Question 1

Can you legally marry us?

Accepted Answer

Delighted to say YES I can.

I am a registered solemniser listed on the HSE register. I can officiate your ceremony at your chosen venue at any time of day and on any day of the week (including weekends and bank holidays).

Question 2

How do we Register our Intent to Marry?

Accepted Answer

In Ireland, all couples must visit a HSE Registrar to register their Intent to Marry, NO LESS THAN THREE MONTHS prior to their intended wedding date.

At this meeting, you will be asked for the names and details of both spouses, both witnesses (over 18 years), your chosen Solemniser, your venue, and your intended date. You will then be given your Marriage Registration Form (MRF) usually in a green folder, which you will bring with you on your wedding day.

Your Solemniser will request this in advance of the ceremony in order to check and confirm that all details are correct. 
During the ceremony it will be signed by your Solemniser, both spouses and both witnesses, and it is your responsibility to return it to the HSE Registrar’s office within 30 days of your ceremony.

Further details are available from the HSE website.

Question 3

How do we obtain our Marriage Certificate?

Accepted Answer

You will retain the paperwork (in the green folder) on the day of your ceremony. (You might consider nominating a responsible adult to ensure it is put away safely, immediately after the ceremony!)

You must return the MRF (Marriage Registration Form) within 30 days to a Registrar, for the marriage to be registered. Under Section 50 of the Civil Registration Act 2004, if the completed MRF (Marriage Registration Form) is not returned to a Registrar within 56 days of the intended date of marriage recorded on the MRF, the Registrar can serve a notice on you requiring you to return the MRF within 14 days of receiving the notice. It is very important that you ensure the paperwork is returned as you cannot get your civil marriage certificate until the marriage is registered.

Question 4

How long will our ceremony last?

Accepted Answer

Most ceremonies last in the region of 25-35 minutes, depending on variables such as music choices, ceremony enhancements, readings, photographs etc.

Question 5

Is there anything we must include in our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

If your marriage is to be Solemnised, (legalised) you and your intended spouse must make two declarations during the ceremony, in the presence of your Solemniser and witnesses.

That you do not know of any impediment to the marriage
That you accept each other as husband / wife / spouse.

Beyond this, there is no requirement to mention any particular words during your ceremony.

Nor do we need to mention my nominated body Entheos Ireland – the words will all be as you wish, and we will use whatever words and pronouns you and your spouse prefer.

Question 6

Can deceased family or friends be remembered?

Accepted Answer

Yes of course, couples may choose to have a candle lighting to honour a loved one, I have a lovely painting of a little Robin which I often bring to remember the ancestors of the couple.

Question 7

Can we include religious elements?

Accepted Answer

Entheos is a non-denominational organisation, authorised to carry out ceremonies for couples of all faiths and none.

Therefore, we are listed on the HSE Register of Solemnisers as a Religious Body, as opposed to Secular / Civil.

This allows me freedom to include religious content for those who request it, and none for those who don’t.

Question 8

Can our children be involved in the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes of course, there are many ways to include children in the ceremony.

E

Ceremonies By Elizabeth
'A Wedding Celebrant In Ireland'

Frequently Asked Questions