Not everyone wants a big wedding. Some of my favourite films are of couples who said their vows with two witnesses, a bottle of something nice and a view. Eloping in Ireland is very doable, whether you live here or you’re flying in, but there are a few practical things to sort out first.
The legal bit
To get legally married in Ireland, you need to give at least three months’ notice of your marriage to the HSE civil registration service. If you live here, you both attend an appointment in person. If you live abroad, you can start the process by post, but you still need to meet the registrar in person at least five days before the ceremony. The notification fee is €200. If everything is in order, the registrar gives you a Marriage Registration Form, which you give to your solemniser before the ceremony.
Book your notification appointment early, as waiting times vary by area and time of year.
Your ceremony must be performed by a registered solemniser: a registrar for a civil ceremony, or a religious or secular solemniser on the Register of Solemnisers.
You’ll need two witnesses aged 18 or over.
Dreaming of an outdoor ceremony? Talk to your solemniser and your venue first. There are rules about where a ceremony can take place, so check what’s allowed for your spot.
Rules can change, so always confirm the details with the civil registration service or your solemniser. Plenty of couples from abroad do the legal part quietly at home and then have their real ceremony in Ireland wherever they like. That’s a lovely, stress-free option.
Where to elope in the south of Ireland
You don’t need a big venue. A small country house, a private estate, a lakeside chapel or a favourite restaurant can all be perfect. For portraits, Munster has everything: the lakes and mountains of Gougane Barra and Killarney, the cliffs and beaches of the Dingle Peninsula and West Cork, the colourful streets of Kinsale and Cobh, and the old woods along the river valleys.
Make it feel like a wedding
Write your own vows and read them out loud. Even with no guests, they’ll be the heart of your film.
Plan one special meal: a picnic, a long dinner, somewhere you love.
Ask your two favourite people to be your witnesses.
Leave time to wander. Elopements are relaxed, and the best moments happen when nobody is watching the clock.
Elopements are small, but they’re still a story worth telling properly. I make films and documentaries for elopements too, and a film is the best way to share the day with family who couldn’t be there. If you’re thinking of running away to Ireland, let’s talk.
