FAQs
1. What happens next once you decide on a wedding celebrant?
Alongside deciding on a celebrant, you will need to contact the HSE.
I've provided a step-by-step guide here as follows to help you with this process.
First you will need to obtain a marriage registration form. You get this form from a HSE civil registration service. It is sometimes referred to as a marriage license. It is needed for all civil, religious or secular marriages.
To get a marriage registration form you need to give your local civil registration service 3 months notice that you intend to get married. You do this by booking a marriage notification appointment.
What do you need to bring to the marriage notification appointment? Information provided by the link: Marriage notification appointment checklist - HSE.ie
Book your appointment as far in advance as possible as waiting times can vary.
You can book a marriage notification appointment online as follows Link: Book a marriage notification appointment or civil ceremony online - HSE.ie
Please note that both of you must attend the marriage notification appointment.
You will meet the registrar and you will both sign the declaration. This states that you do not know of any legal reason why the marriage cannot happen.
If everything is in order, the registrar will give you a marriage registration form. This is valid for 6 months from the date you intend to get married.
Notification appointment fee: This is usually paid at the appointment. It is €200 which is non refundable.
POSTAL APPLICATIONS FOR THOSE LIVING ABROAD
Where a couple is living outside of Ireland and is not planning to visit Ireland before the wedding, they can arrange with the HSE to do a postal application. If either party does not speak English, an interpreter can be arranged with the HSE officer prior to the appointment.
You bring the marriage registration form to your marriage ceremony. The person marrying you will sign the form. You use it to register the marriage. Link: https://www2.hse.ie/services/births-deaths-and-marriages/register/marriage/
2. What counties do you travel to for ceremonies?
Distance is not a problem. I'm based in West Cork and happy to consider any ceremony location. Please get in touch and we can discuss.
3. Can we involve some family members or friends in the ceremony?
Yes of course. Getting family involved is very personal as it is a very special occasion and getting those nearest and dearest family members and friends involved is a great idea and makes it even more memorable.
Having recently married my son Cian, we had all of the family taking part. Our adopted daughter from India was bridesmaid, our son was best man, my husband was the DJ after the band, my brothers did the music for the ceremony and the young children took part with poems etc. It was magical and very intimate. I love coming up with different ideas and open to any suggestions from the couple. After all it is your special day so its important to make it as special as possible.
4. Why should you choose me to officiate your special day?
I love meeting new people, working on new ideas and love bringing it all together to make it a day that both you as a couple and your guests will never forget. I think it is important to have all the work done well in advance so that both partners can relax and enjoy the day and experience the love around them by all the people present.
I come from a very musical family and therefore can source music to support your special day, should you require same.
Once we meet, make a connection, build up our friendship and have trust in each other, this is the makings of a great ceremony.
I look forward to making your special memories with a hassle free ceremony full of love and attention to detail.
"When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer than any spoken or written words.
Marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love each other and takes a lifetime to fulfil."