The three month notice you must give the HSE

Three months is the legal minimum

Every civil, religious and secular marriage in the Republic of Ireland requires at least three months' notice to a registrar. Your ceremony cannot take place legally until that notice period has passed.

The person on the Register of Solemnisers conducts the ceremony. They do not replace the HSE notification appointment or issue the Marriage Registration Form.

Book the appointment early

Both partners normally attend a marriage notification appointment. Waiting times vary and popular dates are busy, so the HSE advises booking as soon as possible.

You can give notice to any registrar. Some civil registration services allow online appointment booking and others ask you to phone.

Bring the current HSE checklist

Both partners need original documents and the requested photocopies. Requirements can change and additional documents depend on your circumstances, so use the HSE checklist rather than relying on a saved wedding-planning list.

• Photo identification and a colour photocopy
• Original birth certificate and a photocopy
• Recent proof of address and a photocopy
• PPS number if you have or will have an address in Ireland
• Ceremony, solemniser, venue and witness details
• Additional immigration or previous-marriage documents where required

If you live outside Ireland

Contact a civil registration service if you want to give notice by post. You still need to give three months' notice and meet the registrar at least five days before the ceremony to sign the declaration form.

The registrar issues the Marriage Registration Form

If the requirements are met and there is no legal barrier to the marriage, the registrar gives you the Marriage Registration Form. It is valid for six months from the intended date of marriage.

Bring it to the ceremony. After a religious or secular ceremony, return the signed form to a civil registration service within one month. A civil registrar registers a civil marriage.