Actress Emily Atack has officially tied the knot with her partner, scientist Alistair Garner, in a private ceremony held in the UK this past weekend. The intimate gathering was attended by close family and friends, marking the first of two celebrations for the couple. Atack, 36, shared the news on Instagram, revealing that a more elaborate wedding celebration is planned in Spain in the coming weeks.
A Perfect Start to Married Life
Emily Atack shared her joy on social media, describing the UK ceremony as “absolutely perfect.” She posted a picture of herself and Garner emerging from a church, hand-in-hand, with Atack wearing a white dress and veil. “Yesterday we officially got married among close family and friends. It was absolutely perfect,” she wrote. “I can’t believe we get to do all that again in a few weeks time. Christ, we have fun don’t we @dralistairgarner.” The post was met with a flurry of congratulatory messages from famous friends, including author Elizabeth Day and DJ Will Manning.
For the UK ceremony, Atack opted for a striking white gown featuring shoulder pads and lace detailing, complemented by a voluminous veil and a diamond-encrusted headband. Alistair Garner looked dapper in a classic black suit. The newlyweds were seen enjoying a glass of champagne outside the church before departing in a vintage silver car.
Anticipation for a Spanish Celebration
The couple is set to host a second, more extravagant wedding celebration in Spain in approximately two weeks. Atack has previously described this upcoming event as a “fat, f*** off party,” indicating a desire for a lively and memorable occasion. This larger celebration is expected to take place in Andalusia, a region in Spain that holds significant personal meaning for Atack due to childhood holidays and family ties.
Atack, who is a mother to her two-year-old son, Barney, with Garner, has been open about her wedding planning. She confirmed in earlier interviews that the Spanish nuptials would occur in September. She expressed her enjoyment of the planning process, telling Luxury London Magazine, “Choosing napkins and stuff. I’m like, ‘My God, my life is here!'”
A ‘Big’ Wedding Dress and a No-Children Policy
Drawing inspiration from 1980s fashion, particularly from her role in “The Rivals,” Atack plans to wear a “big” wedding dress for the Spanish celebration. She told Grazia magazine, “Since Rivals, in terms of fashion, I tend to go quite big now generally.”
In a notable decision for the Spanish festivities, Atack has implemented a strict no-children policy. Despite being a mother herself, she explained on The Romesh Ranganathan Show podcast that she and Garner have informed guests that children will not be permitted. She expressed surprise at the positive reception to this rule, stating, “I’m surprised by how many people are happy about that. I thought I’d get a lot of people kicking off, but they’re like no, ‘f*** those kids.'” The couple aims to ensure guests can focus on enjoying the three-day celebration without the added responsibilities of childcare.
A Love Story Rooted in Spain
Emily Atack and Alistair Garner became engaged in July 2025, following the birth of their son the previous year. Sources close to the couple have indicated that Spain was a natural choice for their wedding, given Atack’s long-standing connection to the country. Her family previously owned property there, and she has fond memories of holidays spent in the region since childhood.
“I think I’ve nailed it. We’re getting married in September,” Atack had previously stated, expressing her satisfaction with the wedding plans. She also shared insights into her hen do, which took place in Cannes. The actress posted photos from the celebration, which involved significant amounts of rosé wine and fun with friends. She humorously remarked on the experience, “The most insanely perfect few days. Pure joy from start to finish and enough @drinkladya to last us a lifetime.” The hen do included outings in stylish outfits and enjoying food and drinks with her closest friends, all in anticipation of her upcoming marriage to Garner.
A Future Together
With the first ceremony successfully completed, Emily Atack and Alistair Garner are now looking forward to their larger celebration in Spain. The couple, who have built a life together and welcomed a son, are embarking on their married journey with two distinct celebrations tailored to their preferences. Atack’s candidness about her wedding plans, from the dress to the guest list, has offered a glimpse into the couple’s excitement for their upcoming nuptials and their commitment to creating a memorable experience for themselves and their guests.
