Civil Ceremonies

The following regulations apply for a civil ceremony in Northern Ireland to be legally recognised. The registrar will issue a marriage schedule; once satisfied, there is no legal impediment to the marriage.

Giving Notice

In Northern Ireland it is a legal requirement for both parties to the marriage to give notice of their intention to marry to declare they are legally free to marry. Notice must be given in person or by post. Complete notice forms must reach the registrar 8 weeks before the date of marriage however, if either parties were previously married or from overseas, this increases to 10 weeks. The notice will be valid for 12 months. Your coordinator can supply these forms.

Residency Requirements

In Northern Ireland a marriage can take place either by registrar’s licence or by registrar’s certificate. The route chosen will determine the residency requirements which need to be satisfied.

Registrar’s Licence

If both parties to the marriage live in the same district then one must have lived there for a minimum of 15 days, while the other must have lived there for a minimum of 7 days before notice can be given.

If the parties live in different districts, then notice must be given in their respective districts, with each of the parties being resident in their own districts for at least 15 days before notice can be given.

Once notice has been given, the licence will be issued after 7 days have cleared.

Registrar’s Certificate

Whether each party to the marriage live in the same district or different districts, the residency requirements remain 7 days prior to giving notice.

Once notice has been given, the certificate will be issued after 21 days have cleared.

Where you can marry

Civil ceremonies in Northern Ireland can take place in either a registry office or an approved premise such as castles, hotels, stately homes etc.

Who can solemnise the ceremony

The ceremony is solemnised by the registrar.

Marriage Schedule

The registrar will keep the marriage schedule and ensure it is available on the day of the marriage. The registrar will register the marriage.