Getting married in Ireland when you live somewhere else? It’s more straightforward than it sounds. I film weddings for couples from all over the world, mostly in Cork, Kerry and across Munster, and these are the things I find people most want to know.
1. Decide how to do the legal part
You have two good options. You can marry legally in Ireland, or do the legal paperwork at home and have your ceremony here with a celebrant. Both are lovely; it just depends on how much admin you want to take on.
To marry legally here, you must give at least three months’ notice to the HSE civil registration service.
If you live abroad, you can start by post, but you both need to meet a registrar in person at least five days before the wedding.
The notification fee is €200, and you’ll need your passports, birth certificates and, if relevant, documents for any previous marriage.
Your ceremony must be performed by a registered solemniser, with two witnesses aged 18 or over.
Rules can change, so always confirm with the civil registration service or your solemniser before you book anything that depends on it.
2. Getting here
Dublin and Shannon have direct flights from North America, and both offer US Preclearance on the way home. Cork Airport connects to London and many European cities, and Kerry Airport is a small, friendly option right on the doorstep of Killarney. Most guests rent a car or you can arrange a coach for the weekend. The roads in the south-west are beautiful but slow, so allow extra time.
3. Choose your corner of Ireland
I’m biased, but the south has everything:
West Cork. Wild coast, islands and colourful villages like Baltimore, Glandore and Kinsale.
Kerry. Killarney’s lakes and mountains, Kenmare’s country houses, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula.
Cork city and East Cork. Castles, grand country houses and the harbour towns of Cobh and Youghal.
Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. The Cliffs of Moher, castle hotels, the Copper Coast and quiet countryside, all within easy reach of Shannon.
My West Cork and Kerry guide has more on the places I love most.
4. Pick your season
Summer gives you long evenings (sunset close to 10pm in June), spring and autumn are quieter with beautiful soft light, and winter is all candles and open fires. There’s more in my season-by-season guide. Whatever you choose, plan for a shower: it’s Ireland, and honestly the rain often makes the best footage.
5. Make it a weekend
Destination weddings in Ireland tend to stretch over two or three days: welcome drinks in a local pub, the wedding, then a beach walk or a long lunch the day after. Many venues offer exclusive use for the whole weekend, so everyone stays in the same place. It’s also why I love filming them: the story has room to breathe.
6. Book your key people early
Popular venues, solemnisers, photographers and filmmakers book up 12 to 18 months ahead for summer Saturdays. If you’re planning from abroad, lock in the venue and your solemniser first, then build the team around them.
Planning from the other side of the world can feel like a lot, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m always happy to chat, share venue tips and help you plan a day that looks and feels like Ireland. Get in touch and tell me what you’re dreaming of.
