How to plan a legally binding destination elopement wedding in Ireland

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Passport (must be in date)
• If either of you is divorced, you’ll need the original final decrees in respect of all previous divorces.
• If either of you is widowed, you’ll need the death certificate of the previous spouse and the civil marriage certificate for the first marriage.
• If either of you had a previous civil partnership dissolved, you’ll need the original final decree of dissolution in respect of all previous registered civil partnerships.
• If either of you is a surviving civil partner, you’ll need a death certificate of the civil partner and the civil partnership certificate.
• Additional documentation may be required in some cases, such as where a divorce has been granted outside the State, and it must be determined whether it is recognised under Irish law. The registrar will advise what is required in each case.
• If either of you is a foreign national, you’ll need proof of your immigration status documentation (must be in date). A ‘foreign national’ means a person who is neither an Irish citizen, nor a citizen of a member state.

Additional details required

• The intended date of marriage
• The names and dates of birth of the two witnesses (Eloping in Ireland can provide two witnesses if a couple has no guests)
• Details of the proposed solemniser and venue
• PPS Number/Public Service Card/Social Security Number (where applicable)

Documents required when the notification process is complete

• Declarations of no impediment: These are given to the couple by the registrar when they are giving notification and should be signed by the couple in the registrar’s presence.
• Marriage Registration Form (MRF): This is the couple’s civil license to marry, issued to the couple by the registrar at the meeting with them. It is a crucial document and your marriage cannot be civilly registered without it. You must bring this with you to be signed during your wedding ceremony.