Same-sex marriage in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Legal timeline

Ascension Island permitted same-sex marriages first, effective January 1, 2017. Tristan da Cunha followed later that year, with the law taking effect on August 4. Saint Helena completed the territory-wide legalization on December 20, 2017. The Marriage Ordinance 2017 was passed by the Legislative Council with a nine-to-two vote. It received royal assent from Governor Lisa Honan. The ordinance replaced previous regulations that did not explicitly address same-sex unions but relied on common law interpretations that voided them.

Legislative history

Pressure to reform marriage laws grew after England and Wales legalized same-sex marriage in 2014. Local governments began drafting new ordinances in 2016. Ascension Island approved its measure unanimously in May 2016. Tristan da Cunha adopted similar provisions in February 2017. Saint Helena faced more complex debates. A draft bill initially failed in December 2016 due to opposition amendments. Public consultations in October 2017 revealed majority support for same-sex marriage. Opponents circulated a petition signed by only five percent of residents. The final ordinance passed after technical revisions were made by the Social and Community Development Committee.

Religious context

The Anglican Church of Southern Africa does not perform same-sex marriages. Its policies define holy matrimony as a union between one man and one woman. Synod votes in 2016 and 2023 rejected blessings for same-sex unions. Some dioceses, like Saldanha Bay in South Africa, have moved toward pastoral support despite central restrictions. The Diocese of Cape Town, which oversees Tristan da Cunha, issued guidelines for covenanted same-sex relationships in 2009. The Diocese of St Helena has not adopted comparable policies. Civil ceremonies remain available through the Governor and local registrars.

First ceremonies

The first same-sex marriage on Saint Helena took place on December 31, 2018. Lemarc Thomas, a resident of Saint Helena, married his Swedish partner Michael Wernstedt. The ceremony was held at Plantation House in Saint Paul's. Prior to this event, a couple had applied to marry in early 2017. Legal advice was sought regarding the existing Marriage Ordinance 1851. Objections were filed by members of the public, leading to a Supreme Court referral. The legislative process ultimately resolved the ambiguity before the court issued a ruling.

How Same-sex marriage in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha is kept

Same-sex couples apply for marriage through local registrars or the Governor. They must provide advance notice as required by the Marriage Ordinance. Civil ceremonies are conducted by authorized officials. Religious institutions may choose whether to participate based on their own doctrines. Couples can marry at designated venues such as Plantation House. The process follows standard civil procedures with no gender restrictions on the participants.

When and where

The law applies year-round. Ascension Island began allowing these marriages on January 1, 2017. Tristan da Cunha started on August 4, 2017. Saint Helena commenced on December 20, 2017. Dates are set by statutory implementation rather than seasonal calendars.

The practice is established across all three islands of the territory. Saint Helena serves as the administrative center where the first ceremony occurred. Ascension and Tristan da Cunha follow the same legal framework. The jurisdiction falls under the United Kingdom as a British Overseas Territory.

What Same-sex marriage in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha means

Legal recognition represents equality and inclusion within the territory. It aligns local laws with broader human rights standards. The change reflects shifting social attitudes among residents. Public consultations demonstrated significant community support. The legislation removed barriers that previously prevented same-sex couples from formalizing their unions.

Who takes part

• Governor Lisa Honan: Signed the ordinances into law and provided royal assent
• Legislative Council: Debated and voted to approve the marriage amendments
• Local registrars: Process marriage applications and issue licenses
• Civil officiants: Conduct the legal ceremony at authorized venues
• Lemarc Thomas: Participated in the first recorded same-sex marriage on Saint Helena
• Michael Wernstedt: Partner in the first recorded same-sex marriage on Saint Helena

If you are a guest

Guests attend civil ceremonies at venues like Plantation House. They witness the exchange of vows between the couple. No specific attire or gifts are mandated by tradition. Attendees observe the legal solemnization of the union. The event follows standard civil wedding protocols.

Then and now

The law remains in force as of 2026. Same-sex couples continue to marry under the 2017 ordinances. Religious participation varies by denomination. Civil ceremonies proceed without legal obstruction. The territory maintains its status as an inclusive jurisdiction for marriage.

Questions people ask about Same-sex marriage in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

See also

Same-sex marriage in the British Indian Ocean TerritoryLegal recognition of same-sex unions for military personnel stationed on Diego Garcia since 2014.Same-sex marriage in GuernseyThe legal recognition of same-sex unions across the Bailiwick of Guernsey and its dependencies.Same-sex marriageThe legal union of two people of the same sex or gender, recognized in dozens of countries.Same-sex marriage in the United KingdomThe legal recognition of same-sex unions across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Good reading and sources

• Same-sex marriage in Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.