Stacey Solomon Sets the Record Straight on Marriage Status with Joe Swash
Stacey Solomon has broken her silence to address widespread speculation about her marriage to Joe Swash, confirming that the couple are not yet legally married despite their 2022 ceremony. The television personality, 36, and former EastEnders actor, 44, exchanged vows at their home, Pickle Cottage, in a private event that has since sparked rumours about the legitimacy of their union.
Clarifying the Ceremony Details
In a series of videos shared on her Instagram Stories, Solomon explained that the 2022 event was a religious blessing rather than a legal marriage. She stated, "Everyone knows that we didn't get a legal marriage certificate. When we got married here [at home], I said to everyone when we were having our ceremony, we had a religious ceremony in our garden, because you can't legally get married in your own garden without making it a public space."
Solomon emphasised that the decision was intentional, aimed at maintaining privacy from the press. She added, "The whole reason for us wanting to have a private ceremony here in our house is so that the press were legally not allowed to stalk us, take pictures, release things and be there. And I publicly said that."
Reasons Behind the Delay in Legal Marriage
A source close to the couple cited their hectic family life as a key factor in the delay. With six children between them—Rex, six, Rose, four, Belle, three, Zachary, 18, Leighton, 13, and Joe's son Harry, 18—their schedules have been overwhelmingly busy. The source told The Sun, "They always intended to do the legal part, but with six kids and busy diaries just haven't got round to it—life has got in the way."
Solomon further clarified the legal requirements, noting that to marry legally at home, the premises must have a civil ceremony licence and be made readily available to the public, which conflicted with their desire for privacy at Pickle Cottage.
Addressing Wedding Ring Speculation
Rumours have also circulated about Solomon not wearing her wedding ring, which she directly addressed during a recent appearance on This Morning. She joked, "Have I not been wearing my ring? I probably took it off to go to the toilet or something, I don't know!" In a follow-up social media video, she explained that she often wears replica engagement rings she designed to avoid losing the original, stating, "It's not newsworthy."
Despite occasional photos without the ring, Solomon has been seen wearing it at other times, such as in a selfie shared on Instagram prior to recent speculation.
Background on Their Relationship
Solomon and Swash began dating in 2016 after meeting on the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! spin-off show. Their relationship has been documented in the BBC reality series Stacey & Joe, which has run for two series, showcasing the ups and downs of their family life.
In interviews, the couple have admitted to frequent arguments, with Swash describing a "feisty atmosphere" at times. Solomon candidly remarked last April, "I think sometimes it's really good and sometimes it's really c**p ain't it? I think sometimes, everyone's looking for this perfect partner, when actually the perfect one is the one you want to kill half the time, and are in love with half the time."
As they navigate public scrutiny, Solomon remains focused on their family, sharing moments like Mother's Day and birthdays on social media, while reiterating their commitment to eventually formalise their marriage legally when time allows.
