Getting Married in Ireland

Your Guide to a Magical “I Do”

There’s something special about tying the knot in Ireland—whether you’re living here all your life, or it’s a place where you and your partner would love to get married. Getting married in Ireland isn’t just a celebration of love—it’s about being part of a rich tradition, blending the warmth of family and friends with the beauty of Ireland’s landscapes and heritage. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic church wedding, a relaxed countryside ceremony, a luxury hotel, the Registrar’s office or something a little more modern, Ireland offers endless possibilities to make your day truly unique.

But before the flowers are picked and the venue is booked, there are some important steps to take care of to make sure your Irish wedding goes off without a hitch—except for, of course, the one between you and your beloved! Let’s walk you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect Irish wedding.

Pick Your Dream Ceremony

In Ireland, the type of wedding you choose sets the tone for your whole day. Think of it as your wedding’s heartbeat—it’s what makes the day uniquely yours. Luckily, Ireland gives you some pretty wonderful options:

• Civil Ceremony: You can exchange your “I dos” in a civil registration office or at a venue of your choice (imagine a castle or by the cliffs!)—as long as it’s approved.
• Religious/Spiritual Ceremony: Once the venue is open to the public you can literally marry anywhere, be it a luxury hotel, Castle resort, GAA or Golf club or a church if you will. There are plenty of picturesque venues to choose from. If you go with a church wedding you will be limited in terms of choosing what you want in the ceremony but if you choose a religious solemniser such as one from OneSpirit Ireland you are free to choose anything you want within your ceremony.
• Humanist Ceremony: Want something deeply personal without religious elements? A humanist wedding can be heartfelt, meaningful, and all about your love without a spiritual element.

Choosing the right ceremony style sets the foundation for everything else, from the vows you’ll say to the location you’ll cherish forever. 

Before you tell the Registrar you need to have your venue and solemniser in place, booked and available for your date.

Pick Your Perfect Venue – From Cosy Estates to Castles

When it comes to wedding venues, Ireland is truly spoilt for choice. Whether you envision a grand celebration or a more intimate gathering, there’s something here for every couple. While some might dream of sweeping views from cliffsides, the reality is that wedding venues in Ireland must meet specific legal criteria—they need to be accessible to the public and, if outdoors, must be connected to a building. But don’t worry! The charm of Ireland’s breathtaking scenery can still be part of your day, even if it’s framed through the windows of a stunning venue.

Here are some great options:

• Stylish Hotels and Boutique Venues: For a modern twist with all the comforts of luxury, many hotels and boutique venues across Ireland offer stunning spaces that can accommodate both the ceremony and reception, ensuring a seamless day. You can get ready there too making it stress and hassle free and walk downstairs and get married and later dance the night away
• Fairy-tale Castles: Live your royal fantasy in one of Ireland’s many historic castles. From the rugged beauty of medieval towers to the elegance of restored estates, a castle wedding makes for an unforgettable day.
• Country Manors and Estates: These venues offer the perfect balance of rustic charm and luxury. Imagine exchanging vows on the manicured lawns of a stately manor, with the comfort of a beautiful building right nearby.
• Barns and Rustic Settings: For couples seeking something more relaxed, renovated barns or country-style venues can offer a down-to-earth, cosy vibe, perfect for a personal, intimate celebration.
• Unusual Venues: How about having your wedding at the Guinness Storehouse or Fota House or Blackrock Castle. These are all possible in Ireland’s modern wedding environment.

You can get married outdoors but the outdoors must be connected to the building. Many venues offer stunning terraces, gardens, or courtyards, and bespoke spaces, where you can enjoy the beauty of Ireland’s landscapes while keeping in line with the legal requirements.

My favourite venues in Cork are: Fernhill House and Gardens, The Maryborough, Fota House and Gardens, Fota Island Resort and Castlemartyr Resort

Choosing the Ideal Solemniser – Finding the Right Fit for Your Ceremony

One of the most important decisions for your wedding day is choosing who will actually marry you—your solemniser. In Ireland, the person who officiates your ceremony must be legally registered as a solemniser, whether you’re opting for a civil, religious, or secular ceremony. 

Do you want a fun ceremony? Do you want a really serious ceremony? Your choices impact how the ceremony will go and since the ceremony is where you get married ideally this should be the highlight of your big day rather than something to get through.

Each type of solemniser brings a different experience to your big day, so it’s worth considering the pros and cons of each option.

• Civil Solemniser (Registrar): If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward ceremony, a civil solemniser might be the way to go. Civil registrars typically conduct ceremonies in registry offices or approved venues.
• Pros: Civil ceremonies are non-religious, legally binding, and often short, making them ideal for couples who want something simple. They’re also perfect for modern or non-traditional weddings.
• Cons: Civil ceremonies can be more limited in terms of personalization, as registrars often work from a set script and may not be available for weekend or evening weddings.
• Religious Solemniser: If you want a very serious ceremony then a Church wedding might be for you. In Ireland, there are two main categories of religious solemnisers: church-affiliated and non-church religious celebrants (All Faiths and None).
• Church-Affiliated Solemniser: This includes priests and ministers from recognised denominations, such as the Catholic Church or the Church of Ireland.
• Pros: Church weddings can be deeply traditional, often performed in historic buildings with religious rituals that carry centuries of meaning. These ceremonies can offer a spiritual depth and connection to faith that many couples value.
• Cons: Church-affiliated solemnisers may require certain religious preparations, such as pre-marital courses or specific rites, and the ceremony format is often more fixed, offering less flexibility for personalisation.
• Non-Church Religious Solemniser: Non-church religious solemnisers, such as those from spiritual or alternative faith communities, offer much more flexibility in crafting a ceremony that blends spirituality with personal touches. If for example you were to go with a OneSpirit Ireland Minister they have the greatest flexibility and will make the ceremony all about you as they are all faiths and none.
• Pros: These solemnisers can perform ceremonies with a great deal of freedom, allowing you to incorporate both religious and non-religious elements. They often have fewer restrictions than traditional church weddings, giving you more control over the tone, setting, and structure of your ceremony. Whether it’s adding your own vows, choosing a non-traditional location (as long as it adheres to legal requirements), or creating a spiritual atmosphere without rigid formalities, non-church religious solemnisers offer the best of both worlds. The ceremony can be fun and heartfelt too.
• Cons: As with secular solemnisers, availability can vary, and you’ll need to ensure they are registered to perform legal weddings in Ireland.

For a list of OneSpirit Ireland solemnisers check out: https://onespiritireland.ie/.

• Humanist or Secular Solemniser: For couples who want a ceremony that’s non-religious but still deeply personal, a humanist or secular solemniser is ideal. These solemnisers focus on creating ceremonies that reflect your unique humanity without the spiritual element.
• Pros: Humanist ceremonies are flexible and can be highly personalised without being spiritual. You can craft your own vows, include meaningful readings, and shape the ceremony to reflect your relationship.
• Cons: Secular solemnisers may be harder to find, especially on popular wedding dates, and it’s important to verify that your chosen celebrant is registered to legally marry you.

When deciding on your solemniser, consider the level of personalisation, spirituality, and flexibility that you want for your ceremony. Check out their reviews and see how other couples found them.

Whether you prefer a structured religious service, a spiritual but flexible approach, or a completely secular celebration, Ireland offers a range of solemnisers to suit your vision for the perfect day.

Pro tip: Check the HSE website https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/077ce8-register-of-solemnisers/

for a list of approved solemnisers. Ireland has a great variety, so you’ll easily find someone who fits your style, whether you’re traditional, spiritual, or somewhere in between.

Time to Tell the Registrar: The Legal Must-Do

Imagine booking your dream venue, planning your outfit, but… you forgot the paperwork. Not so romantic, right? The one big “must-do” on your to-do list is to notify the Civil Registration Service at least three months in advance. This is your formal way of saying, “We’re getting married!” Without it, your plans won’t move forward.

You’ll need to:

• Book an appointment with the registrar.
• Gather your documents: You’ll need passports or national IDs, birth certificates, proof of address, and if either of you were married before, you’ll need divorce papers or a death certificate. See the Data Capture form here.
• Attend in person (yes, both of you). It’s like your pre-wedding adventure to make sure everything’s official!

Marriage Registration Form (MRF) – Your Golden Ticket

Once you’ve met the registrar, you’ll walk away with a little piece of paper that holds big power—your Marriage Registration Form (MRF). This is your golden ticket to getting married in Ireland, and it needs to be signed on your wedding day by both you, your partner, the officiant, and two witnesses. No MRF? No wedding! But don’t worry, as long as you’ve followed the process, you’ll be good to go.

A Few Important Details for Your Big Day

Here’s where the legal stuff gets easy:

• You need two witnesses over 18 to sign the form (family, friends—anyone special!). You will have given these two names to the Registrar already and they will be on the MRF.
• The ceremony must be at a public venue (sorry, no secret elopements in a locked tower!).
• Don’t forget the vows—Irish law requires a few key legal promises, but the rest is all about personalising your love story. Your solemniser/celebrant will advise you on what needs to be promised and said.

Seal the Deal: Register Your Marriage

Once the confetti has been thrown and the cake is cut, there’s just one final step: You need to return your signed Marriage Registration Form to the registrar. After that, it’s official—you’re married in the eyes of the Irish state!

Pro tip: Once it’s registered, you can order your marriage certificate—a keepsake of your unforgettable day. It will cost €20 but over time you will need it for various things such as if you were applying for a mortgage.

Planning for International Couples

Dreaming of getting married in Ireland but you’re not Irish? No problem. Couples from around the world come here to tie the knot. A few things to keep in mind:

• There’s no residency requirement, so you can get married here even if you’re just visiting.
• Non-EU citizens might need a visa, especially if you plan to stay after the wedding.
• Foreign documents like birth certificates or divorce papers will need to be translated and apostilled.
• Contact the Registrar as a first step before booking anything. Their website is: https://www2.hse.ie/services/births-deaths-and-marriages/getting-married/how/

A Few Fun Extras

• Weather: You can’t talk about Ireland without mentioning the weather! Yes, it’s unpredictable, but that’s part of its charm. Bring an umbrella, embrace the mist, and don’t forget to take photos with that dramatic Irish sky in the background!
• Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies: They can look idyllic in the pictures but the pictures may deceive. Sometimes Ireland can be too hot (yes hot!). Then there are the bees and wasps, the farmer cutting the silage, the plane passing overhead and the constant threat of rain. Outdoors for the ceremony is sometimes not idyllic but if you have the ceremony indoors you are still at the venue and get your  idyllic pictures outside in more controlled circumstances.
• Budgeting: From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, weddings in Ireland can fit a range of budgets. Castles are dreamy, but you can also find magical settings that are kinder to the wallet—think country manors, boutique hotels, seaside venues, or rustic farmhouses.
• Irish Traditions: Want to add a touch of Irish culture? Incorporate handfasting, exchange Claddagh rings, or incorporate some whisky!

Conclusion: A Fairytale Waiting to Happen

Getting married in Ireland isn’t just about paperwork and venues—it’s about soaking in the magic of a place where history, beauty, and romance intertwine. From the first step of deciding to get married and choosing the tone for your wedding day to notifying the registrar to the final one of exchanging vows in front of breathtaking scenery, it’s an unforgettable experience. So, if your dream wedding is filled with Irish charm, stunning landscapes, and a touch of adventure, Ireland is ready to make it come true.

With a little planning, a dash of Irish luck, and a heart full of love, your wedding day in Ireland will be nothing short of magical.

Brian is a religious solemniser and wedding celebrant. He has more information on www.interfaithcelebrant.com

Featured at www.MyBigDay.ie