A couple getting married in Ireland needs to give three months notice to Registrar of Marriages of the place where you intend marrying. You can complete the form in the local registrar or download the form from the General Register Office at www.groireland.ie. The notice needs to be signed by both parties. The register provides you with a receipt which you need to give to the officiating priest before the wedding.

If you do not give adequate notice, your marriage may not go ahead without permission from the Civil Law Courts.

At the end of the wedding ceremony you will sign the Marriage Registration Form. This is witnessed by your best man and bridesmaid, signed by the priest and forwarded to the Register of Marriages. Your local registrar will then provide you with a civil certificate of marriage.

Proposed changes:

The regulations governing the notification and registration of marriage are in the process of being changed significantly by new legislation. It is expected to come into effect shortly so please ensure that you know when this happens. Keep an eye on the website www.groireland.ie or phone 021 4275126.

If you are getting married abroad, be sure to check well in advance of making arrangements as to what the civil authorities of that country require for the civil registration of your marriage. Most European countries (including the civil authorities in Rome) require a letter from the Irish Government to the effect that you are free to marry.
You need to contact the Marriage Abroad Section in the Department of Foreign Affairs and check www.irlgov.ie/iveagh.
Once your marriage satisfies the requirements of another jurisdiction and is registered there, it is recognised here in Ireland – but cannot be registered here.