Getting married abroad is exciting, but the paperwork can feel overwhelming. Different countries have different document requirements, and most demand that your Irish documents be notarised — and often apostilled — before they will recognise them. This guide walks you through the process from start to finish.
Step 1: Contact the Foreign Authorities
Before doing anything else, find out exactly what documents the country where you plan to marry requires. Contact the local civil registry office or marriage authority in your destination country, or check with the Irish embassy or consulate in that country.
Common requirements include:
- Freedom to Marry certificate (also called a Certificate of No Impediment)
- Birth certificate (long form)
- Passport copy
- Proof of address
- Decree of divorce or death certificate of former spouse (if applicable)
- Statutory declaration of single status
Some countries, such as Italy, Spain, and Turkey, have specific additional requirements. Always confirm directly with the foreign authority rather than relying on second-hand information.
Step 2: Obtain Your Original Documents
You will need original documents — photocopies are not sufficient for notarisation. Here is where to obtain each:
- Freedom to Marry certificate: Apply through the General Register Office (GRO) or your local civil registration office. Allow 4–6 weeks for processing.
- Birth certificate: Order a long-form birth certificate from the GRO if you do not already have one.
- Divorce decree: Obtain a certified copy from the Courts Service.
- Death certificate: Available from the GRO.
Step 3: Book a Notary Appointment
Once you have your original documents, book an appointment with a Notary Public. A notary will verify your identity, witness your signature on any declarations, and certify copies of original documents.
For your appointment, bring:
- All original documents
- Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- A list of the destination country’s specific requirements
- Your partner’s details (both partners should attend if both need documents notarised)
Step 4: Notarisation
The Notary Public will prepare notarial certificates for each document. This typically involves:
- Verifying your identity
- Witnessing any statutory declarations
- Certifying copies of original documents
- Attaching the notary’s seal and signature
The notary will format the certificates to meet the destination country’s requirements. This is why it is important to bring the full list of what the foreign authority requires.
Step 5: Apostille from the DFA
If your destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you will need an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This authenticates the notary’s seal for international use.
- Walk-in (Dublin): Same-day processing
- By post: 5–10 working days (longer in summer months)
- Cost: Approximately €20–€40 per document
For countries that are not Hague Convention members, you will need embassy legalisation instead, which can take longer.
Step 6: Certified Translation
Many countries require your documents to be translated into the local language by a certified translator. Some countries accept English documents without translation, but confirm this with the foreign authority.
Have your translation done after notarisation and apostille, as the translator needs to translate the complete document including the notarial certificate and apostille.
Step 7: Submit to the Foreign Authority
Send your completed documents — notarised, apostilled, and translated — to the foreign authority. Use tracked, insured courier delivery. Keep copies of everything you send.
Allow plenty of time before your wedding date. Some countries require documents to be submitted weeks or months in advance.
Timeline
Allow at least 6–8 weeks for the complete process:
- Weeks 1–4: Obtain original documents (Freedom to Marry certificate can take 4–6 weeks)
- Week 5: Notary appointment
- Weeks 5–6: Apostille from DFA
- Weeks 6–7: Certified translation (if needed)
- Week 7–8: Submit to foreign authority
For summer weddings, start even earlier as processing times increase during peak season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting too late: The Freedom to Marry certificate alone can take 4–6 weeks
- Using short-form birth certificates: Most countries require the long-form version
- Forgetting the apostille: Notarisation alone is not enough for use abroad
- Getting translations before notarisation: The translation must include the notarial certificate
- Not confirming requirements directly: Online guides may be outdated — always confirm with the foreign authority
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need notarised to get married abroad?
Common documents include a Freedom to Marry certificate, birth certificate, passport copy, proof of address, and decree of divorce (if applicable). The exact requirements depend on the destination country — always confirm directly with the foreign authority.
How long does it take to prepare documents for a wedding abroad?
Allow at least 6–8 weeks. You need time to obtain original documents, have them notarised, get an apostille from the DFA, and potentially get certified translations.
Do I need an apostille for my marriage documents?
If the destination country is a Hague Convention member, yes. For non-Hague countries, you need embassy legalisation instead.
Can both partners use the same notary?
Yes. Both partners can attend the same appointment. Each person’s documents are notarised separately, but handling both together is efficient and common.
Get Your Documents Ready
Hugh Phelan, Solicitor and Notary Public, practises from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork. He regularly prepares documents for couples getting married abroad and can advise on specific country requirements.
Contact: 021-489-7134 or info@phelansolicitors.com.
Getting Married Abroad? Start with the Right Documents
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor & Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland.
Notary Public Cork — Book Now☎ +353-21-489-7134 · East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork