Why did John & Yoko get married in Gibraltar?

Wedding photo

The famous image of John & Yoko standing in front of the Rock of Gibraltar was very much on brand. What greater symbol of the eternity of their love? It was, however, a wedding location chosen out of necessity rather than a carefully thought out mission statement.

The decision to marry was taken on March 13, the day following the wedding of Paul and Linda. The future Lennon-Onos had not attended their bandmate's big day. According to Paul:

"I really don't remember whether or not I invited any of the band to the wedding," said McCartney. "Why not? I'm a total bastard, I suppose — I don't know, really. Maybe it was because the group was breaking up. We were all pissed off with each other.

John and Yoko pointedly left London on the day of the wedding. They couldn't escape news of the event, however, which dominated the weekend's news cycle. 

And whiled being driven home after visiting Aunt Mimi on the south coast, John made a sensational announcement to his chauffeur: "We're getting married!"

"Congratulations, sir! When is the happy day?"

"As soon as possible! Why not today?"

Paperwork

There were a few hurdles to overcome, a Lennon later explained. They wanted to marry abroad but did not have their passports with them. Other proposed venues - like Paris - had boring rules and paperwork.

"We wanted to get married on a cross-channel ferry – that was the romantic part. We went to Southampton and then we couldn't get on because she wasn't English, and she couldn't get the day visa to go across. They said, 'Anyway, you can't get married. The Captain's not allowed to do it any more.'"

With the Beatles fixer Peter Brown pulling every string imaginable, the couple were married on Gibraltar on March 20, 1969. Just over a week had passed since Paul and Linda had tied the knot

The Ballad 

The Rock rocked as far the bride and bridegroom were concerned. Among those less thrilled were Cynthia Lennon, the British Foreign Office and General Franco. The ballad describes Gibraltar as 'near Spain'. 

Under international law, Gibraltar was is a British Overseas Territory. That status has always been disputed by Spain. Geographically, the Rock is part of the Spanish mainland, but its population consistently votes to retain its current status.

The Caudillo was furious. He promptly banned the The Ballad of John & Yoko in Spain and its dependent territories.