Church Weddings in Ireland
Legal marriages of non-resident couples can take place in the churches of most major religions without the need for a separate civil wedding, in fact most legal marriages in Ireland take place in churches rather than at registry offices.
The normal requirements of the religion for couples getting married will apply, except, importantly, there is no residency requirement. As a result, the majority of overseas couples who chose to have a wedding in Ireland get married in a church.
Organising a Church Wedding in Ireland
In almost all cases the only people you need to contact are the clergy in the church where you will marry.
Although the residency requirement is waived in the case of a church marriage, you will have to notify the Registrar of Marriages, in the area in which you will be married, at least three months before the date of the marriage. A simple notification form is available for this purpose.
Marriages in all of the following faiths are recognised by the state:
Roman Catholic Weddings
If both parties are Catholic and are marrying for the first time or have been widowed, getting married in a Catholic Church is relatively straightforward.
An overview of the procedures for couples marrying in a Catholic church in another country is available here.
Getting Married is a useful site created under the auspices of the Irish Catholic church as a resources for couple planning their wedding. While aimed at Irish couples it has a lot of useful information.
Finding a Catholic Church
Roman Catholicism is the main religion in Ireland and there are churches everywhere, many in very beautiful locations. However not all will agree to allow non-parishioners to hold weddings, so it is important to make contact well in advance.
Mostdioceses in Ireland have web sites with lists of churches, many of which also have web sites.
Quite commonly couples will be allowed, or even asked, to arrange a priest to celebrate their wedding separately from booking the church, so check this carefully also.
Church of Ireland (Anglican) Weddings
At least one party to the marriage must be Anglican or Episcopalian. If you meet this requirement you need to contact the vicar in the parish in which you plan to marry, who will advise you on other local requirements.
Finding an Anglican Church
The vast majority of Church of Ireland churches in Ireland are beautiful and historic buildings in themselves.
This list of all theChurch of Ireland parishes in Ireland is a good starting point, but bear in mind that it includes many parishes in Northern Ireland, where different regulations relating to overseas marriages may apply.
TheChurch of Ireland Marriage Council website has a lot of useful information, including a useful downloadable fact sheet for those planning an inter-church marriage.
Presbyterian Weddings
Marriage in a Presbyterian church is at the discretion of the local minister. You will have to meet with and satisfy the minister of your sincerity and of your freedom to marry.
There is a list of Presbyterian Churches in Irelandhere.
Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Church House
Belfast BT1 6DW
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 28 9032 2284
Jewish Weddings
Both parties to the marriage must be Jewish and permission to marry is at the discretion of the Chief Rabbi.
You will be required to meet in person with the Rabbi at the Synagogue at which you wish to marry before permission is granted and to bring with you letters of introduction from your own Rabbi.
The Jewish Ireland website is a good starting point.
Jewish Community Office
Rathfarnham Road
Terenure
Dublin 6
Tel: +353 1 4923751
Society of Friends (Quaker) Weddings
Both parties must be members of the Society of Friends, be free to marry and of age. You will be required to meet in person with the elders in the area in which you wish to marry.
The Religious Society of Friends
Stocking Lane
Rathfarnham
Dublin 16
Tel: +353 1 495 6888
Fax: +353 1 495 6889.