The 50-year-old exchanged vows with Gibson on Saturday at the historic London church, with the couple’s two daughters among those celebrating their parents’ wedding.
The ceremony was also attended by Sienna, Given’s daughter from his previous marriage to Jane Cunningham.
Westminster Abbey Wedding Granted Through Royal Connection
The couple’s choice of venue was particularly notable because Westminster Abbey restricts who can marry within its historic walls.
Eligibility is generally reserved for people with specific connections to the Abbey, including members of the Royal Family, members of the Order of the Bath and their children, and residents of the Abbey precincts.
Other applicants may qualify under particular circumstances, subject to the Abbey’s discretion.
Given and Gibson were reportedly permitted to marry there because of Gibson’s family connection to the Royal Family, with the necessary permission understood to have been granted at the discretion of the Royal Family and with the Archbishop of Canterbury’s approval.
Bride’s Grandfather Had Longstanding Ties to the Abbey
Gibson’s connection to the prestigious venue comes through her grandfather, Donald Buttress OBE, a respected architect and conservation specialist who spent years working at Westminster Abbey.
Buttress served as Surveyor of the Fabric of Westminster Abbey from 1988 to 1999.
During that period, he was closely involved with the building’s preservation and maintenance.
He was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in the 1997 New Year Honours and received an OBE in 2006 for services to the conservation of cathedrals.
His work also extended beyond the Abbey. He designed the Queen Mother Memorial on The Mall in London, which was unveiled in 2009.
Buttress, who turned 94 in April, lived at Westminster Abbey between 1998 and 1999.
Gibson has previously recalled visiting her grandparents there as a young girl and exploring parts of the historic building, sharing memories of those visits on Instagram.
Couple Celebrate With Their Children
The wedding brought together the couple’s family, with their daughters, Gracie and Cassie, serving as bridesmaids.
Sienna, Given’s daughter from his first marriage, also took part in the celebration.
Given opted for a classic tuxedo for the occasion, while Gibson wore an elegant wedding dress created by New York designer Tom Sebastien.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds continued the celebrations with an after-party at Hotel Café Royal in London.
The pair reportedly met while Gibson was working in public relations.
Their relationship continued over 12 years of engagement before they finally married on Saturday.
Shay Given’s Distinguished Football Career
Given established himself as one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in the history of Irish football during a career that included spells at several prominent English clubs.
He became particularly well known for his performances at Newcastle United, where he served as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for an extended period.
His career also included appearances for Manchester City, Aston Villa, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers.
Across his time in the Premier League, Given made 451 appearances, building a reputation as a consistent performer at the highest level of English football.
Since retiring from professional football, he has moved into broadcasting and established himself as a television pundit.
His work has included appearances and analysis for BBC Sport, where he provides commentary on football-related developments and matches.
