Picturesque, passionate and poetic, Ireland is becoming increasingly well-known internationally as an exciting destination for those who are looking for something a bit different for their special day. With its wild western coastline and plenty of luxury Irish castles to choose from, The Emerald Isle is asserting itself strongly as a first-choice destination for anyone who is considering a wedding abroad.
Unlike certain Caribbean destinations, for example, Ireland does not really have a 'package wedding' industry which will take care of every detail on your behalf. A certain amount of leg-work on your part will be unavoidable.
To be married in Ireland, you must be at least 18 years of age and must not be married already. Also, regardless of nationality or residence, anyone who wishes to marry in Ireland must give at least three months notification to a registrar. If you are not living in Ireland you will need to contact an Irish civil registration service. Please also keep in mind that the couple will need to meet the registrar, in person, at least 5 business days before the ceremony.
The registrar will issue you with a Marriage Registration Form, only once they have received/seen:
For more information on getting married in Ireland:
In planning your wedding abroad, you are advised to speak to specialists before making any bookings. You should also keep reading around the subject from as many sources as you can.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is intended as a guide. We would always recommend that extensive research is undertaken before booking a wedding abroad. Please note that we are not responsible for the content of third-party websites or for the quality of the services they advertise.
The majority of church weddings in the Republic of Ireland are Catholic ceremonies, and this section will focus on those. There is plenty of local variation so, for further information about protestant weddings in Ireland, contact your preferred protestant church.
The golden rule for anyone wishing to get married in an Irish church is to start early and plan ahead. The process can be quite bureaucratic, especially if you are planning from abroad, so get organised and keep on top of the details.
The specifics of how to arrange a church wedding in Ireland can vary significantly from region to region and even church to church, so it is important to make contact with your preferred church as early as possible to find out what may be required in terms of preparation and paperwork. You may be required to meet with the priest well in advance, so be sure to factor this into your plans. The priest is under no obligation to perform or even allow church weddings for individuals who do not live in the local parish.
Requirements for getting married in Ireland:
Useful wedding websites:
Perhaps the second most popular choice of wedding venue in Ireland, after its many churches, is its impressive range of luxury castles and manor houses. Although Ireland remains a deeply religious nation, secular weddings are increasingly popular and civil ceremonies are very common at most hotels, castles and estates throughout Ireland. The same services are also available at local registry offices.
One of the things that make hotels and castles so popular for weddings in Ireland, apart from the amazing backdrops, is the support provided by venues' in-house wedding teams. Working full-time throughout the year to create the perfect wedding for many couples, wedding-team staff will have dealt with it all before and will be able to answer many of your questions, not just relating to the venue but to do with Irish weddings in general.
Use this section to find the perfect wedding suppliers for your enchanting Irish wedding.
This is a new resource which we are now working to expand. If you would like your business to be added directly, please contact james@myirelandtour.com
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
