Civil Marriages in Ireland
Although many people would like to get married at a cliff top or in an historic castle in Ireland, this just is not legally possible. For now, if you want a wedding ceremony is such a location, it will have to be a symbolic one only.
Until recently legal civil marriage in Ireland could only take place in a registry office, however a change in the law in 2007 now means it is possible to marry in another location, provided:
- The location is indoors
- The wedding takes place in an area to which the public have access
- The location has been issued with a license by the authorities.
While this means that it is now possible to legally marry in a hotel or other indoor location, it does not include private homes or outdoor locations. Many hotels and some historic buildings have applied for and received licenses, however it is also possible for a couple intending to marry to apply for a licence for a location which does not already have one. The couple are responsible for all the expenses of the official celebrant who officiates at an off-site wedding.
Booking Your Wedding
Registry offices operate from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday only, so it is not possible to have a registry office wedding at the weekend, nor is it possible for a celebrant from the office to officiate at a ceremony held elsewhere at the weekend. This situation is currently under review, and there are plans to make weekend weddings possible in the near future.
Whatever the date or location, you need to book your wedding well in advance with the registry office.
If you are getting married in a registry office, be aware that they are very punctual and strict on timing - if the bride observes tradition by arriving late you are quite likely to miss your time slot, which means the whole process must start again.
Legal Weddings in Churches
Legal marriages can also take place in the churches of most major religions, without the need for a separate civil ceremony. Seehere for details.
Procedure & Documentation
In making application for a wedding in Ireland you need to keep a very careful eye on the timing of submission of your paperwork, since there are quite a number of tricky areas with this.
Notice of Intent
Couples wishing to marry in Ireland must give at least 3 months notice to the registrar of their intent to marry. This notification is made to the Registrar of Marriages in the district where you intend to marry and does not have to be made in person.
The notice should include the following:
- name and address of both parties to the marriage;
- name of the church or the place where the marriage will take place;
- the dates of births of the parties or confirmation that they are over eighteen
Residency Requirements
The following residency requirements apply:
- You must reside in the area in which you wish to marry for at least 7 consecutive days
- Following the 7 days residency there is a 21 day waiting period during which you cannot marry
- Your marriage can take place at any time between 21 days and one calendar year after the last day of the period of residency.
Both parties to the wedding need to comply with the residency requirement. Before you begin the 7 day residency period you must present yourself in person to the local registrar.
Because there is quite a long period in which the marriage can take place after the residency requirement has been met, some couples comply with it by taking a holiday in Ireland some months before they marry. You could for example comply with residency in July of one year for a wedding in June of the following year.
Documentation
No specific documentary requirements are laid down by law, but most registrars will require the following:
- Current passports
- Birth certificates
- A Free Status Certificate - ie Certificate of no-impediment
- In the case of a divorced person a copy of your Decree Absolute
- In the case of widowed person the Certificate of your first marriage and the Death Certificate of the deceased spouse
Note that all documents must be submitted in English.
Age Requirements
Both parties to the wedding must be at least 18 years old. Except by court exemption it is not permitted for people younger than that to marry. There is no system of allowing those who are not yet 18 to marry with parental consent.
Marriage Certificates
You will sign the register immediately following your marriage and a Marriage Certificate will be issued from the Office of the Registrar.