❤️ Some anniversaries aren’t remembered because of legal documents—they’re remembered because of the memories they create. As Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash reflected on four years since exchanging heartfelt vows surrounded by family and friends, fans discovered an unexpected truth about the ceremony that has sparked countless conversations. Their celebration at Pickle Cottage may reportedly not have fulfilled the legal requirements for marriage, yet nothing appears to have changed the way they see one another or the life they’ve built together. 🌿
Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash are beloved by fans for their down-to-earth nature, their beautiful blended family, and their candid approach to life in the public eye. As they celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary, fans are looking back at their stunning garden ceremony at Pickle Cottage. However, behind the beautiful white-and-sage-green theme and the heartfelt vows lies a surprising revelation: the couple is not actually legally married.
The beautiful ceremony, held in the lush gardens of their £1.2 million Essex home in July 2022, was a picture-perfect event. It was a true reflection of the couple’s personality, embracing a “relaxed, country-fairytale” aesthetic. But under UK law, for a wedding to be legally binding, the venue must hold a civil ceremony licence. Because Pickle Cottage is their private family residence, obtaining a permanent licence wasn’t possible. The event was, therefore, a deeply personal and religious blessing rather than a legal marriage.
Initially, the couple had made public their intentions to legally register their marriage at a registry office following the garden celebration. However, as the demands of their incredibly busy lives took over, those plans were quietly shelved. Sources close to the couple have explained that the delay is simply down to “life getting in the way.” Between managing successful careers, filming their BBC reality show, and raising their large family of six children, finding the time to sign the official paperwork just hasn’t happened.
Stacey, known for her refreshing honesty, has openly stated her feelings on the matter, boldly declaring that she “doesn’t need a piece of paper” to validate their love or the commitment they made to each other during their blessing. For Stacey and Joe, the emotional and spiritual bond they share is far more significant than a legal document.
A Family-Centric Celebration
The wedding day itself was a testament to their love and their dedication to their blended family. Stacey’s eldest sons, Zachary and Leighton, had the honour of walking her down the aisle alongside her father. Joe’s son, Harry, and their young son, Rex, looked adorable as page boys, while their baby daughter, Rose, stole hearts as the flower girl. Even the family dogs, Peanut and Teddy, were included, dressed in matching outfits for the special occasion.
The guest list was carefully curated to include their closest friends and family, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. Stacey’s close friend, Sophie Hinchliffe (Mrs Hinch), served as a bridesmaid. Interestingly, Linda Robson was the only Loose Women panellist in attendance, as others like Nadia Sawalha and Kaye Adams had prior commitments. Former TOWIE star Ricky Rayment acted as one of Joe’s best men, and James “Arg” Argent provided the live entertainment, serenading the couple during their first dance.
DIY Magic and Strict Privacy
True to her famous DIY ethos, Stacey created a magical setting without exorbitant costs. By hosting the blessing on their 2.5-acre estate, they saved tens of thousands of pounds that would typically be spent on a luxury venue. Stacey partnered with IKEA for the garden marquee’s furniture and, in a heartwarming gesture, ensured all the items were donated to charity after the event.
Privacy was paramount for the couple. Stacey implemented a strict no-mobile-phone policy, asking guests to lock their devices away so everyone could be fully present in the moment, free from the worry of social media leaks. Furthermore, instead of selling exclusive photo rights to a magazine, Stacey chose to share her wedding photos on her own Instagram, only allowing news outlets to publish them if they made a donation to a bereaved children’s charity.
A Decade-Long Journey
Stacey and Joe’s love story is one that has captured the hearts of many. They first crossed paths in 2010 on the set of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, just after Stacey had been crowned Queen of the Jungle. However, romance didn’t bloom immediately. It wasn’t until 2016 that they officially started dating. Their relationship went from strength to strength, culminating in Joe’s romantic proposal during a woodland walk on Christmas Eve in 2020.
Today, they navigate the complexities and joys of raising their blended family. They share three children together—Rex, Rose, and Belle—and seamlessly blend their family with Stacey’s sons, Zachary and Leighton, and Joe’s son, Harry, from previous relationships.
Despite the occasional speculation surrounding the legal status of their union, Stacey remains unfazed. She has consistently brushed aside any rumours of trouble in paradise, affirming their unwavering devotion to one another. Their story is a powerful reminder that love, commitment, and a happy home are defined by the people in it, not by a piece of paper.
