Northern Ireland

The following regulations apply to both British nationals and those traveling from overseas to marry in Northern Ireland for both civil and religious ceremonies.

Documentation required

The registrar will require the following relevant documentation when giving notice in Northern Ireland:

- Current passport

- Birth Certificate

- Certificate of Decree Absolute if previously married

- Death Certificate of former spouse if widowed

- Current address; a utility bill would be sufficient

A certificate of no impediment to marriage is required to prove you are free to marry if either party is a national of a country other than the UK or has been resident in the UK for less than two years. This can be obtained from your own registrar or a competent member of authority who has access to the marriage records in your home country.

All the documents must be submitted in English and photocopies of these documents are not likely to be accepted unless certified by the issuing authority.

Age requirements

In Northern Ireland both parties to the marriage must be at least 18 years old. Although persons between 16 and 18 may marry provided that written consent is obtained from their parents or lawful guardians.

Witnesses

Two competent witnesses, 16 years of age or older, must be present at the ceremony and are required to sign the register before the marriage certificate can be issued.

Ceremony

Please click on the sidebar for further information regarding civil and religious ceremonies in Northern Ireland.