Planning to get married in Ireland as a Filipino? Everything you require to acquire a marriage license is covered in detail in our guide, including legal requirements!

Love has no boundaries, and for many daring individuals, the thought of getting married abroad lends an air of romanticism to their wedding tale.

You’re in for a pleasant adventure if you’re a Filipino who dreams of saying “I do” amidst Ireland’s gorgeous scenery and rich cultural history.

It might be thrilling and difficult to navigate the procedure of getting married abroad, but worry not! We will walk you through the magical, step-by-step process of getting married in the stunning country of Ireland!

Step-by-Step Process on How to Get Married in Ireland as a Filipino

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Ireland as a Filipino

Compared to other European nations, getting married legally in this country is comparatively simpler. However, as one might anticipate, every legally-binding ceremony needs paperwork and formalities, particularly for non-Irish citizens.

Required Documents for Getting Married in Ireland

Here are the required documents for getting married in Ireland as a Filipino:

• A passport.
• Both parties’ original birth certificates.
• Both parties must provide proof of address.
• If needed, you must present an original decree of nullity, or a final divorce decree, in the event of a prior marriage.
• Details on the type of ceremony—civil, religious, or secular.
• The anticipated time and venue for the nuptials.
• Information about the suggested registered marriage officiant.
• The two people who are being suggested as witnesses to the marriage must also be older than eighteen (18) years old.
• The 220 USD registration cost.

Obtaining a copy of your Philippine birth certificate and Certificate of No Marriage online through the PSA Helpline is the most convenient method. You will be asked for personal details such as your name, birthday, and parents’ names.

Process on How to Get Married in Ireland as a Filipino

Before you say “I do,” it’s important to know how marriage works in our beautiful nation. We will guide you through the necessary procedures and factors to ensure your Irish wedding dream becomes a reality.

Step 1: Your Documents Need to be Apostilled

The DFA Apostille criteria are not too complicated. However, just to be clear, here it is:

• If you plan to use an Authorized Representative, you must have a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
• A photocopied ID of the owner
• ID of the Authorized Representative, both original and photocopied.

Although the apostille is not expensive in and of itself, it does take a lot of time and effort to get all the necessary supporting documentation and to coordinate with the DFA.

That will cost you Php 200 if you need it in a day. All you have to pay is Php 100 if you can wait three days.

Obtaining an apostille involves two essential steps:

1. Proceed to the Department of Foreign Affairs, fill out the appropriate form, and make the necessary payment.
2. Obtain the Apostilled document. Don’t forget to confirm that you have fulfilled all requirements and have the necessary documentation before leaving.

The branches of DFA are:

• DFA CO-East in SM Megamall
• DFA CO Pampanga at Robinson’s Place
• DFA CO-Northeast at Ali Mall Government Center
• DFA CO Davao in SM Davao
• DFA CO-West in SM City Manila
• DFA CO Cebu in Pacific Mall in Mandaue City Cebu
• DFA CO-South in Alabang Town Center

You can also get it online via their Official Website.

Note: You must translate any papers that are not in English.

Step 2: Notify the Registry Office

A minimum of three months’ notice must be given to the Registrar at a Civil Registration Service by anybody wishing to get married in Ireland.

This is Irish legislation, and it covers all weddings, legal, religious, and secular. This is also known as notifying someone that you want to be married.

The Registrar will offer you a Marriage Registration Form (MRF) if everything is in order. An MRF is comparable to a marriage license. It grants you permission or authorization to get married.

In certain parts of the nation, you may schedule a marriage notice appointment and ceremony online.

Step 3: Attend the Meeting with the Registrar

The next important step in the procedure is to meet with the Registrar when you’ve finished all the paperwork and turned in the requisite documents. This meeting is a crucial occasion where your marriage plans are formally declared and registered.

Both spouses have the chance to officially declare their intention to get married during the appointment with the registrar.

It also enables the Registrar to verify that all necessary paperwork is in place and that both couples satisfy the requirements set out by law for marriage. Talk about the specifics of the civil ceremony, such as the venue, time, and date.

For the notice of intent to marry to be finished, the couples must have arranged their wedding ceremony schedule and established first contact with the authorized solemnizer, the priest, or the celebrant.

Note: You must offer an interpreter if you, your future spouse, the witnesses, or the celebrant don’t speak English well. The interpreter needs to be present for both the marriage announcement and the actual ceremony.

Step 4: Obtain your Marriage Registration Form

Getting your Marriage Registration Form (MRF) is the next stage in the procedure after fulfilling the conditions, such as providing the mandatory notice.

This important document, which expresses your formal desire to get married, is necessary to get married legally in Ireland.

The Registrar will issue you an MRF if there are no obstacles (barriers) to the marriage. After that, you have to deliver the MRF to the individual who will perform your marriage ceremony. After you get married, you must also register your marriage with the MRF.

Step 5: Get Married in Ireland!

At last! You’re done with all the necessary steps to finally make your dream Wedding in Ireland!

Make sure you pick the ideal wedding location that works for you. Choosing the ideal location is essential to your ideal wedding. Ireland is home to many enchanted locations, including magnificent landscapes and ancient castles.

Ireland offers the ideal setting for your big day, whether your vision is a fantasy wedding held in a centuries-old castle or a passionate vow exchange with a view.

How to Get Married to an Irish Citizen in Ireland as a Filipino

If you’re a Filipino who wants to get married to an Irish national in Ireland, let’s go through the necessary steps and legalities to make your ideal marriage a reality.

Check Legal Requirements

Spend some time learning about Irish marriage laws before starting any wedding planning. In Ireland, a marriage cannot be recognized unless certain legal conditions are satisfied.

For the most recent information, it is advised to check the General Register Office of Ireland’s official website or speak with the Irish embassy in the Philippines.

Marriage to an Irish citizen does not provide you automatic residency rights in the State if you and your partner want to live there.

A non-EEA national must apply for permission to stay in the State if they want to live there because they are married to an Irish national.

If you do not currently have authorization to stay in the state, fill out an application and send it back to the following address via registered mail:

• PO Box 12695
• Spouse of Irish National Unit
• Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service
• Dublin 2
• Residence Division

Follow Steps 1 to 5

From here on, you may proceed with steps 1 through 5 to make sure you’ve finished all we listed and have all the documents needed to marry your Irish partner in Ireland.

Maintain organization, take the initiative to complete tasks, and, if needed, seek out expert or suitable authority help.

Submit Your Marriage Certificate

After the wedding, you are required to obtain a certified duplicate of your marriage license. This official documentation of your marriage is required for several purposes, such as amending identity documents as well as spousal benefit applications.

The next step is to give the appropriate authorities your certified marriage certificate. Typically, this entails submitting the paperwork to Ireland’s General Register Office.

Make sure you adhere to the precise guidelines for submission procedures and any extra requirements that are supplied by the Irish authorities or the local registrar’s office.

Filipino nationals who get married abroad have to register their union with the Philippine Foreign Service Post—either an embassy or consulate—of the nation where the union was performed.

How Much Does a Wedding Cost in Ireland?

We’ve put up an example cost breakdown to help you estimate the costs involved in an Irish wedding. If you’re interested, we have a whole series on how much real couples spend. Read on!

Venue Type and Amenities

The kind of location you select will also have a big impact on the price. Owing to their superior services, facilities, and prestigious status, upscale hotels, old castles, and private estates may have higher rates.

While it makes planning easier, some venues offer all-inclusive packages that include food, décor, and even wedding planning services. However, this may raise the entire cost.

Think about the facilities that are included in the venue fee and whether or not they fit your wedding concept.

Venue and Amenities average cost: 20,000 USD for 150 guests.

Photography and Videography

Couples desire to recollect their big day with the use of breathtaking photos and epic films that capture feelings, jokes, and memorable moments.

When it pertains to wedding photography and videography in Ireland, there is a quality price. Pros with a lot of expertise and skill invest a lot of money in equipment to make sure they can catch every detail.

Photography and Videography average cost: 6,500 USD

Wedding Attire

There are strategies to go through the process without going over budget, even if wedding clothes surely add to the total cost of an Irish wedding.

Couples may achieve a balance between style, sentiment, and affordability by carefully weighing their options, looking into alternatives, and preparing ahead of time. This will help to make sure that their big day is both affordable and unforgettable.

Tip: Discounts on gowns, suits, and accessories may be found by keeping an eye out for wedding and formalwear sales.

Wedding Attire average cost: 3,000 USD

Entertainment

At weddings, entertainment is not only an afterthought but a vital component that establishes the mood for the whole event. Couples may add excitement, energy, and cultural flare to their big day with a variety of alternatives, including traditional Irish dancers and live bands and DJs.

Some couples choose interactive entertainment, such as magicians, caricaturists, or picture booths, to enhance the visitor experience. Although these extras might make for a fun surprise for guests, they can raise the overall expense of the wedding.

Entertainment average cost: 2,500 USD

Unexpected Costs

Naturally, there are a lot of additional expenses related to weddings in Ireland. everything from hair and makeup to transportation and invites.

There will be unforeseen expenses, last-minute modifications, and hidden fees. As a result, if at all possible, attempt to set aside more money in your budget to cover unforeseen expenses.

An amount commensurate with the whole expense of your wedding. approximately 6–9% of it ought to be approximately correct. In an emergency, try not to use your credit card and keep some cash on hand in case of need.

Ireland Wedding Traditions You Should Know

Discover the fascinating realm of Irish wedding customs, where each custom is a beautiful waltz between the past and the promise of the future.

Incorporate Something Blue

Although green is usually thought of as the color associated with Ireland, the country did not officially adopt green until the 19th century.

The color blue represented Ireland for hundreds of years. Because blue was the color of loyalty and represented the bride’s dedication to their lover, it was also thought to be auspicious for brides.

If the wedding has blue components in addition to or instead of the numerous colors of green, don’t be shocked.

Handfasting

The Celebrant says that the couples’ ‘hands are united in a marriage of love and trust’, tying a colorful ribbon or thread around each other.

Witnessing a couple publicly profess their decision to wed and love one other forever in this customary Irish symbolic way is quite unique.

Claddagh Ring

A traditional Irish ring, the Claddagh band represents three things: friendship (two linked hands), love (heart), and loyalty (crown).

The Claddagh rituals and designs have their origins in County Galway. It was initially created in the 17th century in its current shape.

Wedding Attire

Irish weddings have a number of unique dress features that are noteworthy. At an Irish wedding, the groom usually dons a kilt adorned with a tartan that symbolizes the county or region from which they are originally from.

Compared to Scottish kilt tartans, which are based on clan origins, this method is a little bit different.

Horseshoe as a Lucky Symbol

In the past, Irish brides would bring an actual horseshoe down the aisle, facing upwards, as a symbol of unending good fortune.

An ancient superstition states that the bride must go down the aisle carrying sixpence money in their right shoe for additional good fortune.

Final Thoughts on How to Get Married in Ireland as a Filipino

We hope that this guide has given you insightful knowledge and useful advice on navigating the bureaucratic terrain and cultural quirks associated with getting married in the Emerald Isle.

Remember that every couple’s story is different and that your wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment as you begin this exciting new chapter in your lives.

Even though the procedure might appear complicated at times, it is all worthwhile when a happy union is the outcome.