TRAVEL GUIDE FOR GETTING MARRIED IN IRELAND
Who:
Ireland appeals to the romantic at heart and over the years more and more of the couple’s we photograph come from Europe and abroad. Finding the right venue and professionals to help with your destination wedding can prove challenging as many Irish people tend to forgo marketing and focus on a limited number of customized weddings each year. In fact, most of the best professionals can only be found through word of mouth. As a wedding photographer who has photographed over 600 weddings throughout the country, I want to help you find the best planners, venues, florists, caterers and more, so you can feel confident about your choices. Read on to get valuable advice on how to prepare for your destination wedding in Ireland and let’s chat about your plans for an unforgettable Irish wedding!
What:
To get legally married in Ireland there are a few requirements you’ll need to fulfill.
You and your partner must be at least 18 years old.
You must file a Notice of Intent to Marry with the registrar's office in the county where you are getting married at least 3 months before your wedding date. And you will need the right documentation whether your ceremony will be religious, civil, or secular.
Documentation must provide proof you are single and paperwork if you’ve been divorced or widowed.
Your wedding ceremony must be conducted by a registered solemniser or in a registered building.
You’ll need 2 witnesses to sign your license.
And you’ll need to register your marriage with the Registrar of Marriages within 3 months of the ceremony.
If you’re traveling from the U.S., as many of our clients do, contact the Secretary of State’s office in your area.
In order to get married in Ireland, you may be required to provide your U.S. birth certificate with an Apostille for the Irish Authorities. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin cannot complete Apostilles on U.S. issued birth certificates for the purpose of getting married in Ireland. The Secretary of State offices in each state have control of vital record documents, please contact your State’s Secretary of State office for instructions on how to get an Apostille.
Where:
Ireland has an overwhelming number of venues to choose from. With centuries old castles to chic hotels and gorgeous gardens it can be hard to pick the perfect spot for your wedding. That’s why we’ve created a list of the Best Venues in Ireland, all places we know and love. Check it out and send us any questions you may have. We would be delighted to help you secure your location and ensure that it is photographed with impeccable style.
When:
Ireland is mesmerizing in every season including winter when the Christmas lights and festivities make it a wonderful time to visit. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when planning your wedding in Ireland.
Summer, from June to August, is the warmest time of year. The landscapes stay green and the long days which can have up to 18 hours of sunlight, leave plenty of time for stunning photographs. Venues may charge extra to travel in the high-season and you can expect more crowds at popular destinations.
Spring, from March to May, is a great time to get married when the temperatures are mild and the gardens are full of beautiful blooming flowers. The rain, and rainbows, show up occasionally and the countryside is dotted with young animals and there is a sense of new life in the air.
Autumn, from September to November, is a quieter time to visit and offers warm days and cool evenings, with fewer crowds. Leaves turn gold, orange and red and look lit up against the greens and blues of the landscape.
Winter, from December to February, is the coldest and wettest time of year, but also the least crowded. Cozy pubs, holiday decorations and accommodations with roaring fires make it a special time to get cozy and enjoy the shifting fog and haunting beauty of our gorgeous country.
We photograph weddings all year long and look forward to helping you find the right place and the right time for your wedding.
Why:
Ireland calls out to people who believe in love and magic. Rolling emerald hills, picturesque lakes, charming villages, and ancient castles decorate the landscape and make it a romantic destination for couples all around the world. With a rich and magical history of folklore, music and dance, destination couples often incorporate some Irish cultural influences into their wedding events and decor. Being Irish, our team will be thrilled to let you in on Irish customs and how you can add them to your ceremony and reception.
The people here are warm and welcoming and the professionals we work with are ready to go the extra mile for your wedding. With 5 major international airports and a good transport infrastructure, it is easy for guests to attend your wedding, no matter where they are coming from.
How:
There are 5 airports serving Ireland.
Dublin Airport - North of Dublin City on the east coast
Shannon Airport - North of Limerick City on the west coast
Cork Airport - Just south of Cork City on the south coast
Knock Airport - Located in County Mayo in the North West
Belfast Airport - West of Belfast City in the North East.
Most of the couples we work with fly into Dublin. However if you are traveling to castles like Adare Manor or Dromoland we suggest using the Shannon Airport.
Flying to Dublin:
Dublin Airport (DUB), is located about 10 km (6 miles) north of Dublin city center. It is the main international airport in Ireland and is served by many airlines with direct and connecting flights from destinations around the world.
Once you arrive at the airport, there are several options for getting into the city:
Taxis: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building and provide a convenient and comfortable way to get into the city.
Bus: The Airlink Express is a dedicated airport bus service that runs between Dublin Airport and the city center. The bus operates 24 hours a day and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Train: The Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) train operates between Dublin Airport and the city center and other destinations in Dublin. The train station is located a short walk from the terminal building and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Rent a car: Renting a car is another option, but be aware that driving in Dublin can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking options in the city center.
Flying into Shannon Airport:
Shannon Airport is located in the west of Ireland in County Clare. It is the third-busiest airport in Ireland and is a popular gateway for travelers to explore the stunning landscapes, historic venues, and cultural offerings of the country.
Once you have arrived at Shannon Airport, there are a number of transportation options available to help you reach your final destination. You can hire a car from one of the rental companies located in the terminal, or take a taxi, shuttle bus or public transportation to your destination. The airport is well-connected to nearby towns and cities, including Limerick, Galway, and Cork, making it a wonderful starting point for exploring the rest of Ireland during your honeymoon.
One of the unique features of Shannon Airport is that it offers US pre-clearance, which means that passengers flying to the United States can clear their customs and immigration in Shannon before boarding their flight. This can save a lot of time and hassle upon arrival in the US, where you can simply collect your luggage and exit the airport.