The ceremony
Civil, religious or humanist: the three legal wedding ceremonies in Ireland
By Weddingz ·
The short version
- There are three ways to marry legally in Ireland: civil, religious and secular. All are equally valid.
- A civil ceremony is Monday to Friday only, never on a public holiday, and has no religious or spiritual content.
- For a Saturday or Sunday wedding you need a religious or secular solemniser.
- Whichever you choose, the 3 months' notice and the paperwork are the same.
Couples often choose a venue and a date first and the ceremony second, then find the ceremony they had in mind can't happen on that day or in that room. It is worth ten minutes now. What decides it is who is allowed to marry you, and when they work.
The three at a glance
| Civil | Religious | Secular | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who marries you | A state registrar | A registered religious solemniser | A registered secular solemniser |
| Days | Monday to Friday | Ask the solemniser | Ask the solemniser |
| Religious content | None allowed | Yes | None |
| Usual place | Registry office or approved venue | Place of worship | A venue open to the public |
| Who registers it after | The registrar | You, within 1 month | You, within 1 month |
Civil ceremony
A civil ceremony is performed by a marriage registrar, who works for the State. It can be held in a registry office or in a venue the registrar has approved.
- Weekdays only. Civil ceremonies are available Monday to Friday, with local differences. They do not take place at weekends or on public or bank holidays, and only within the registrar's office hours.
- Nothing religious or spiritual. Ask the registrar before you settle on readings and music.
- Usually within the county. Registrars in general only perform ceremonies in the county where they are based.
- There may be a fee for a registrar to come to a venue that is not the registry office.
Religious ceremony
A religious ceremony is performed by a registered solemniser of an established religion, usually in its place of worship and according to its own rites. Start by talking to the church or religious body and ask what it needs from you, and how far ahead.
Secular ceremony, including humanist
A secular ceremony is legally recognised when it is carried out by a registered secular solemniser. Secular bodies hold a view that includes nothing religious or spiritual. Humanist ceremonies are the most common kind in Ireland.
This is the route many couples take for a weekend wedding at a hotel or country house without a church. Ask whether your solemniser is free as soon as you have a date in mind.
How to check your celebrant can legally marry you
Look them up on the Register of Solemnisers, kept by the General Register Office. It lists everyone licensed to solemnise marriages in Ireland. Not every celebrant is on it. That is fine if you plan to do the legal part separately, and a problem if you thought the day itself was the legal wedding. Ask the direct question before you pay a deposit: "Are you on the Register of Solemnisers?"
The same for all three
- 3 months' notice to a Registrar and a Marriage Registration Form.
- 2 witnesses aged 18 or over.
- A venue that is open to the public.
- Two declarations in the ceremony: that you know of no impediment, and that you accept each other as husband, wife or spouse.
The paperwork is laid out step by step in how to get legally married in Ireland. When you are ready to look, we list celebrants and solemnisers and venues by county.
Sources
- Citizens Information: civil marriage ceremonies
- Citizens Information: religious and secular marriage ceremonies
- Citizens Information: notification requirements for marriage
Checked on 13 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you rely on them.