The legal framework
The Marriage Act 2015 and the Domestic Violence Act 2018 abolished the court exemption that had allowed marriage under 18. Same-sex marriage was approved by referendum in May 2015 — the first country to introduce it by popular vote — and came into effect that November.
As a member state of the European Union, this country applies Directive 2004/38/EC on the residence of spouses and Regulation (EU) 2016/1191 exempting civil status documents from apostille, while the conditions of marriage remain a national competence.
Key points
| Age | 18, with no exemptions since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Polygamy | Prohibited; bigamy is a criminal offence. |
| Notice | Three months' notice to the Registrar, in person |
| Same-sex marriage | Since November 2015, following the referendum |
| Solemnisers | Civil registrars, religious and secular solemnisers on the official register |
| Witnesses | Two, aged 18 or over |
| Marriage Registration Form | Issued after notice and required on the day |
| Three months' notice | Given in person to a registrar; a court can shorten it for good reason |
| Register of Solemnisers | Published and searchable; the solemniser must appear on it |
| Minimum age 18 | The exemption allowing court-approved marriage at 16 was abolished in 2019 |
In practice
- Book the notice appointment early — three months is a minimum, not a target.
- Check that your intended solemniser is on the register maintained by the General Register Office.
- Bring passports, PPS numbers and any divorce or death documentation.
- Civil, religious and secular ceremonies all have equal legal effect if properly solemnised.
- Check the solemniser against the published register yourself before booking.
- Return the Marriage Registration Form promptly: the marriage is not registered until it arrives.
Cost and coverage
Notification and registration fees are modest; venue and solemniser fees vary.
Recent changes
Ireland's recognition of secular and humanist solemnisers means legally binding ceremonies can take place almost anywhere, unlike in England and Wales.
Where to go
- General Register Office and local civil registration offices.
- Humanist Association of Ireland and other registered solemniser bodies.
- Citizens Information for documentation guidance.
Worth knowing
If either of you was previously married abroad, bring the original divorce documentation and allow extra time: recognition of the foreign divorce is checked before notice is accepted. The three-month notice is a statutory requirement, not an administrative preference. Court exemptions are granted, but sparingly and on evidence.
Official sources and links
- Citizens Information — official plain-language guide to rights and entitlements
- Irish Statute Book — legislation as enacted