Weddings In Ireland: What's Allowed And What's Not

Planning a wedding in Ireland? Here's what you need to know. There are different types of wedding ceremonies recognised by Irish law, including religious, civil, and secular ceremonies. If you're looking for a legally binding wedding, your ceremony must be performed by a registered solemniser. This person could be a registrar, a member of a religious body, or a representative of a secular body.

To have a legally valid marriage in Ireland, you must meet several requirements. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, not already married, and capable of understanding the nature of a marriage ceremony. You must also freely consent to the marriage and meet the notification requirements, which include giving at least three months' notice to a registrar.

When it comes to the wedding day itself, there are many Irish traditions you can choose to incorporate. From the magic hanky to the lucky horseshoe, your wedding can be filled with Irish customs and symbolism.

Marriage laws and requirements in Ireland

Marriage in Ireland is a legally binding contract that will affect you, your partner, and your children for the rest of your lives. There are rules and regulations about who can marry and in what circumstances. Here is a guide to the legal requirements for getting married in Ireland.

Requirements for marriage

Couples of the same sex or opposite sex can marry in Ireland. The minimum age for getting married in Ireland is 18 years, even if you live in Ireland but marry outside of the country. If you are not an Irish resident, you must be over 18 to marry someone who lives in Ireland. Both parties must also have the capacity to marry, meaning you must freely consent to the marriage and understand what marriage means.

Notification requirements for marriage

If you are getting married in Ireland, you must notify the registrar in the Civil Registration Office of your intention to marry at least 3 months before your wedding day. Both parties must attend the marriage notification appointment, where you will sign a declaration stating that there is no legal reason for the marriage not to go ahead. The registrar will then give you a marriage registration form (MRF), which gives you authorisation to get married. This form is prepared and issued by the relevant civil registrar and is required for the marriage to be legal.

Marriage registration

Once the marriage ceremony has taken place, the completed MRF should be given to a registrar within one month for the marriage to be registered. You cannot get your marriage certificate until the marriage is registered.

Types of wedding ceremonies

There are three different ways to legally marry in Ireland: civil, religious, or secular ceremonies. Each is equally valid and binding under Irish law. Civil ceremonies are legally binding secular marriage ceremonies performed by a registrar, who works for the State. Religious ceremonies are performed by registered solemnisers of established religions, while secular ceremonies are performed by solemnisers from bodies that have a viewpoint that does not include anything religious or spiritual. Humanist ceremonies are the most common type of secular ceremony in Ireland.

Wedding venues in Ireland

Ireland is a popular wedding destination for couples from all over the world. The country is famous for its hospitality, scenery, and great food. It offers a range of unique venues for intimate weddings and elopements, from castles and historical ruins to cliffs, forests, and boutique hotels. Here is a list of some of the best wedding venues in Ireland:

Castle Venues

• Castle Leslie, a luxury 5-star castle hotel in County Monaghan, is located in the village of Glaslough, just 80 minutes from Dublin and 60 minutes from Belfast. It offers a secluded location, original historic interiors, beautiful landscaped gardens, forest walks, and the option for an outdoor wedding ceremony overlooking the lake.
• Adare Manor, a luxury 5-star resort and golf course in County Limerick, is set in 840 acres of rolling parkland in the heart of Ireland, nestled on the banks of the River Maigue. It features a Grand Ballroom with a capacity of up to 350 guests, landscaped gardens, river views, luxury accommodation, a Michelin-star restaurant, a spa, and a golf course.
• Dromoland Castle, a 16th-century castle in County Clare, offers a mix of historical charm and modern luxury. It provides indoor and outdoor spaces for intimate ceremonies and grand receptions, including the Brian Boru Hall and a private patio overlooking the lake. The castle is known for its luxury service and award-winning cuisine.
• Ashford Castle, an 800-year-old 5-star castle hotel in County Mayo, has been voted the most romantic hotel in Europe and the Best Hotel in the world. Located on the shores of Lake Corrib, it offers an outdoor ceremony overlooking the lake and a bespoke marquee for receptions.
• Luttrellstown Castle, an exclusive wedding venue near Dublin, is a 15th-century castle steeped in history and character. It caters to intimate gatherings of 20 guests to larger celebrations of up to 180 guests. The venue features a bright ballroom, luxury interiors, a championship golf course, fishing, horse riding, falconry, and exclusive hire options.
• Waterford Castle, a gothic-style venue on its own private island, offers a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It can accommodate up to 120 guests in 19 splendid bedrooms, providing a five-star experience for the happy couple and their guests.
• Kilkea Castle, one of the oldest inhabited castles in Ireland, dates back to 1180 and is located in County Kildare. It offers luxurious castle bedrooms, carriage bedrooms, self-catering lodges, and an 11-bedroom castle for exclusive hire.
• Slane Castle, located near Dublin Airport, is a well-appointed property and a versatile wedding venue. It can accommodate weddings of all sizes and offers a natural amphitheatre that can host up to 80,000 people.

Country House Venues

• Tankardstown House, an 18th-century luxury Irish country house in County Meath, is located just 40 minutes from Dublin. It offers a bright ballroom, the Orangery, which can seat up to 230 guests, and the option for an outdoor wedding in its walled garden. On-site accommodation is available in the main manor house and cottages on the grounds.
• Cloughjordan House, a country house set on a rural estate in County Tipperary, provides a charming, relaxed, and elegant atmosphere for weddings. It is known for its farm-to-table approach to catering, offering locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. The venue includes a 17th-century ballroom, a main lawn, a converted barn, and a forest area for ceremonies.
• Ballymagarvey Village, a private estate in the historic Boyne Valley, is surrounded by wooded grounds and a Victorian walled garden. It offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options and can accommodate up to 226 guests in its banqueting hall.
• Virginia Park Lodge, an 18th-century hunting lodge in County Cavan, is set in 100 acres of countryside overlooking Lough Ramor. It offers options for outdoor ceremonies, a permanent marquee that can seat up to 300 guests, and luxury guest house accommodation.
• Ashley Park House, an 18th-century stately house in County Tipperary, is surrounded by 76 acres of woodland. It offers a bespoke and exclusive wedding experience, with attentive and experienced wedding coordinators.
• Borris House, a property with its own chapel in County Carlow, has a long history of hosting grand weddings. It offers fully customised experiences and can accommodate both relaxed and solemn ceremonies.
• Coolbawn Quay, located on the shores of Lough Derg in County Tipperary, features a stunning lakeshore pavilion that can accommodate up to 220 guests. It offers exclusive use of a drawing room, a cosy bar, and an impressive entrance hall.
• Lisnavagh House, a 19th-century Tudor Gothic house set on 800 acres of parkland in County Carlow, provides a unique and grandiose wedding venue. It can accommodate up to 14 guests in the main house and has additional space in courtyard stables and guest cottages.
• Ballybeg House, surrounded by 135 acres of mature gardens in County Wicklow, can accommodate up to 170 guests. It offers exclusive use of the entire property, including the house, a medieval ceremony room, a Victorian marquee, and the grounds.

These venues offer a mix of old-world charm and contemporary amenities, providing a fairytale setting for couples looking to tie the knot in Ireland.

Wedding traditions in Ireland

Ireland is a popular destination for weddings, with its wild western coastline and luxury castles. There are three types of legally recognised weddings in Ireland: civil, religious, and secular ceremonies.

The Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish engagement ring. It features two hands clasping a heart, topped with a crown. The heart symbolises love, the hands symbolise friendship, and the crown symbolises loyalty. The ring is usually passed down from mother to daughter, and how it is worn indicates the wearer's relationship status. When single, the ring is worn on the right hand with the point of the heart facing outward. When in a relationship, the ring is flipped so the point of the heart faces inward. When married, the ring is moved to the left hand, with the point of the heart facing inward.

Handfasting

Handfasting is a unity ceremony where the couple's hands are tied together with a cord or rope. This ancient Celtic tradition dates back 2,000 years and is still popular in modern weddings. It symbolises the binding union the couple is entering into.

Horseshoes

Horseshoes are often incorporated into Irish weddings as a symbol of good luck and protection. They may be included in the bride's bouquet, hung up at home, or used as decorative items such as cake toppers or table numbers.

Blue Colour Scheme

While green is commonly associated with Ireland, blue was the traditional colour of the country until the 19th century. Blue was also considered the colour of fidelity, symbolising the bride's commitment. Irish brides may wear a blue wedding dress, and blue elements may be included in the wedding decor.

Irish Lace

Irish lace is a popular element in wedding attire and decor. It has been used in Royal Weddings over the years, including for Queen Victoria's gown and Princess Diana's veil. Irish lace can be incorporated into the wedding dress, veil, bouquet wrap, or table surfaces.

Irish Music and Dancing

Irish weddings often feature traditional music and dancing. The Uilleann pipes, a smaller and sweeter-sounding version of the bagpipes, are commonly played at weddings. Irish step dancing is also a popular form of entertainment at wedding receptions.

Toasts and Blessings

Irish weddings typically include many rounds of toasts and blessings from family members, the wedding party, and close friends. These are accompanied by Irish drinks such as beer, spirits, and mead (or "meade").

The Month of Honey

The "honeymoon" tradition originates from ancient Ireland, where newlyweds were toasted with mead and drank it for a month or a moon cycle to promote fertility and ward off evil fairies.

Bells

Bells are thought to ward off evil spirits and chase away discord in a marriage. Church bells may be rung after the wedding, and tiny bells may be given to guests to ring as the couple walks down the aisle. Presenting a bell to the newlyweds is also considered a traditional wedding gift.

Veil

In Irish culture, the veil is believed to protect the bride from evil spirits and fairies. It is considered unlucky to wear a ring on the wedding finger until it is an engagement ring.

Wishing Ring

A wishing ring is hung up at the wedding, containing blessings written in Irish and English. Guests can select a blessing and present it to the couple as they walk under the ring.

Child of Prague Figurine

The Child of Prague figurine is placed outside before the wedding to guarantee good weather.

Something Blue

Many Irish brides include "something blue" in their wedding attire, often in the form of a gold medal known as the Miraculous Medal, which is sewn into the dress.

Braided Hair and Fabrics

Braids are included in the bride's hairstyle or as decorative elements at the wedding, symbolising feminine power and good luck in Celtic tradition.

Irish Beverages

Receptions typically include Irish beverages such as mead, Irish mist liqueur, whiskey, cream liqueur, cider, and beer.

Irish Superstitions

The Irish have many superstitions surrounding weddings, including the belief that Saturdays are an unlucky day for a wedding.

Wedding planning tips for Ireland

Legal Requirements

Firstly, it is important to note that there are legal requirements that must be met to be married in Ireland. Both parties must be at least 18 years old, not already married, and must give at least three months' notification to a registrar. If one or both parties are not Irish, they may need to apply for an apostille stamp on their birth certificate and provide a Certificate of Freedom to Marry from their home country. Same-sex marriage is also recognised in Ireland.

Budgeting

Planning a wedding in Ireland can be more expensive due to currency exchange rates, so it is important to set a budget and stick to it. Be mindful of peak travel times, such as bank holidays and special dates like St. Patrick's Day, which can increase costs for flights and accommodation.

Timing

When choosing your wedding date, be mindful of the unpredictable Irish weather. Even in the summer, there is a chance of rain, so it is essential to have a backup plan if you are planning an outdoor wedding.

Venue

When deciding on a venue, consider the many options Ireland has to offer, from luxury castles and manor houses to rustic barns and ballrooms. The choice of venue will impact many other decisions, so it is important to book your venue as early as possible, especially if you are planning a weekend wedding.

Communication

Communication with vendors and suppliers can be a challenge due to time differences and potential slow response times. Be patient and allow extra time for responses, especially if you are contacting them on Fridays to Sundays, as these are typically busy days for weddings.

Hire a Planner or Stylist

Consider hiring a wedding planner or stylist to alleviate some of the stress of planning a wedding in Ireland. A planner can provide local knowledge, contacts, and experience, while a stylist can help bring your vision to life and source the right suppliers.

Travel Arrangements

Arrive in Ireland at least a week before the wedding to adjust to any jet lag and last-minute arrangements. When travelling with your wedding dress, ask the airline to hang it to avoid creases, and be mindful of any extra luggage or decor you plan to bring.

Religious Ceremonies

If you are planning a religious ceremony, be aware that there may be specific requirements. For example, Catholic weddings in Ireland require the couple to complete a pre-marriage course and provide specific certificates.

Checklist and Support

Stay organised by using a detailed wedding checklist, and join online groups or forums to connect with other couples planning weddings in Ireland. These groups can be a great source of advice and support during the planning process.

Enjoy the Process!

Finally, remember to enjoy the process and don't stress over the small details. Ireland is a beautiful and romantic destination for a wedding, so focus on creating a memorable day that celebrates your love.

Wedding costs in Ireland

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Ireland is a beautiful place to tie the knot, with its wild western coastline and luxury castles. But how much will it cost?

The Average Cost of a Wedding in Ireland

It's important to remember that there is no such thing as an average or typical wedding, and you can plan a wedding on almost any budget. That said, it's useful to have an idea of what couples typically spend. The average cost of a wedding in Ireland is around €36,000, but this can vary depending on your requirements and priorities.

The Breakdown of Wedding Costs

The biggest expense is usually the venue, with an average cost of around €15,400 based on 140 guests at €110 per head for food and drinks.

• Band and DJ: €2,000 - €3,000
• Wedding dress: €1,500 - €2,300+
• Wedding rings: €800 - €2,000
• Photography: €2,000 - €4,000
• Videography: €2,000 - €4,000
• Flowers: €1,500
• Ceremony music: €800
• Groom's suit: €800
• Wedding cake and treats: €700
• Gifts and favours: €600
• Hair and makeup: €550
• Bridal accessories and shoes: €500

Hidden Costs

It's a good idea to have a contingency budget of around 5-12.5% to cover any unexpected expenses. Some other hidden costs that may arise include:

• Lighting and decor: €650
• Transport and invitations
• Alterations to the wedding dress
• Honeymoon: The average budget for a wedding and honeymoon is €29,812, so you can assume that the honeymoon typically costs around €6,000-€10,000.

Ways to Save Money

If you're looking to save money on your wedding, here are some tips:

• Marquee weddings can be a more affordable option.
• Shop around for suppliers and read reviews to get the best value for money.
• Prioritise the elements that are most important to you and cut back on less important areas. For example, you could spend less on the dress and more on entertainment.
• Consider a wedding loan. 30% of couples take out a loan to help pay for their wedding.

Frequently asked questions