How To Get Legally Married in Ireland or Northern Ireland

How to Get Legally Married in Ireland or Northern Ireland

Getting legally married in Ireland or Northern Ireland can feel a little daunting - there are forms, timelines and official steps to take before you even think about flowers or vows.

As a registered solemniser, I guide couples through every stage of the legal process so you can focus on what truly matters which is celebrating your love, your way.

This guide walks you through what’s required in both Ireland and Northern Ireland - from giving notice to signing your Marriage Registration Form all explained simply and clearly.

 
Legal Weddings in Ireland - Step by Step

1. Give at Least Three Months’ Notice

All couples must give at least three months’ notice to the HSE Registrar of Civil Marriages.
You can contact any HSE registration office to make an appointment and both partners will need to attend in person before your wedding date.

2. Gather the Right Documents

Bring the essentials:

Passports or birth certificates
Proof of address
PPS numbers (if applicable)
Details of your ceremony location and the name of your solemniser
If you’ve been married before, you’ll also need the appropriate divorce decree or death certificate.

3. Receive Your Marriage Registration Form (MRF)

Once everything’s approved, the HSE will issue your Marriage Registration Form - this is your legal “green light” to get married.
You must give this form to your solemniser before your ceremony day.

4. The Legal Ceremony

To be legally recognised in Ireland, your ceremony must:

Be conducted by a registered solemniser
Take place at a venue open to the public
Include a clear declaration of consent
Have two witnesses aged 18 or over present
5. Registering Your Marriage

After your ceremony, you must return the signed MRF to the HSE Registrar within one month to officially register your marriage.
You can then pay the fee which is currently €20 to get your marriage certificate there and then..

 
Legal Weddings in Northern Ireland - What’s Different?

The process in Northern Ireland is slightly different as it’s managed by the General Register Office (GRO) rather than the HSE.

1. Notice Period and Application

Couples must give at least 28 days’ notice to the Registrar in Northern Ireland.
Both partners must complete a Notice of Marriage form (M10) available from the GRO or local Registrar’s office.

2. Required Documents

You’ll need passports, birth certificates and proof of address.
If applicable, you’ll also need divorce decrees or death certificates from any previous marriage.

3. Legal Officiants

Your ceremony must be conducted by an approved officiant or registered solemniser who is authorised to perform legal marriages in Northern Ireland.

4. Legal Venues

The ceremony venue must be approved for marriages - this could be a licensed venue, hotel or private location authorised by the Registrar for your date.

5. Registering the Marriage

After your ceremony, you will need to return the marriage schedule to the Registrar’s Office within three days to finalise the registration.

 
Thinking About a Destination Wedding?

If you’re planning to celebrate abroad, it’s important to know that destination ceremonies are symbolic only.
To make your marriage legally recognised, you must first complete the legal process in Ireland or Northern Ireland - either with a registrar or a registered solemniser.

Once that’s done, you can hold your symbolic destination ceremony anywhere in the world - romantic, meaningful and completely yours.

Explore Destination Ceremonies 

 
Common Questions Couples Ask

Can a celebrant legally marry us in Ireland?

Yes, if your celebrant is a registered solemniser your marriage is legally recognised in Ireland.

Can we get married anywhere?

Your ceremony must take place at a venue that’s accessible to the public and suitable for the occasion. Many couples choose hotels, gardens, estates or private venues that meet these requirements.

How early should we start the process?

It’s best to start around six months before your wedding to allow plenty of time for documents, appointments and planning.

 
Ready to Begin?

Navigating the legal side of marriage doesn’t have to be stressful.
I’ll walk you through every requirement, help with your paperwork and craft a ceremony that’s both legally sound and deeply personal - one that feels true to you from start to finish.