STATEMENT BY THE MARRIAGE REGISTRARS FOR MALTA AND GOZO

STATEMENT BY THE MARRIAGE REGISTRARS FOR MALTA AND GOZO

With reference to recent media reports alleging that a civil marriage was performed and registered on the beach and underwater at Dwejra, Gozo, the Marriage Registrars of Malta and Gozo would like to point out that the legal formalities for the marriage in question, including its celebration and registration, were actually performed at San Lawrenz Leisure Resort, a place of marriage "accepted as appropriate" by the Marriage Registrar of Gozo in terms of Sec 16(1) of the Marriage Act, 1975 and not on the beach and underwater as reported.

In fact, it has always been and still is the policy of the Marriage Registrars not to accept beaches or similar places for the celebration of civil marriages.

P Bilocca BA M Debono Borg LLD

A/Registrar, Malta Registrar, Gozo