Ireland is an incredible place to celebrate your love, whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony for two on the edge of the Atlantic, a romantic castle wedding or a small destination wedding surrounded by your closest family and friends.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Ireland since 2015, and LGBTQ+ couples from the USA, Canada, Ireland and around the world can legally marry here.
At Eloping in Ireland, we’ve been planning intimate weddings and elopements throughout Ireland since 2014. We’ve planned more than 1,500 weddings and elopements, including many unforgettable celebrations for LGBTQ+ couples.
This guide explains everything you need to know about planning an LGBTQ+ wedding in Ireland, including the legal requirements, ceremony options, locations, guests, vendors and what to expect when planning your wedding from another country.
LGBTQ+ weddings in Ireland: quick answers
Can same-sex couples legally marry in Ireland?
Yes. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Ireland since November 2015.
Can Americans and Canadians have a legal same-sex wedding in Ireland?
Yes. You do not need to be an Irish citizen or live in Ireland to get legally married here, provided you complete the required legal process.
Can we elope with just the two of us?
Absolutely. You can have an intimate couple-only ceremony, although a legal marriage requires two witnesses. If you’re traveling alone, witnesses can be arranged.
Can we bring family and friends?
Yes. An Ireland elopement doesn’t have to mean secretly getting married alone. Many couples bring a small group of their closest people.
Can we have a symbolic ceremony instead?
Yes. Some international couples choose to complete the legal marriage at home and have a symbolic ceremony or vow exchange in Ireland.
Are your venues and wedding vendors LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes. We work with welcoming venues and experienced local wedding professionals throughout Ireland.
Where can LGBTQ+ couples get married in Ireland?
Depending on the type of ceremony you choose, possibilities include dramatic Atlantic cliffs, Irish castles, ancient ruins, country houses and other spectacular locations.
Is same-sex marriage legal in Ireland?
Yes.
Ireland legalized same-sex marriage in 2015 following the historic marriage equality referendum. Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Ireland since November 16, 2015.
A legal marriage between a same-sex couple has the same legal status in Ireland as a marriage between an opposite-sex couple.
For couples traveling from overseas, your nationality does not prevent you from getting married in Ireland. Americans, Canadians and couples from many other countries regularly travel here for legal destination weddings.
The important part is completing Ireland’s marriage notification process correctly and within the required timeframe.
For a much more detailed explanation of the process, read our Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Ireland guide.
Can Americans have a same-sex wedding in Ireland?
Yes. American LGBTQ+ couples can legally marry in Ireland.
You don’t have to be an Irish citizen, have Irish ancestry or live in Ireland to have your wedding here.
For many of the U.S. couples we work with, Ireland offers the opportunity to combine their wedding with an unforgettable trip — sometimes with just the couple and sometimes with a small group of family and friends traveling with them.
If you would prefer not to complete the Irish legal process, another option is to legally marry in the United States and have a symbolic wedding ceremony in Ireland.
Both approaches allow you to create essentially the same wedding-day experience.
Can Canadians have a same-sex wedding in Ireland?
Yes. Canadian same-sex couples can also legally marry in Ireland.
We’ve planned weddings and elopements for couples traveling from across Canada, including Ontario, British Columbia and other provinces.
As with American couples, you can choose between completing the Irish legal marriage requirements or getting legally married in Canada and having a symbolic ceremony in Ireland.
What are the legal requirements for an LGBTQ+ wedding in Ireland?
The legal marriage process is fundamentally the same for same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
If you want your ceremony in the Republic of Ireland to be legally recognized as the marriage itself, you generally need to:
- Give at least three months’ notification of your intention to marry.
- Complete the required paperwork.
- Attend your marriage notification appointment.
- Receive your Marriage Registration Form.
- Have the ceremony performed by an authorized solemniser.
- Have two witnesses present.
- Complete and return the Marriage Registration Form as required.
International couples should begin the process well in advance rather than waiting until the three-month deadline.
We help our couples understand the process and what needs to happen at each stage, but the official legal requirements are administered by the Irish authorities.
You can find the complete process in our guide to getting legally married in Ireland.
Legal wedding or symbolic ceremony?
This is one of the first decisions to make.
Legal wedding in Ireland
With a legal ceremony, Ireland is where you actually become legally married.
You’ll need to complete the official marriage requirements and use an authorized solemniser. This is a popular choice for couples who want Ireland itself to be the place where they officially get married.
Symbolic ceremony in Ireland
A symbolic ceremony gives you much more flexibility.
You can complete the legal marriage in your home country before or after traveling and then have your personalized wedding ceremony in Ireland.
For some couples, particularly those planning an outdoor elopement in a remote location, this can make the logistics considerably simpler.
Your ceremony can still include vows, rings, readings, Irish traditions, music and all the emotional moments you associate with a wedding ceremony.
The difference is simply where the legal paperwork is completed.
LGBTQ+ weddings in Northern Ireland
It’s important to understand that the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have different marriage systems.
Same-sex marriage is legal in both, but the paperwork and notification requirements are different.
This matters if you’re considering locations on the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland, including spectacular places such as Dunluce Castle.
If you’re planning a Northern Ireland wedding, follow the Northern Ireland marriage process rather than the Republic of Ireland process.
Read our Northern Ireland marriage requirements guide for more detailed information.
Best places for an LGBTQ+ elopement in Ireland
One of the biggest advantages of eloping in Ireland is the variety of landscapes and ceremony settings available within a relatively small country.
Your wedding doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
Cliffs of Moher
For couples imagining wild Atlantic scenery, the Cliffs of Moher are difficult to beat.
Our ceremonies take place at Hags Head, where the dramatic coastline creates an incredible backdrop for an intimate wedding.
It’s particularly suited to adventurous couples who want their wedding day to feel unmistakably Irish.
You can also see a real same-sex Cliffs of Moher elopement for inspiration.
Dunluce Castle
Perched dramatically above the Atlantic on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, Dunluce Castle is an extraordinary setting for an intimate wedding.
It’s a great choice for couples looking for history, rugged coastline and the atmosphere of a centuries-old castle ruin.
Ancient Irish ruins
Ireland is filled with atmospheric old churches, abbeys and ruins.
An ancient ruins elopement can be particularly beautiful if you’re looking for somewhere quiet, historic and deeply connected to the Irish landscape.
Irish castles
If you’ve always imagined getting married at a castle, Ireland gives you plenty of possibilities.
An Irish castle wedding can range from an intimate ceremony at a historic castle to a small destination wedding where you celebrate with family and friends afterward.
Irish pub wedding
Not every wedding needs to be formal.
For couples who want something relaxed, fun and unmistakably Irish, an Irish pub elopement can combine an intimate ceremony with great food, drinks and traditional Irish atmosphere.
Can an LGBTQ+ elopement include guests?
Definitely.
The word elopement has changed considerably. It doesn’t necessarily mean disappearing to get married without telling anyone.
Some of our couples travel to Ireland alone. Others bring parents, siblings, children or a small group of their closest friends.
Think of an Ireland elopement as an intimate wedding where the experience matters more than the size of the guest list.
If you’re considering approximately 10, 20 or 30 guests, you’re often somewhere between a traditional elopement and a small destination wedding — and that’s completely fine.
The best format is simply the one that feels right for both of you.
What can an LGBTQ+ Ireland elopement include?
Your wedding can be as simple or as detailed as you want.
Depending on your package and location, your day could include:
- An officiant or celebrant
- Professional photography
- Videography
- Hair and makeup
- Bouquets, buttonholes or other florals
- Chauffeur transportation
- A harpist or traditional Irish musician
- A personalized ceremony
- Irish wedding traditions
- A celebratory meal in a local restaurant or pub
- Additional photography at another scenic Irish location
There’s no requirement to follow traditional bride-and-groom roles or a conventional wedding-day structure.
Two dresses, two suits, one of each, something completely different — it’s your wedding.
The same applies to flowers, entrances, ceremony wording, wedding parties and the rest of the day.
LGBTQ+ friendly wedding vendors in Ireland
Feeling comfortable with the people involved in your wedding matters.
We work with a network of professional Irish photographers, videographers, celebrants, musicians, florists, hair and makeup artists, chauffeurs and other wedding suppliers.
For LGBTQ+ couples, that means you shouldn’t have to spend your time wondering whether the people involved in your wedding will make you feel welcome.
We want your wedding day to feel relaxed, natural and completely yours.
What should we wear for an Ireland elopement?
Whatever makes you feel like yourselves.
We’ve worked with LGBTQ+ couples wearing everything from two wedding dresses or two suits to completely individual combinations that reflect each person’s style.
Ireland’s landscapes also work beautifully with very different looks — elegant formalwear against an ancient castle, flowing dresses on the Atlantic coast or something much more relaxed for a pub celebration.
The practical consideration is the Irish weather.
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, particularly on the west coast, choose clothing and footwear that allow you to comfortably move around outdoors. Wind can also be a factor at cliff and coastal locations.
When is the best time for an LGBTQ+ wedding in Ireland?
Ireland can host beautiful weddings throughout the year.
Spring brings longer days and fresh green landscapes.
Summer provides the longest daylight hours and is one of the most popular times to visit.
Fall can bring beautiful colors, softer light and fewer visitors at some locations.
Winter offers shorter days but can create an atmospheric backdrop for castles, ruins and intimate celebrations.
Irish weather is famously changeable, so we don’t build wedding plans around the expectation of guaranteed sunshine.
Instead, good planning means choosing suitable locations, allowing flexibility in the timeline and having a backup option where appropriate.
How far in advance should we plan?
For destination weddings, earlier is generally better.
Popular dates, photographers, celebrants, accommodations and ceremony locations can book well in advance, particularly during the busiest months.
Starting early also gives international couples more time to organize flights, accommodations and the legal marriage process if they’re getting legally married in Ireland.
However, smaller and more flexible elopements can sometimes be organized on a much shorter timeline.
Planning an LGBTQ+ wedding in Ireland from overseas
Most of the couples we work with don’t live in Ireland.
We’ve planned weddings for couples from throughout the USA and Canada, as well as Ireland and countries around the world.
You shouldn’t need to become an expert in Irish geography, wedding vendors, ceremony logistics and marriage requirements simply because you’ve chosen Ireland for your wedding.
That’s where having an Ireland-based planner becomes particularly useful.
Our team helps couples choose the right location and suppliers, build their wedding-day timeline, understand the marriage process and coordinate the details from Ireland while they’re planning from home.
Our How to Elope in Ireland guide explains the entire process in much greater detail.
LGBTQ+ elopement packages in Ireland
Rather than starting with a blank page and trying to find every vendor yourself, an elopement package gives you a framework for planning your day.
Our Ireland elopement packages can include the core services needed for an intimate destination wedding, with options depending on your preferred location and the experience you’re looking for.
If you’re traveling as a couple without guests, our Lite Elopement Packages are another option.
For a broader comparison of locations, inclusions and pricing, see our Ireland Elopement Packages guide.
How much does an LGBTQ+ elopement in Ireland cost?
There isn’t a separate price for an LGBTQ+ wedding.
The cost depends on exactly the same things as any other Ireland elopement: your ceremony location, package, guest numbers, photography and videography coverage, transportation, flowers, music and any additional services you choose.
A simple couple-only ceremony will generally cost less than a destination wedding involving more vendors and guests.
For current package options and a detailed explanation of typical costs, see our Ireland elopement packages and pricing guide.
Why plan your LGBTQ+ wedding with Eloping in Ireland?
We’ve been based here in Ireland and planning intimate weddings since 2014.
Since then, we’ve planned more than 1,500 weddings and elopements for couples traveling from the United States, Canada, Ireland and around the world.
We’ve also received 300+ five-star WeddingWire reviews and multiple Couples’ Choice Awards.
Most importantly, LGBTQ+ weddings aren’t a special category of wedding to us.
You tell us what kind of day you want, who you’re bringing and what matters to you. We help turn that into an incredible wedding experience in Ireland.
Frequently asked questions about LGBTQ+ weddings in Ireland
Is gay marriage legal in Ireland?
Yes. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the Republic of Ireland since November 2015. Same-sex marriage is also legal in Northern Ireland.
Can two women legally get married in Ireland?
Yes. Two women can legally marry in Ireland under exactly the same marriage legislation as other couples, provided the standard legal requirements are completed.
Can two men legally get married in Ireland?
Yes. Two men can legally marry in Ireland under the same legal marriage framework as other couples.
Can LGBTQ+ couples from the USA get married in Ireland?
Yes. American couples can legally marry in Ireland provided they meet the Irish marriage requirements. Irish citizenship or residency isn’t required simply because you’re getting married here.
Can LGBTQ+ couples from Canada get married in Ireland?
Yes. Canadian couples can legally marry in Ireland provided they complete the required marriage process.
Do we need to have a legal wedding in Ireland?
No. You can legally marry in your home country and have a symbolic wedding ceremony in Ireland instead.
Do we need witnesses?
For a legal marriage in the Republic of Ireland, two witnesses are required. If you’re eloping without guests, witnesses can be arranged.
Can we have family and friends at our elopement?
Yes. An elopement can include guests. Many couples bring a small group of family members and friends to Ireland.
Can we have an outdoor same-sex wedding in Ireland?
Outdoor ceremonies are possible, but the rules depend on whether your ceremony is legal or symbolic and on the location being used. This is one reason it’s important to decide early whether you want the ceremony itself to be legally binding.
Are Ireland elopement packages different for LGBTQ+ couples?
No. Our packages aren’t priced or structured differently according to sexual orientation or gender. You choose your package based on your location and the services you want.
Can we personalize our ceremony?
Yes. Depending on your ceremony type, you can incorporate personalized vows, readings, music and Irish traditions to make the ceremony feel like your own.
What happens if it rains?
Rain is always possible in Ireland, regardless of the month. We plan with Irish weather in mind and use indoor backup arrangements where appropriate and available.
Start planning your LGBTQ+ wedding in Ireland
Your wedding doesn’t need to follow somebody else’s idea of what a wedding should look like.
It might be the two of you exchanging vows above the Atlantic Ocean. It could be twenty of your favorite people gathered at an Irish castle. Maybe it’s an ancient ruin followed by dinner and a few pints in a traditional Irish pub.
That’s the beauty of having an intimate wedding in Ireland.
You choose the people, the place and the experience that feels right for you.
We’ve been helping couples do exactly that since 2014.
Explore our Ireland elopement packages or get in touch and tell us what you’re imagining.
About the author
Stephen Neary is the founder of Eloping in Ireland. Since establishing the company in 2014, Stephen and the Ireland-based team have helped plan more than 1,500 intimate weddings and elopements for couples from the USA, Canada, Ireland and around the world.
Their experience includes LGBTQ+ elopements, legal destination weddings, vow renewals and intimate celebrations at cliffs, castles, ancient ruins and other locations throughout Ireland.
