From November 5, 2007 there are new civil requirements for Catholic Marriages;
Note: the Church's requirements have not changed.

If 3 months notice has not already been given before Nov. 5, the couple must give this notice in person to the Registrar. (For list of Registrars click here.)

From November 5, the priest doing the marriage must be on a civil 'List of Solemnisers'.

The couple are required to make a verbal declaration that no civil impediment exists. This will be done at the beginning of the ceremony.

The Marriage Registration Form is signed at the end of the ceremony and returned to the Registrar by the couple.

CHECK LIST

What the solemniser needs to do:
• make sure he is on the List of Solemnisers
• if he is not on the list, he must become a Temporary Solemniser
• ensure that the couple have received the Marriage Registration Form (MRF) before the wedding takes place
• check that all details on the MRF are correct
• make sure that the couple makes the verbal declaration of no civil impediment in the presence of the two witnesses and himself
• ensure that the MRF is signed by the couple, two witnesses and himself
• comply with all diocesan regulations regarding the time and place of marriage.


What the parish clergy need to do:
• complete the Pre-Nuptial Inquiry Forms in the usual manner
• inform the couple of the requirement to meet the civil registrar at least 3 months before the wedding to give notice of their intention to marry
• inform the couple that the priest they have chosen must be on the List of
Solemnisers
• give delegation to the visiting solemniser as heretofore


What the couple must do:
• meet one of the local parish clergy
• book the church where they wish to marry
• meet a civil registrar at least 3 months before the wedding to give notice of their intention to marry
• receive the Marriage Registration Form (MRF) from the civil registrar
• bring the MRF to the solemniser
• make the verbal declaration of no civil impediment not more than 2 days beforehand
• return the signed MRF to any civil registrar not later than 1 month after the wedding

For further information: www.gettingmarried.ie and www.gro.ie