Since November 2007, the marriage provisions of the Civil Registration Act, 2004 have commenced with the following marriage legislation in the Republic of Ireland.
- The notification of intention to marry (three months’ notice) has to be given in person to a Registrar, rather than by post; postal notifications will be permitted only in very restricted circumstances which prescribed by the Minister.
- All couples giving notification must sign declarations of no impediment and obtain a Marriage Registration Form (MRF) from a Registrar in advance of the ceremony; this will be issued after they have completed the necessary notification procedures and the Registrar is satisfied they are free to marry
- A Register of Solemnisers of Marriage is maintained by the General Register Office. All those solemnising a civil or religious marriage after the above date must be on this Register
- It will be possible for civil marriages after the above date to be held at venues other than Registry Offices, provided the venue has been inspected and approved by the HSE in advance of the marriage ceremony and subject to a Registrar being available to solemnise a marriage at that venue on the date in question
- The residency requirements for civil marriages are removed
(Couples who intend having Roman Catholic marriages after that date, but have give notification before that date, do not need to attend with a Registrar or be issued with a MRF.)
An explanatory leaflet detailing the requirements in civil law to have a valid marriage registered is available from the Registrar. Further information is also available online from the General Registrar Office
Enquire locally about which Registrar of Marriages is responsible for the place where you intend solemnising your marriage.
