Walking Up the Emerald Aisle: Getting Married in Ireland
Pierce Brosnan did it in an 800-year-old Abbey. The Beckhams did it on matching thrones. Heather Mills and Paul McCartney did it beside a lake with fireworks, and Dita Von Teese did it wearing purple.
A bride and groom by the lake in Castle Leslie. Photo:Zanni.ie
So what were these celebrities up to? They were each having a spectacular wedding in Ireland, that’s what!
The island of Ireland is a magical setting for nuptials (I can vouch that us locals think so too). The happy couple obviously love the place, and I think it would be pretty fair to say that guests invited from across the sea are probably, er, almost as thrilled as the bride-and-groom-to be at the excuse to take a little jaunt over here. So what’s the story with the paperwork if you want to do a Dita over here?
The residency condition that required people come to the island of Ireland for a few days before and after the wedding has been scrapped. Just remember to give three months notice to marry to the Registrar. Now the Republic is all set up for his&his and hers&hers ceremonies, with a new law that will allow civil registrations for same-sex couples by early 2011. Northern Ireland has allowed civil partnerships since 2004.
Lynsay Smith and Brian Evans who will be the first couple to wed in Titanic Belfast
Besides churches and other religious buildings, you can have a civil ceremony almost anywhere that’s a fixed structure with public access. So the grand backdrop of a castle, like the host to Paul and Heather’s $3.2m extravaganza Castle Leslie, or the Beckhams’ lavish Luttrellstown Castle, is of course game, but so are a lot of other quirky venues.
Animal lovers might fancy Dublin Zoo; those needing Dutch courage to get the words out have the Guinness Storehouse brewery; and sports fanatics have Croke Park stadium. You can tick the ‘something old’ box by marrying in the Ulster Museum or ‘something blue’ box with the breathtaking views of the Atlantic from the cliff-edge Mussenden Temple. You can even get married in the new Titanic Belfast building, and have the happy ending that Jack and Rose never did.
A happy couple who got married in the Ulster Museum, Belfast
So we’ll supply the romantic venue, you supply your beloved, and you may kiss the bride, and the Blarney Stone while you’re at it!
If you’ve already tied the knot, Ireland makes a great place to bring your honey! We have loads of ideas on where to go on honeymoon in Ireland.
Did you know Ireland is quite the land of legendary love? This Valentine’s Day, we told the stories of romantic Ireland.
If you haven’t yet met your honey, it might be time to try the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in County Clare to meet an Irish mate.
More details on weddings in Castle Leslie, Luttrellstown Castle, Dublin Zoo, Guinness Storehouse, Croke Park, Ulster Museum, Mussenden Temple
Here’s more official information on getting married in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland
Hi LisaG! Great articles. Love people who spread the word about Ireland.
I’m an American who has been living in Ireland for about 14 years {!} and also a wedding planner based in Kerry specializing in Ireland as a destination for weddings. So I’d love to help anyone with questions on how to get married here. If I can assist or if you would like to get in touch please do!!
Thanks again for spreading the word about Ireland as a destination for weddings!
Hey Annie! Thanks for the feedback, and delighted you like the blogs…having married here myself, I can vouch that a wedding in Ireland is a pretty amazing thing!
[...] getting married in Ireland (even just the once, mind) – we’ve got a blog for that [LINK TO THE BLOG ABOUT GETTING MARRIED [...]
Thank you so so much for sharing your blog. It is great to read others thoughts, feelings and opinions. We are hoping to honeymoon in Ireland, whether we save for it ourselves or with any luck win this competition we have entered. We married on our 15yr anniversary this yr, jan 15 2010, and never got to go on a honeymoon. We have never even been out of the south island of nz…plz help us win this wonderful trip so we can see beautiful Ireland…the ultimate honeymoon dream. We just need people to vote for us
so if anyone that reads this could vote for us and get us more votes we really would appreciate it, thank you ever so much. http://romancenz.discoverireland.com/profile/298/teressa-and-terry-.aspx?sort=top
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Planning on getting married late 2012. My future husband is originally from there. Can’t wait! Hallie Hakaim
I am not getting married in Ireland in the fall in 2012 but I hope to visit soon. Was joking for those reading. Hallie Hakaim
I can’t wait either! Here are a few things to consider beforehand though. Make sure the man you’re gonna marry is not already married. Plan way ahead and tell family members and most especially, children from previous relationships, don’t let them read it on the web, it can cause problems-as I’m dealing with at this very moment. Most of all, know WHO you’re planning of marrying and, get a prenup, especially when mommy and daddy have purchased your house for you. Good luck, you’re gonna need it, trust me!
Too late, already got a copy of it and, if you weren’t planning on it, why would you post a blog on a professional profile? PLEASE quit messing with my kids heads.