Preparing for your wedding day can be very exciting until certain stuff gets out of hand, and trying to do it from overseas greatly adds to the complication, stress, and (of course) expense.
Who doesn’t want to experience this magical moment abroad? I bet it’s every fiancée’s biggest dream, as if getting married was not nerve-wracking enough.
Speaking of love and overseas weddings, if you don’t have that dream location in mind at the moment, Ireland is internationally known as one of the best providers of wedding venues with its lush-green landscapes, stunning castles, and pristine churches that make every couple fall in love over and over again.
In case you don’t need more convincing, let’s try to figure out the things that you couples need to adhere to before they can actually get hitched in Ireland. To ensure the brides are not growing any wrinkles while preparing for the wedding day, we made the preparation easier by rounding up some advice from wedding planners and recent brides from overseas.
First things first: Get your documents in order
With all the excitement of writing your vows and saying “I do.”, some couples forget to jump into the real paperwork ahead of time. While working on this administration seems to be boring, paperwork has to be done; otherwise, no one is getting married.
You need to notify the registrar about your wedding at least three months earlier. Take note that getting an appointment with the registration offices (especially for overseas weddings) can be very difficult, so make sure to get in touch the soon as you can.
Generally, couples will be told about the necessary documents they need to bring. These include both parties’ PPS numbers, passports, and birth certificates. You will certainly need a few more documents if you are widowed, divorced, or annulled.
Once you have completed all the requirements, you will be asked to fill out your Marriage Registration Form (MRF). The form works as a license that validates your marriage registration if you are planning for a civil union. This will be a major necessity, especially when you get married in Ireland.
Book your wedding date
Choosing the perfect date and time to get married is sometimes tricky. It would help if you put a lot of things into consideration including the availability of the venue as well as your guests.
Take note that catholic weddings in Ireland may rarely take place on Sundays, so cross it out and go for the remaining days of the week.
You can only choose a week-ender date if you will be having a secular (non-religious) wedding ceremony. Civil weddings, on the other hand, can only be held during weekdays and never on weekends.
Choose a venue
Ireland has numerous wedding spots; couples will be spoilt for so many choices. But whether you want to spend the ceremony in a ruined castle or hold the event in an Irish hotel, make sure that you have your venue approved just in time.
Your venue may also need to pass the requirements of the HSE (Health Service Executive) of Ireland, especially when you’re opting not to get married in a church or at the registry office.
Complete a premarital course.
A premarital course is usually taken by those who plan for a Catholic wedding ceremony in Ireland. The course may involve the following modules:
- Marriage, Family of Origin, and Self-Awareness
- Marriage and Communication
- Marriage and Conflict Management
- Choosing the Sacrament of Marriage
- Marriage and Commitment
- Marriage and Parenthood
- Marriage, Fertility Awareness, and Well-being
- Marriage, Sexuality, and Intimacy
Your request to take the premarital course should be booked well in advance. Once you have completed the course, you will need a formal letter that is signed by the parish priest granting your request for a church union.
In your case, you will need to have your marriage approved by the bishop since you are not an Irish citizen.
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