1st same sex consular marriage in UK embassy in Nordic-Baltic region conducted in Tallinn

Photo: Briti Suursaatkond Tallinnas

On Aug. 14, the first same sex consular marriage in a British embassy in the Nordic-Baltic Region was conducted in Tallinn by the British consul, Kathryn Lindsay.

The marriage ceremony between British national Christopher and his Estonian partner Siim was performed at the British embassy in Tallinn in the presence of witnesses and guests, the embassy said on social media.

Chris Holtby, the British ambassador in Tallinn, said: "I congratulate warmly Christopher and Siim on their marriage, and am proud that the British Embassy was able to be part of this very important day in their lives. The British Government supports strongly equality and tolerance in society, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age or sexual orientation, and will continue to work together with all individuals and organizations in Estonia and elsewhere in the world working towards these objectives."

In the UK, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act came into force in 2014 allowing for the first time the marriage of same sex couples in the UK, and same sex marriage ceremonies are now possible in many British embassies around the world for British nationals and their partners. Same sex couples who wish to be married by the embassy must reside in Estonia for at least seven consecutive days and give notice of the intended marriage at least 14 days in advance.