Getting Married in Ireland – The Legalities

This topic always seems to confuse many couples but it’s actually fairly straight forward. I took some of this information from my book.

Here’s what you need to know……

Where couples are both from and living in Ireland

• You will need to notify the state 3 months before the wedding date – I recommend doing this 4 months before just to be on the safe side.
• To book this appointment you can log on to: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/bdm/crsappointment/

When you go to your appointment you will need the following:

You will need to complete this form – DOWNLOAD –

A – €200

B – Both Passports with good colour copies

C- Original Birth Cert and A Photocopy

D – Utility Bill with Proof of Address

E – PPS Number Proof

F – Names & Dates of Birth of Both Witnesses

G – Name & Address of Priest or Solemniser

H – Ceremony Type

I – Letter of release / trace letter – this shows that you are not already married – mainly needed for catholic marriages and less of a requirement for HSE. They will want the Letter of Freedom to Marry if either spouse is from another country.

J – A new addition: A capture of data form – you fill this in: https://www2.hse.ie/file-library/births-deaths-marriages/marriage-notification-appointment-capture-of-data-form.pdf

• You will get a certificate which you need to give to your priest or solemniser – this is valid for 6 months,
• To book this appointment you can log on to: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/bdm/crsappointment/
• On the day of your appointment, provided all of your paperwork is in order – you will get your green folder that day to take home and give to the person legally marrying you.
• Also to note – you sign everything as your maiden name as your married name has not been registered at this point.
• They will take that away and send off after your ceremony although some will ask you to do it. The time frame at which the HSE send your confirmation can really depend.
• Once you get your letter of confirmation, you can then get your marriage certificate and change your status with revenue or change your name.

Where couples or one is not born/from and living in Ireland

You will need to do all of the above thats relevant.

If not in English, you also need a translation of the birth certificate. Some translation offices offer this service, but you have to factor in about 2 weeks for this.

If you are from/birth certificate is registered outside the EU, you may also need an Apostille stamp or legalisation to certify that you are able to marry. Best o phone and ask if your case requires it. You can get this from from your country’s Department of Foreign Affairs. (bear in mind UK is now outside of EU)

For more tips and tricks on planning your wedding, download my ebook here.

P.S Thank you Reggie for the not from Ireland information.