American and Canadian couples can legally get married in Ireland. You do not need to be an Irish citizen or live in Ireland to have a legally recognised Irish marriage.
If you’re travelling from the USA or Canada for an elopement or destination wedding, there are a few legal steps you’ll need to complete before saying “I do” in Ireland.
Do Americans and Canadians need a marriage license in Ireland?
Ireland uses a Marriage Registration Form (MRF), which is often referred to as an Irish marriage licence or marriage license.
To receive your Marriage Registration Form, you must give the Irish Civil Registration Service at least three months’ notice of your intention to marry.
It’s always best to start the process well in advance rather than waiting until the three-month deadline, particularly if you’re planning your wedding from overseas.
Can we complete the process from the USA or Canada?
Couples living overseas can begin organising their legal marriage requirements before travelling to Ireland.
As foreign nationals, however, you will need to meet with a Registrar in Ireland as part of the process. Both partners must attend the required appointment, so this should be factored into your travel plans before your wedding day.
Your Registrar will advise you on the exact process and documentation required for your circumstances.
What documents do we need to get married in Ireland?
The documents required can vary depending on your individual circumstances, but couples will generally need items such as:
- Valid passports
- Original birth certificates
- Proof of address
- Details of your wedding venue
- Details of your registered solemniser
- Names and dates of birth of your two witnesses
Additional documentation may be required if either person has previously been married, divorced or widowed.
Because requirements can vary, we always recommend confirming your individual documentation directly with the Irish Civil Registration Service.
Do we need witnesses?
Yes. A legal marriage ceremony in Ireland requires two witnesses who are both aged 18 or older.
If you’re planning a true elopement and travelling to Ireland without any guests, don’t worry — arranging witnesses is usually very straightforward.
Who can legally marry us in Ireland?
For your marriage to be legally recognised, your ceremony must be performed by a registered solemniser.
Ireland has civil, religious and secular solemnisers, giving couples plenty of flexibility when choosing the style of ceremony they’d like.
How much does an Irish marriage license cost?
The current marriage notification fee is €200 and is normally paid at your marriage notification appointment.
There may be additional costs depending on the type and location of your ceremony.
Is an Irish marriage legal in the USA and Canada?
A marriage legally performed and registered in Ireland is generally recognised internationally, including in the United States and Canada.
If you need to use your Irish marriage certificate for a particular legal or administrative purpose after returning home, you should check whether that organisation requires any additional certification or documentation.
Is getting legally married in Ireland complicated?
It can look complicated when you first start researching it, but for most American and Canadian couples, the process is very manageable once you understand the steps and start early.
At Eloping in Ireland, we’ve been helping international couples plan weddings and elopements throughout Ireland since 2014, so we’re very familiar with the questions overseas couples have about the Irish marriage process.
Still deciding where on the island to marry? Our complete guide to eloping in Ireland compares locations and covers costs, travel, planning and the differences between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
