Q & A
Whether you want just a handfasting ceremony or a full legal wedding we explain all what you can do.
Contact any one of our Handfasters if you need more information.
FAQ
Yes you can! However if you want a legal wedding there are some conditions on where you can get married. Essentially the venue must be open to the public, with an address.
Once your Hand-faster is available most will be available to you for any time on any day, including Saturday and Sunday. Just check with them first.
No you don’t! All our Handfasters are members of OneSpirit Ireland and are trained in all types of ceremony. We are fine with all faiths and no faith!
Certainly! We’re authorised to legally solemnise your marriage at any time and on any day of the week, in a venue of your choice that meets the requirements outlined in Section 52 of the Civil Registrations Act 2004. The key requirement is that the solemnization occurs at an identifiable address accessible to the public.
For ceremonies without legal obligations, the options are wide open—almost anywhere is possible with the owner’s permission! We’re flexible and delighted to collaborate with you on selecting the perfect venue., be that a beach, a cliff or even a forest!
For your legal marriage, two declarations are required during the ceremony, made by you and your intended spouse in the presence of your solemniser and witnesses:
- Affirming that you are not aware of any impediment to the marriage.
- Accepting each other as husband/wife/spouse.
We’re flexible with the wording of your ceremony. We wrap ceremony around the legal bit. There’s no requirement to include specific words or mention our parent organization. Your ceremony will be personalized according to your preferences, including the choice of words and pronouns for you and your spouse.
After your wedding ceremony, you’ll keep the paperwork, typically stored in a green folder. We recommend assigning a responsible adult to ensure it’s safely stored away immediately after the ceremony.
Within one month, you must return the Marriage Registration Form (MRF) to a Registrar for the marriage to be officially registered. You can return the form to any Civil Registration Office.
According to Section 50 of the Civil Registration Act 2004, failure to return the completed MRF within 56 days of the intended marriage date recorded on the form may prompt the Registrar to issue a notice, requiring its return within 14 days of receipt.
It’s crucial to return the paperwork promptly, as you won’t receive your civil marriage certificate until the marriage is officially registered. Essentially you are not legally registered as married until the MRF is lodged.
We embrace diversity and inclusivity in wedding ceremonies. As a non-denominational Religious Body, we honour all faiths and beliefs, or lack thereof. Our ceremonies are tailored to your preferences, incorporating traditional rituals or personal touches without bias towards any particular deity or ideology. We are all faiths and none!
Our dedicated Handfasters/ Celebrants/ Ministers prioritize accessibility and openness. Regardless of gender, orientation, nationality, ability, or financial status, every couple is warmly welcomed. If it’s a legal wedding we adhere to Irish law and ensure a safe, respectful environment, free from discrimination based on race, gender, or sexual orientation.
Your wedding ceremony is a celebration of love, uniquely crafted to reflect your individuality and values. Contact any one of us to create your unforgettable wedding experience, where inclusivity reigns and love knows no bounds.
Ten minutes is too short and an hour is too long so there is always a sweet spot!
Wedding ceremonies typically range from 25 to 45 minutes in duration, depending on what you want. They are adaptable to your preferences and needs. Factors like music selection, special enhancements, readings, and photography can influence the timing. We’re flexible to accommodate your schedule, whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening, any day of the week.
During the planning stage, we’ll work closely with you to customize the ceremony length and timing to your liking. If adjustments are needed on the day of the wedding, rest assured, we’re here to make it seamless and stress-free. No need to worry – your special day will flow smoothly.
Your issue on the day will be it all went too quickly and we want your ceremony to be the highlight of your day.
Each Handfaster has their own Insurance but all are professionally trained in the art of ceremony.
For weddings, and all ceremonies our handfasters and celebrants determine their own fees, so we recommend contacting your chosen celebrant directly for pricing details. On average, our wedding ceremony fee is €650, while other ceremonies like funerals typically cost €300. Feel free to reach out to us to discuss your ceremony specifics, including preferred date, time, and venue, as these factors may impact the fee.
At our core, we prioritise financial accessibility and flexibility. We’re dedicated to helping you find the best option to suit your needs and budget. Get in touch with us today to explore your ceremony possibilities!
In Ireland, couples are required to visit an HSE Registrar/ Civil Registration Office to officially register their Intent to Marry, at least three months before their chosen wedding date. During this appointment, you’ll need to provide details such as the names and information of both spouses, both witnesses (aged 18 or above), your selected solemniser, venue, and intended date.
For practical reasons you do need more than 3 months as getting an appointment can sometimes take a little time. Best advice is make the appointment as soon as you can, even 12 months out is fine.
Upon successful completion of your appointment and once you have provided all necessary documentation you’ll receive your Marriage Registration Form (MRF), typically in a green folder, which must be brought along on your wedding day. Your chosen solemniser will need this in advance to verify all details are accurate. During the ceremony, the MRF will be signed by your OneSpirit Ireland solemnizer, both spouses, and both witnesses. It’s your responsibility to return the signed form to the HSE Registrar’s office within 30 days of your wedding ceremony.
For more information, visit the HSE website.
Since November 16, 2015, Ireland has recognized and legally allowed same-sex couples to marry, marking a significant milestone in the country’s history of equality and acceptance. With this groundbreaking legislation, same-sex couples are granted the same rights and responsibilities as their opposite-sex counterparts in marriage. Love is love!
Under Irish law, same-sex couples enjoy equal access to marriage. This ensures that they can marry and show their love and commitment in a manner that reflects their partnership and dedication. They can handfat too!
This inclusivity extends to couples who were previously in civil partnerships, as they too have the opportunity to formalise their union through marriage.
The legalisation of gay marriage in Ireland represents a triumph for LGBTQ+ rights and symbolises the country’s commitment to equality and diversity. It’s a testament to the ongoing progress towards building a society that values and celebrates love in all its forms.
As a result, same-sex couples in Ireland have the freedom to express their love and commitment through marriage, just like any other loving couple, fostering a society that embraces diversity and inclusivity.
Love is Love
Touch the heart for more
We cater for all faiths & none, gay or straight as we believe love is love.
We can customise your Ceremony
At our Wedding Workshop you decide what you would like to do and how you would like to express your love for each other.
