Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash may have had one of the most picturesque celebrity weddings in recent memory — but it turns out their marriage isn’t legally real.
The beloved TV couple exchanged vows in July 2022 at their stunning £1.2million home, Pickle Cottage, in a ceremony that looked like a perfect fairytale. Yet, more than three years later, they still haven’t made their union legally binding.
At the time, Stacey openly explained that their home didn’t have the required civil ceremony licence, meaning the wedding could only be symbolic. She insisted they would complete the legal registration afterwards. However, that step has never been taken.
A source revealed that the couple always intended to make it official, but life simply got in the way. With six children between them and hectic work schedules, they reportedly “just haven’t got round to it,” despite their long-standing plans.
The revelation has stunned fans, especially those who followed their seemingly idyllic life on their BBC show Stacey & Joe, where they appeared every bit the perfect family.
An insider added that while Stacey and Joe were always upfront about their garden wedding not being legally recognised, the situation may raise eyebrows — particularly among brands and TV executives who have invested in their “picture-perfect” image.
The couple’s love story dates back to 2010, when they first met on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. They began dating in 2016, moved in together in 2018, and got engaged during a romantic Christmas Eve walk in 2020 before settling into Pickle Cottage the following year.
Their wedding itself was an intimate and emotional celebration, featuring a live performance from James Argent’s band, with close friends and family in attendance, including Mrs Hinch as a bridesmaid.
Stacey had previously explained the situation clearly, saying that for a wedding to be legally recognised, the venue must be licensed and “readily available” for ceremonies — something their private family home could not meet. Instead, they opted for a personal blessing surrounded by loved ones, with the intention of registering the marriage later.
The timing of this revelation has only fuelled speculation, coming just weeks after Stacey sparked concern by appearing without her wedding ring. Addressing the rumours on This Morning, she laughed them off, joking that she had probably taken it off for something mundane like going to the toilet — or even dropped it in the lake alongside “our marriage.”
Despite occasional arguments shown on their reality series, both Stacey and Joe have always insisted their relationship is built on honesty rather than perfection. Joe has said it’s important to show the reality of relationships, explaining that it’s not always smooth and that arguments do happen. Stacey echoed this, saying viewers see them exactly as they are, flaws and all.
Still, the discovery that their long-celebrated wedding was never legally formalised adds an unexpected twist to their story — one that leaves fans questioning whether the fairy tale is quite as official as it once seemed.
