Getting Married in Ireland
Regardless of the type of wedding ceremony that you are having (religious, civil or secular) all couples must register their intent to get married with the HSE. All information about the process can be found in the HSE Website.
I have summarised the process here. If you have any questions I would be delighted to help.
Step One - Notification of Intent to Marry
A couple getting married is required to give notification of their intention to marry to a Registrar at least 3 months before the intended date of the marriage. (My advice is to start the process at least six months before your wedding date.) You need to make an appointment with the Registrar in order to give the notification, and both of you must attend.
You will need to bring the following to the appointment:
1. The original and a colour photocopy of the your passports
2. The original and a photocopy of your birth certificates
3. Proof of address - original and photocopy dated within the last 3 months
4. Your Personal Public Service (PPS) numbers
Notification Fee €200 (non-refundable)
You will need to provide the following information about the ceremony:
a) type of wedding ceremony (civil, religious or secular)
b) name and address of the proposed venue
c) name of the solemniser/registrar
d) name and dates of birth of your two witnesses
Step Two - Marriage Registration Form
If all is in order at the marriage notification appointment and there is no impediment to you getting married you will be issued with a Marriage Registration Form (MRF). This is the form that will be signed on the day of your wedding ceremony (religious or secular). It is very important that you bring this document with you to the wedding ceremony.
If you have chosen a civil ceremony (i.e. a ceremony conducted by the Registrar) you will not be given the MRF. The Registrar will hold the document and bring to the ceremony for signing.
Step Three - Your Wedding Ceremony
It is critically important that you bring the MRF to the wedding ceremony. During the ceremony this form will be signed by you, your witnesses and your celebrant.
Your wedding, your way. From chic hotel to ancient castle. From forest glade to sandy beach. Home or abroad. Celebrate your day with family and friends and make your dreams a reality.