Civil Ceremonies

The following regulations apply for a civil ceremony in the Republic of Ireland to be legally recognised.

Notification

In the Republic of Ireland it is a legal requirement for both parties to the marriage to give notification of their intention to marry. The notification form(s) must be completed and submitted by post to the appropriate registrar. The forms must be received at least 3 months prior to the marriage date. Your coordinator can supply these forms.

Residency Requirements

In the Republic of Ireland a marriage can take place either by registrar’s licence or by registrar’s certificate. The residency requirements can be satisfied as follows:

- Registrar’s License

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 the service of notice.

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 more than 15 days before the service of notice.

Once the service of notice has taken place, the license will be issued after 7 days have cleared and the marriage can then take place.

- 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 service of notice.

Once service of notice has taken place, the certificate will be issued after 21 days have cleared and the marriage can then take place.

For both registrar’s licence and certificate, one of the parties to the marriage must have been resident in the district where the marriage is to take place.

Service of Notice

Once notification has been given, each party to the marriage must personally attend the registrar’s office in which they reside to serve notice.

Where you can marry

Civil ceremonies in the Republic of Ireland can only take place in a registry office.

Who can solemnise the ceremony

The ceremony is solemnised by the registrar who also registers the marriage.