Whether you are having a religious ceremony or a civil ceremony there are legal requirements that must be met and documentation that must be completed before a marriage can go ahead.
WHO CAN BE MARRIED IN NORTHERN IRELAND?
Any two persons may marry in Northern Ireland provided that:
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both persons are at least 16 years of age on the day of their marriage - anyone under 18 will need parental consent, or if appropriate an order of a court dispensing with consent
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they are not related to each other in a way which would prevent their marrying
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they are unmarried (any previous marriage must have been ended by divorce, death or annulment)
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they are not of the same sex
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they are capable of understanding the nature of a marriage ceremony and of consenting to marriage
DOCUMENTATION NEEDED
All marriages
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Full birth certificate (long version)
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Either your passport or identity card.
People who have been married before
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If you have been married before and the marriage was dissolved, a certificate of Decree Absolute must be produced. A decree of divorce granted either in or outside of Northern Ireland must be absolute or final. A decree nisi is not acceptable.
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If you are divorced and you have retained your maiden name, your previous marriage certificate must be produced.
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If you are a widow or widower, the death certificate of your former spouse must be produced.
Marriage notice forms
These forms, which give formal 'notice' to the Registrar of your intent to marry, must be completed by you and your partner. You can download this form here: Marriage Notice Forms
They are valid for 12 months from the date of notice. This means you must tell us about your plans to get married in the 12 month period before your wedding date, and no later than 14 days before your ceremony. A marriage schedule will be prepared from the information on the marriage notice form. No marriage can proceed without the marriage schedule.
Collection of Schedule
The bride or groom must visit the Registrar's office beforehand to collect the marriage schedule, no earlier than 14 days before the marriage. This is then signed by two parties, the registrar or religious officiant and two witnesses aged 16 or over on your wedding day.
Return of Marriage Schedule
It is the responsibility of the parties to return the completed schedule, within 3 working days, to the Registrar of the District in which the marriage took place. This may be returned in person or by post. You may wish to ask a close friend or relative to do this important task.
Registration of Marriage
Once the schedule is received the Registrar is responsible for registering the marriage. Then certified copies may be purchased from the Registrar on payment of the appropriate fee. Certificates are £8 at time of Registration, however £14 thereafter.
Marriage Fees
A religious ceremony costs £40. Civil ceremonies that take place in the Registrar’s Office or at an Approved Venue will vary. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for more details.
CONTACT DETAILS
Address: Craigavon Borough Council, Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre, Lakeview Road, Craigavon , BT64 1AL.
Telephone: 028 3831 2400
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Registrar: Mrs Lynda Steenson
Deputy Registrar: Mrs Victoria Sharpe
Deputy Registrar: Mrs Sharon Magee
