Tried getting info from a few consulate website's but there really is not much information on there.

My question is my wife is a UK resident and needs a Schengen Visa. The last one we got issued from abroad and she got a years visa but that's expired. I was advised recently that as my spouse she can get a Spouse visa for free.

Has anyone had one of these issued? I got married abroad so will the marriage certificate that I got then still do? I have never bothered to register the wedding in the UK and now apparently its too late as it needs to be done within a limited time span.

What is the best embassy to apply through for this? I have read that France is.