getting Married in ireland?

A Guide to Getting Married in Ireland in 2026 with a Wedding Celebrant

Welcome, my name is Minister Veronica Brady and I am a Registered Solemniser of Marriages.

So you have decided to enjoy the flexibility and freedom of getting married with the services of a Wedding Celebrant who is also a Registered Solemniser of Marriages. It can often be a little confusing so I have created this step by step guide to make the whole process as simple as possible for you both whilst also obeying my obligation to the state, to adhere to the Marriage Act 2015.

It is important to remind you that the Health Service Executive of Ireland (HSE) Civil Registration Service look after all registrations of marriages in the Republic of Ireland. You will be notifying them of your intent to marry by making a Marriage Notification Appointment.

Before you contact the HSE to inform them of your intent to marry , you will need to complete Steps 1 & 2.

Step 1. Choose Your Wedding Date & Venue

The venue must be dignified and suitable for a marriage ceremony. It must have enough space for those attending.

The venue must be either:

  • a building that is open to the public and has a postal address

  • a courtyard, garden, field or piece of ground that is open to the public and is near to and usually shared with that building

Congratulations!!!! You have set your wedding date and venue. Next.......

Step 2. Choose Your Marriage Solemniser

You need a Celebrant who is a Registered Solemniser of Marriages within the state. I am one of these! Check if they are available to marry you on the date you set and book them.

Step 3. Notify the HSE of your Intent to Marry

Contact your local Registration Office to notify them of your intent to marry. This is done by booking a Marriage Notification Appointment. This appointment must take place at least 3 months before your wedding date.

Do not leave booking your appointment until close to the 3 months’ notice deadline, as you may not be offered an appointment within the required timeframe. I recommend arranging this appointment as soon as you have set a date and have booked your Marriage Solemniser. Waiting times can vary throughout the year, with some periods being busier than others.

You can contact your local registration office by telephone to arrange an appointment. Contact details of all Civil Registration offices are available on the HSE website. In some areas, appointments can be booked online through the HSE website. The HSE non-refundable notification fee for this service is €200. It is usually paid at the appointment.

A Note for Those Not Resident in Ireland
You don’t need to fly to Ireland just to give your initial notice. You can request a postal notification packet directly from the Health Service Executive (HSE) by phone or email. This allows you to complete the mandatory three month notification requirement by mail. You’ll need to return your notarised documents and the €200 notification fee well in advance of your date. Early communication with your Solemniser is vital during this stage to ensure all will align. Even with postal notification, you must meet the registrar in person at least five days before your ceremony to sign the legal declaration. This meeting is the final step before you receive your Marriage Registration Form.

Step 4. Prepare your Required Documents

Each partner will need to bring the following to your HSE Marriage Notification Appointment:

  • Valid photo ID and a photocopy of the photo page of a valid passport or national ID card (this is to confirm nationality)

  • Original and photocopy of your birth certificates

  • Proof of address (original and photocopy – dated within last 3 months)

  • Your PPS numbers

  • Details of your ceremony, including the venue address

  • Your solemniser’s name

  • The names and dates of birth of your two witnesses

If either of you are divorced, widowed, or have previously been in a civil partnership, you will need to bring additional documentation to the appointment. Likewise, if either of you are not a citizen of Ireland or an EU member state, you will need to bring further documentation. Further information on what you are required to bring can be found on the HSE website and/or checklist they provide you with when you make your appointment.

Note: If your documents are not in English or Irish, you must provide translations.

Step 5. Attend Appointment & Receive MRF

Both of you will need to attend the appointment with all of your prepared documents. You will meet the registrar and you will both sign a declaration. This states that you do not know of any legal reason why the marriage cannot happen.

If everything is in order, the registrar will give you your Marriage Registration Form (MRF). This is commonly called The Green Folder (pictured above). This is valid for 6 months from the date you intend to get married.

REMEMBER - You must give your MRF to your solemniser before the marriage ceremony. Without it, your marriage cannot proceed legally, so guard it carefully!

Step 6: During Your Wedding Ceremony

The big day has arrived! On the day itself, your solemniser will guide you through the ceremony and ensure all legal wording and declarations are included.

Towards the end of the ceremony, you, your partner, your two witnesses, and the solemniser will sign the Marriage Registration Form. That’s the moment your marriage becomes legally binding.

Step 7: Return the Signed Form to the HSE

The signed Marriage Registration Form must be returned by you to any civil registration service to register the marriage. I always recommend next business day but if you are heading away and that is not possible, you do have 30 days. It is your responsibility but I always check in on my couples to double check that they have returned it.

Once it’s processed, your marriage will be officially registered, and you can order your Marriage Certificate.

So that's it in 7 Steps. When I work with my couples, I am with them every step of the way and always available to answer any questions. Best to be sure!

It doesn't have to be complicated or overwhelming and I have lots of experience of guiding my couples through it all with care, ease and attention to detail, especially with the legalities and of course the celebration of your love and union.

If you want to check if I am available to be your Marriage Celebrant on your wedding date just click pink button below. I would be honoured to officiate your marriage ceremony.

At the moment the online booking facility is not available for some Midland counties. I am based in Westmeath and officiate most of my marriages in Westmeath. I am also available to officiate in other counties too. For my local couples in Athlone and Mullingar in County Westmeath the offices are both located in The Primary Care Centres.
Athlone: Phone: 0906 424601
Mullingar: Phone: 044 935 3706 Phone: 044 935 3707.
Simply phone and tell them you intend to get married and that you would like to make a marriage notification appointment.
For other registration offices - look on the HSE Getting Married official website pages.

Contact Veronica
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Questions or ready to plan your ceremony?

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veronica@marriagecelebrant.ie

+353 85 2459788

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