Your Questions Answered

It’s Your Big Day!

I have compiled the following list of answers to some of the most commonly asked questions I receive.

Please click or tap on each question to reveal my answer:

Can You Legally Marry Us On the Day?

YES! I am HSE registered to solemnise marriages in the Republic of Ireland.  Provided that you have lodged your Notification of Intention to Marry with the HSE  and collected your green folder & MRF (Marriage Registration Form) to bring with you to your ceremony, your marriage ceremony will be fully legal on the day.

Where can we be Married?

A legal marriage ceremony in Ireland can be conducted in any building that is open to the public;  or in a courtyard, garden, yard, field or piece of ground that is open to the public and lying near to and usually enjoyed with the building that is open to the public.

There is a multitude of beautiful hotels, mansion houses and castles in Ireland which comply with these requirements, with beautiful ceremony rooms and/or stunning gardens available for hire as your wedding venue.

There are also some places of great natural beauty which have a public buildings.

Are you a Civil Celebrant?

There is a lot of confusion here in Ireland caused by the incorrect use of terminology from other countries, by those who are not aware that it is incorrect to do so.

`The job title “Civil Marriage Celebrant” or “Civil Celebrant” has no legal standing in Ireland regarding marriages or weddings.  A civil celebrant here in Ireland is known for conducting non-religious funerals, but not weddings.

A civil ceremony here in Ireland is another name for a registry office marriage, and can only be conducted by a HSE Civil Registrar.

I am a Registered Solemniser and interfaith celebrant.

Can You Give us a Humanist Ceremony ?

When couples ask me for a humanist ceremony, what they really mean is can they have a non-religious ceremony.   

I am from Australia where non-religious or humanist-style marriage ceremonies have been a way of life for over 40 years.  I have extensive experience creating and conducting humanist style non-religious ceremonies of all kinds.

With me as your ceremony officiant, you are free to include any ceremony ideas of your choice.

Can We Have a Spiritual Ceremony ?

Yes of course, your ceremony will be designed and created suit your very own requirements every step of the way.  Your ceremony can be as Spiritual as you would like it to be, I provide you with ideas and suggestions, but you are the design director all the way. 

With me as your ceremony officiant I can give you the most flexibility with your design options for your spiritual ceremony.

Can we have a civil ceremony?

In Ireland a civil ceremony is another name for a registry office marriage which can only be conducted by a Civil Registrar.

If a unique & personalised traditional but non-religious marriage ceremony is what you want, I would be honoured to work with you. .

Can Our Ceremony Have a Religious Feel ?

Yes of course, I can write your ceremony with a Religious feel if that’s what makes your ceremony more meaningful to you.  You are free to include Religious elements, wording and music to your ceremony as you wish.

Can we have a short and simple ceremony?

If you have your heart set on a short and simple ceremony, for any reason, that’s what you shall have.   You are the design director, which means your ceremony will be created exactly to your requirements every step of the way!

Can we be Married on Private Property?

Here in Ireland a legal marriage must be conducted at a place that is open to the public, so this means a legal marriage is not possible on a private property. 

It is believed the reason is due to an ancient law which states that a member of the public must be able to enter the marriage ceremony to object to the marriage if the marriage is not lawful.

Although you can’t have a legal marriage on private property, you can have a non-legal wedding ceremony on a private property with a separate legal marriage with your witnesses only, at a nearby location that is open to the public, either on the same day, or on any previous day of your choosing.

I can advise you how to ensure that your legal marriage ceremony complies with the Marriage Act at all times, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.

What is Your Fee?

I have price packages to suit the needs of every couple based the average number of hours required.

My price packages start at €295 up to €595 with the average ceremony price being €495 for Cork City and surrounding areas.

Please contact me for a quick chat to find out which price package suits your needs, and to answer any questions you might have.

Q: How do we get legally married in Ireland?

First you will need a ceremony officiant like myself who can legally marry you.  You will also need to lodge your Notification of Intention to Marry with the HSE Civil Registration office.  I recommend you lodge your notification 12 months ahead of your wedding date if possible.

For more information please see my “Legal Info” page for more information on the legal marriage notification and registration requirements.

Q: Why should we choose you?

I am always honoured to be part of such a special celebration which I never take for granted.  I will listen to your requirements and understand exactly what you want.  If you believe that your ceremony is an important part of your special day, and you would like a ceremony which is unique & personalised to your own requirements.  

With over 30 years experience in the art of ceremony both in my homeland Australia and in Ireland (my new home since 2013) and with many hundreds of wedding ceremonies created & conducted, I have the expertise gained from real experience to ensure that your ceremony exceeds your expectations.

Please see my “What’s Included” page for more reasons why you should choose me as your ceremony officiant, I would be honoured to work with you. 

My ceremonial work takes me to many beautiful locations throughout Ireland including Killarney, County Kerry, Galway to County Clare and The Burren along the Wild Atlantic Way right across to Limerick Waterford, Youghal East Cork Tipperary and beyond in Ireland's Ancient East.

Every wedding is my wedding of the year and every day is an opportunity for another great adventure!

I am honored to assist couples from all walks of life to celebrate their special day with a truly special, meaningful and memorable ceremony created to suit their own unique style, either non-religious, a humanist ceremony or spiritual ceremony, Religous or mixed faith, whatever your ceremony style may be I can create the perfect ceremony for you.

Q: How do I book a free 30-minute consultation?

You can speak with me 7 days a week with your questions.  Due to the nature of my work I am not always able to answer the phone, so it’s always best to make an appointment for a quick chat.   Please see my “Check Availability” page for contact details and contact me right away.

I realise how important it is for you to choose the right ceremony officiant for your big day.  We can have a quick chat on the phone, or we can make an appointment to meetup in person or on Zoom or Whatsapp if you wish.

Celebrant Guarantee

As a valued member of the Enchanted Ceremonies group of non-denominational Celebrants, Holistic Ministers & Solemnisers, there is always a backup Celebrant on hand in case of an unforeseen emergency - this is your Celebrant guarantee!

Your Special Day

If you believe your ceremony should be an important part of your special day, no matter how big or small your ceremony wishes may be, you have found the right place.

If you would like a ceremony as unique as you are - created to suit your own style, please don't hesitate to get in touch so I can answer any questions you might have - and to find out if I am available on your big day.  I would be honoured to work with you!

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