Wedding in Northern Ireland
Overview
A wedding in Northern Ireland allows international couples to complete a legally recognised civil marriage in Belfast.
Before the ceremony, both partners must satisfy the applicable marriage and immigration requirements, submit their marriage notices and provide the required supporting documents. Ceremony dates remain subject to City Hall availability.
MWeds assesses each couple’s circumstances, provides tailored document instructions, reviews the documents and coordinates the marriage application and ceremony arrangements.
A marriage properly registered in Northern Ireland is legally valid there. However, recognition and administrative use in another country depend on that country’s laws and requirements.
| Can same sex couples get married in Northern Ireland? | YES |
| Can I change my surname? | NO |
| Is the wedding valid globally? | YES* |
| How long does it take to have my wedding done? | 1-4 months |
| Will I need to send any originals for the wedding application? | Only copies |
| Consultancy Fee | €390 (incl. VAT) |
| Application Fee | £430-£760 |
Documents Required
The documents required vary from couple to couple, so every case is assessed individually. The following list contains examples only and is not exhaustive.
- Proof of nationality, such as a passport or ID.
- Visa for non-EU citizens living in the EU.
- Full birth certificates.
- UK Marriage Visa for the wedding.
- Divorce certificate for anyone who was married before.
We require only copies of documents by email and post for the process. No originals are required for the application, but you must show all original documents at the City Hall during a scheduled appointment.
Immigration, Visa and Witnesses
UK Immigration Investigation
Within the 28-day notice period, you will receive a letter from UK Immigration stating whether your relationship will be investigated to confirm that it is not a sham marriage. If there is an investigation, it can take up to 70 days after the notice period and may include separate in-person interviews with each person. If UK Immigration decides not to investigate, you can apply for the UK Marriage Visa.
Visa Requirements
British and Irish citizens do not need a UK Marriage Visa to marry in British territory. EU citizens and people of other nationalities must apply for the UK Marriage Visa to marry in Northern Ireland or another British territory. Read the official guidance at gov.uk/marriage-visa.
Language and Witnesses
The ceremony is held in English. If either person does not speak English with enough fluency to understand and answer during the ceremony, you must bring a translator. You must also bring your own witnesses.
Wedding Days, Certificate and Belfast Fees
Wedding Days and Time
Marriage ceremonies at the Registry Office are conducted Monday to Saturday and are more expensive on Saturdays.
Marriage Certificate
Marriage certificates are delivered immediately after the ceremony. They are not included in the marriage fee and cost £10 per certificate at the City Hall.
Consultancy Fee
€390 (incl. VAT). It needs to be paid immediately to start the process so that we can send you the list of documents that we will need for your application.
Fees for Belfast City Hall Registrar’s Office
| Registrar’s office fees | Weekdays | Saturdays | Bank Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two notice fees (£22 each) | £44 | £44 | £44 |
| Ceremony | £36 | £36 | £36 |
| Room hire | £350 | £500 | £500 |
| Registrar’s attendance | Free | £126 | £180 |
| TOTAL | £430 | £706 | £760 |
Newry Registrar’s Office
The fee for giving notice is £22 per notice form. A separate form is required for each person. The Registrar’s fee for solemnisation depends on when the marriage takes place.
| Time | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00 | £36 |
| Monday to Friday, 17:00 to 20:00 | £162 |
| Saturday, 9:00 to 17:00 | £162 |
| Saturday after 17:00, Sunday and Bank Holidays | £216 |
- Marriage Certificate: £10 each, payable directly to the City Hall after the wedding.
- Post: around €3 for standard post or around €9 for registered post when copies of your documents are sent to the City Hall with the wedding application.
There are no hidden fees, but you may have extra costs for documents such as certificates, translations, and postage; travel such as flights, hotel, and food; and wedding-day items such as clothes, rings, and makeup.
Cancellations and Important Notes
Cancellations and Amendments
The consultancy fee is non-refundable, non-transferable to other people, and non-exchangeable for other services. If you completely cancel the wedding, you may be entitled to a partial refund of paid marriage fees. The City Hall will calculate and confirm the amount. The applicant is responsible for providing all required information and documents on time after the process starts.
Important Notes from MWeds
MWeds is not responsible for travel plans, including visas or entry into Northern Ireland. You must ensure that you meet the UK Marriage Visa and entry requirements. Check the official website because MWeds cannot answer questions about entering Northern Ireland.
After payment, when can I start the consultancy?
We can start immediately. However, the consultancy agreement expires six months after purchase if the requested information or documents are not provided within this timeframe. If you still want to proceed after that, a new consultancy must be purchased.
Start Your Process
1
Click “Start Now” and review the Terms and Conditions.
2
Complete the payment and registration form.
3
Our team reviews the information and contacts you with the next steps.
Consultancy Fee
Wedding in Northern Ireland
€390 (incl. VAT)
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Important Information
- All advisory fees are inclusive of VAT.
- Speak with a specialist before proceeding.
- By purchasing our services, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
- As our services are personalised and time-sensitive, all purchases are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable.
