Ireland has become a popular destination for LGBTQ+ couples looking for an intimate wedding, elopement or small destination wedding surrounded by incredible scenery and Irish history.
For couples traveling from the USA, Canada and elsewhere, however, choosing Ireland often raises a few important questions. Can an LGBTQ+ couple legally marry in Ireland? Do you need to live in Ireland? Can you have an outdoor ceremony? And is it easier to have a legal or symbolic wedding?
Here are some of the most important things to know when planning an LGBTQ+ wedding or elopement in Ireland.
Is a LGBTQ+ marriage legal in Ireland?Yes. LGBTQ+ marriage has been legal in Ireland since 2015, and LGBTQ+ couples have the same legal right to marry as any other couple.
This means two women or two men can have a legally recognized marriage in Ireland, provided they complete the required Irish marriage process.
For international couples, one of the most important points is that you do not need to be an Irish citizen or live in Ireland to get married here.
Couples regularly travel from the United States, Canada and other countries to have their legal wedding in Ireland.
Can American and Canadian LGBTQ+ couples get married in Ireland?Yes.
LGBTQ+ couples traveling from the USA or Canada can legally marry in Ireland provided they meet the relevant Irish marriage requirements.
For a legal marriage in the Republic of Ireland, couples generally need to give at least three months' notification of their intention to marry, complete the required documentation, attend the necessary appointment and have their ceremony performed by an authorized solemnizer.
A legal marriage also requires two witnesses. Couples planning a true two-person elopement don't necessarily need to bring guests specifically for this purpose, as witnesses can be arranged.
Because international couples have additional travel considerations, it's a good idea to start the legal process well before the minimum deadline.
Legal wedding or symbolic ceremony in Ireland?You don't have to complete the legal marriage process in Ireland to have your wedding ceremony here.
There are essentially two options.
A legal wedding in Ireland means Ireland is where you officially become married. You'll need to complete the Irish legal requirements and have the ceremony performed in accordance with those requirements.
A symbolic ceremony means you can legally marry in your home country and then travel to Ireland for your ceremony, vows, rings, photography and celebration.
For some destination couples, a symbolic ceremony provides greater flexibility, particularly when they want to exchange vows at an unusual outdoor location.
The experience can still feel completely like your wedding day. The difference is simply where the legal marriage takes place.
Where can LGBTQ+ couples get married in Ireland?There isn't a separate list of wedding locations for LGBTQ+ couples.
Depending on the ceremony you're planning, possibilities can include Atlantic cliffs, Irish castles, ancient ruins, country houses and other historic or scenic locations throughout Ireland.
For couples looking for dramatic Irish scenery, the Cliffs of Moher area is particularly popular. Couples looking for something historic might prefer an Irish castle or centuries-old ruin.
Northern Ireland also has spectacular possibilities, including the Causeway Coast and Dunluce Castle.
The best location really depends on the experience you want: adventurous and outdoors, historic and romantic, relaxed and informal, or something in between.
Can an LGBTQ+ elopement in Ireland include guests?Absolutely.
The modern meaning of elopement is very different from the traditional idea of secretly running away to get married.
Some LGBTQ+ couples travel to Ireland completely alone, while others bring parents, siblings, children and close friends.
An Ireland elopement might therefore mean just the two of you, while another couple might have 10, 20 or 30 guests and treat it as a small destination wedding.
There isn't a correct number.
For many couples, the attraction is simply having a more intimate wedding where the location and experience are more important than having a large guest list.
What can an LGBTQ+ Ireland elopement include?An intimate Ireland wedding can still include everything you'd associate with a traditional wedding day.
Depending on the couple and location, that might include a celebrant or officiant, photographer, videographer, flowers, hair and makeup, chauffeur transportation and live ceremony music.
Couples can also incorporate personal vows, readings and Irish wedding traditions.
And there's no reason to structure the wedding around traditional bride-and-groom roles.
Two dresses, two suits, one of each or something completely different — couples can create a wedding that actually reflects who they are.
Are Ireland wedding vendors LGBTQ+ friendly?This is understandably something LGBTQ+ couples planning a destination wedding may think about.
Working with experienced, welcoming wedding professionals is important, particularly when you're arranging everything from another country.
At
Eloping in Ireland, we work with professional Irish photographers, videographers, celebrants, musicians, florists, hair and makeup artists, chauffeurs and other suppliers for the intimate weddings we plan.
LGBTQ+ weddings are simply part of what we do.
Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland?This is an important distinction that international couples sometimes overlook.
The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have different marriage systems.
LGBTQ+ marriage is legal in both, but the paperwork and legal requirements aren't identical.
For example, a couple planning a wedding around the Cliffs of Moher would follow the Republic of Ireland process, while a couple planning a wedding at Dunluce Castle would need to consider Northern Ireland's requirements.
It's therefore worth deciding your preferred region early if having a legally recognized ceremony in Ireland is important to you.
What about Irish weather?Ireland's landscapes are one of the biggest reasons couples choose to marry here, but outdoor weddings should always be planned with the weather in mind.
There is no month when sunshine can be guaranteed.
Rather than trying to find a completely rain-proof time of year, it's better to build flexibility into the wedding day and have a suitable backup arrangement where appropriate.
Wind can be just as important as rain at exposed coastal and cliff locations.
How far in advance should LGBTQ+ couples plan an Ireland wedding?For international couples, earlier is generally better, particularly if you're planning a legal wedding.
Popular ceremony dates, accommodations and experienced wedding suppliers can book well in advance.
Starting early also gives couples traveling from the USA or Canada plenty of time to arrange flights, accommodations and the Irish marriage requirements.
However, smaller elopements with flexible dates can sometimes be arranged on a much shorter timeline.
Planning an LGBTQ+ wedding in Ireland from overseasMost international couples won't know which Irish locations work well for intimate ceremonies, which vendors to contact or how the logistics of an outdoor wedding actually work.
That's one of the advantages of working with an Ireland-based wedding planner.
At Eloping in Ireland, we've been planning intimate weddings and elopements since 2014 and have now helped plan more than 1,500 weddings and elopements for couples from the USA, Canada, Ireland and countries around the world.
We've put together a comprehensive LGBTQ+ Weddings in Ireland guide covering the legal requirements, witnesses, legal and symbolic ceremonies, locations, guests, vendors, costs and the practicalities of planning everything from overseas.
LGBTQ+ Weddings & Elopements in Ireland Complete GuideWhether you're imagining just the two of you exchanging vows overlooking the Atlantic or bringing your closest family and friends to an Irish castle, an LGBTQ+ wedding in Ireland can be as simple, adventurous or traditional as you want it to be.
Love from Ireland,
Stephen & Roisin
Eloping in IrelandE-mail:
hello@elopinginireland.ieCall toll-free: 1-800-481-4055 (USA & Canada only)
Text toll-free: 1-833-210-7193 (USA & Canada only)