Eloping to Ireland with Spiritual Ceremonies
As part of a large team of celebrants, we can guide you through the process of having your legal wedding in Ireland. We have worked with thousands of couples over the years to help them say I do in Ireland. Whether you are having a big party with family and friends or an intimate gathering with just the two of you, we can help you have your perfect ceremony.
Here are our Top 5 tips:
Give notice in plenty of time
In Ireland, you must give a minimum of three months’ notice to the HSE (Health Service Executive – the body responsible for registering all marriages in Ireland). Your initial notice of intent can be given by post. You must both present in person with all your original documentation to the office you sent your notice of intent to a minimum of five working days before the date of your marriage. Don’t worry if you have already booked your flights to Ireland, by prior arrangement, this appointment can happen closer to your wedding date with prior agreement of the registrar.
Location, Location, Location
You are absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to venues in Ireland. Whether you would like tie the knot in a majestic castle location, the grounds of a stunning hotel, a tourist attraction with breathtaking views or even say I do in the zoo! We can advise on the location that’s right for you both. Some popular venues have a minimum number for weekend weddings but can accommodate you for an early midweek wedding. This means while you may not have enough guests for a Saturday wedding in your dream venue, you could secure the venue for an early midweek wedding.
Plan B
When we have the sunshine, there is no better spot in the world to get married than in Ireland. However, in exchange for the luscious green scenery, we do get more than our fair share of rain and wind. It’s a good idea to have a back up plan if you have your heart set on an outdoor location. We have worked with couples that have gotten married outdoors at the Cliffs of Moher, historic locations all over Ireland, north and south, castle venues, guest houses, beaches, restaurants, museums and anywhere else you could think of.
Created with you, for you and about you
We mean what we say, when we say our ceremonies are created with you, for you and about you. We will work with you and guide you through the entire process of planning your wedding ceremony, from the legalities, choosing elements to include, suggesting readings, picking vows and learning more about you both so we can share your story. We will build a draft ceremony that you will love. You have full control and final call on everything that appears in your ceremony.
Time of year and time of day
Depending on when you’d like to come to Ireland, there are some things like time of day and time of year to consider. Flights and suppliers can be cheaper at certain times of the year. The Irish climate takes a little getting used to, the popular months are May – September as the weather is more likely to be pleasant during these times. October to January can be wetter and colder, but the scenery can be stunning with beautiful browns and amazing orange foliage or imagine the breathtaking views covered in a blanket of snow in the Winter season. Whatever time of year you decide, time of day is also important. Your photographer can advise on the best time of day. If you’d like day light for photographs for a winter wedding, it’s advisable to have an earlier ceremony time, whereas in the summer time, you can get gorgeous sunsets with an evening ceremony – whatever you decide, a Spiritual Ceremony gives you the freedom for the flexibility of ceremony time.
No matter what ceremony location, season or time you choose, there is something magical about a wedding in Ireland. As a country, we take immense pride in our reputation as being “the land of a hundred, thousand welcomes” and we can’t wait to welcome you for your Irish wedding. We work with couples from all over the world, in various time zones, and they are all super excited to have their wedding in Ireland. Best of luck with the planning and if you need any info, don’t hesitate to drop us a line. Happy planning ?
Enda Harte is a celebrant with Spiritual Ceremonies and a registered solemniser with the HSE which means he can legally marry you anywhere in Ireland. You’ll find lots of information and tips on his profile page or feel free to drop him a private message and he would be delighted to hear from you.
Main image credit: Innocent Thunder Photography
