Things you'll need for a civil wedding in Ireland
Planning a civil wedding in Ireland is refreshingly straightforward once you know the required steps. Whether you’re planning a simple registry office ceremony or a stylish venue celebration, there are a few important legal requirements every couple must meet before the big day. Read on for the more information or simply ask our advice using the form below.
We are happy to help you
To legally marry in Ireland, couples must give at least three months’ notice, attend a registrar appointment together, provide supporting documents, and receive a Marriage Registration Form before the ceremony can take place.
Once those pieces are in place, you’re free to focus on the meaningful part — celebrating your day your way.
Having officiated civil weddings throughout Ireland, we often advise couples to book their registrar appointment earlier than the minimum notice period, especially for summer dates.
The following is a guide to getting married in Ireland that you might find useful
The following steps are required by law to make your marriage legally recognised by the state
This page is a guild not legal advice.
Last updated: May 2026
By law, all couples getting married in Ireland must give a minimum of three months’ notice to a Registrar. This applies to civil, religious, and secular weddings alike.
To do this, you’ll need to book a Marriage Notification Appointment with the HSE Civil Registration Service. Both partners must attend in person.
It’s strongly recommended to book well in advance, especially during busy wedding seasons, as appointment availability can vary.
At your notification appointment, you’ll need to bring original documents along with photocopies. Typically these include:
Additional paperwork may be required if either partner has been previously married, divorced, widowed, or in a civil partnership.
If any documents are not in English or Irish, certified translations are required.
A non-refundable fee of €200 is payable when submitting your marriage notification.
Once your paperwork is approved, the registrar issues your Marriage Registration Form (MRF) — sometimes referred to as a marriage licence.
This document legally authorises your marriage and must be present at the ceremony.
The MRF is generally valid for 6 months from your intended marriage date.
For your marriage to be legally recognised in Ireland, the ceremony must be carried out by a registered solemniser.
We are officially registered solemniser – Contact us below.
You must have two witnesses aged 18 or older present during the ceremony. Most couples ask close friends or siblings to act as witnesses & share the joy of he day. Registry offices will not usually provide witnesses for you.
They will sign the Marriage Registration Form alongside the couple and the solemniser.
Civil ceremonies can take place in a registry office or at another approved venue.
To qualify, the venue must:
Outdoor spaces may also qualify if they are connected to an approved public venue. We are happy to help you find the perfect location for your big day or offer advice on any approved location. Book your solemniser with us.
If one or both partners are foreign nationals, or if an EU citizen is marrying a non-EU citizen, the registrar may require an additional interview before approving the marriage.
This is part of Ireland’s legal process to prevent marriages entered into solely for immigration purposes.
For civil weddings, the registrar who performs the ceremony will register the marriage directly.
Once registered, you can apply for official marriage certificates.
For official information and appointment booking, visit the Irish Government marriage information service:
gov.ie – get married in Ireland
The HSE also have more information on their site as well as booking information for your forms and interview appointments (if needed).
HSE.ie – marriage information
Your wedding is one of the most special moments in your life, We’ll guide your ceremony in the location and the day you want.
