How To Get Married Legally in Ireland

Legal & Ceremony

Congratulations on your engagement! If you’ve ever wondered how to get married legally in Ireland, you are in the right place. It can be a little overwhelming considering all the documents you’ll need and the different processes. Well, we are here to break it down for you and demystify the process.

Featured image credit: David Moore Photography

 

Marriage notification

In order to get married in Ireland, you need to give three months notice, in person, at a civil registration service. This applies to all civil, religious and secular marriages.

 

How to book your marriage notification appointment

Book a notification appointment here (please note that both of you must attend). You can also book your appointment over the phone (just contact a civil registration service) or in certain parts of the country, you can book online.

 

What happens during the appointment

During your marriage notification appointment, the registrar meets both of you. First you will sign a declaration to state that you don’t know of any legal reason why your marriage can’t happen. If all is in order, the registrar will give you a marriage registration form.

 

Documents to bring along with you

Both of you will need an original and colour photocopy of the photo page of one of the following:

  • Passport
  • Refugee card or asylum card
  • National identity card

You will also need:

  • Original and photocopy of your birth certificates
  • Proof of address (original and photocopy dated within the last three months)
  • Personal Public Service numbers

For additional documents required for unique circumstances [if you were previously divorced or widowed, or if you are converting a civil partnership to a marriage] take a look at this list.

 

Who can marry you

For a marriage to be legal, your ceremony must be performed by a solemniser who is on the Register of Solemnisers. For a civil ceremony, the registrar will solemniser the marriage.

Click here to see what Celebrants and Solemnisers do!

 

Witnesses

You will need two witnesses and both must be over the age of 18 on the day of the marriage ceremony.

 

Ceremony details

You will also need to provide information about your ceremony, including:

  • The type of service
  • Name and address of proposed venue
  • Name of solemniser
  • Name date of birth of witnesses

 

Photographer: R&E Duo Photography

 

Northern Ireland

For couples in Northern Ireland, you can choose between a religious or civil ceremony. The initial arrangements are the same for each.

 

Who can be married in Northern Ireland

Any two people can get married in Northern Ireland, as long as:

  • both are at least 16 years old (under 18s will need permission from a parent or guardian)
  • they are not related to each other in a way that would prevent them from marrying
  • they are unmarried or not in a civil partnership
  • they understand the nature of a marriage ceremony and agreeing to marriage

 

Making arrangements for your marriage ceremony

For a religious ceremony, get in touch with the officiant before completing the Marriage Notice form.

For a civil ceremony, make advance arrangements with the register.

Click here to get more information about giving notice of your marriage.