky, you might even see the dolphins on your crossing. There are no cars on Herm, just beautiful beaches and coastal walks. As you approach the jetty, the White House Hotel is clearly visible and has an enviable waterfront location, complete with direct beach access.

The lawn is the perfect place to enjoy the view and a bottle of soda. After the day visitors return by ferry, you can enjoy the tranquility and romance of the evening.

The Imperial Hotel

Our final site visit was the Imperial Hotel which is situated in one of the most picturesque areas of the Channel Island overlooking beautiful Rocquaine Bay. With fabulous food and seafood as a speciality, the view from the terrace and restaurant is just picture perfect. Visiting at sunset made this extra special.

Charming transportation options

Intransit ‘Twinkle Bus’

You will be greeted at the airport by the Intransit “Twinkle Bus”, a characterful vintage island bus available for hire for weddings and events. You can be taken around the island to some photogenic coves ideal for creating memories and fabulous photos.

Tuk Tuk Guernsey

Tuk Tuk Guernsey, complete with floral arrangements on the lead vehicle, designed by island florist Claire Galliott, owner of Simply Bespoke, allows you to see unique viewpoints around the island with a fantastic and fun mode of transport during your wedding – perhaps to drive guests from the ceremony to the reception?

Why it’s a fabulous wedding destination

Island Wedding Planner

Everything you need to plan and host your wedding is available on the islands, and the islanders really do know best how to make your special day special. Their knowledge and understanding of climate, facilities, supplies and seasonal variations, not to mention the best spots for photos and videos, will surely help your day run smoothly.

Simply book your island wedding planner and your chosen celebrant and they will do the rest. Your only other task will be to arrange your license with Her Majesty’s Greffier, the Chancellor General (known locally as Greffe).

You can get married anywhere

Marriage law in Guernsey has recently changed, meaning you can get married anywhere on the islands. There are one or two legal requirements that must be met, e.g. B. Completion of the marriage ceremony within one hour of the approved time and place.

You must provide an alternative indoor venue, even if the weather is inclement, if you are planning an outdoor wedding. See gov.gg for full requirements.

Additional activities galore

There are plenty of other things to do for couples and wedding guests aside from the celebration itself, from archeological sites to museums to a lively night out in St Peter Port.

The Visit Guernsey Walking App can help you discover the island on foot, which encompasses a number of Guernsey’s wonderful ancient settlements and wetlands. The walks include beautiful sea views and gorgeous locations to host weddings. In fact, it’s also the ideal honeymoon spot so you can enjoy your day and then stay to experience the islands to the fullest.

Many of the islands’ revelers are also experienced tour guides and have great knowledge and tips to make the most of your stay. Jayne White is the Founder and Celebrant Director of White Dove and Jackie Ward, also of White Dove, is also a tour guide.

Jayne and her team will tailor your ceremony to your liking, as will Annette Henry who, as an independent celebrant and tour guide, is as flexible as you wish! Another Anett (different spelling), a wedding planner from The Wedding Company, has an in-depth knowledge of the people, places and most suitable companies on the island to make your day that little bit more special.

Nice weather – rain or shine!

The Bailiwick of Guernsey is known for its good climate, similar to northern France, but like everywhere it can rain. Don’t let that put you off. There are many indoor and outdoor locations to make your day special.

Before flying back to reality we caught up with Caleb Zunino from Evoke Photographers who shared his passion and knowledge of what makes Guernsey such a beautiful place to get married. His photographs and images speak for themselves – he may be fully booked for a while. He can also recommend excellent other island photographers and videographers.

My eyes were opened and if I was planning a wedding, Guernsey would definitely have my vote!

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