Religious marriages

Religious marriages can take place anywhere in Belfast, provided you have the approval of the appropriate religious body.

If you choose this option, you will each have to complete a marriage notice form and deliver or post them to the Registrar of the district in which your marriage will be solemnised, along with the appropriate fees and documents.

For example, if your marriage is solemnised in Belfast but you live in Armagh, you will need to complete your marriage notice forms in Belfast.

If you have been divorced outside of Northern Ireland, you must also fill in a foreign divorce form and return it along with your marriage notice forms.


Choosing an officiant

A religious marriage can only be solemnised by an officiant who is authorised under the Marriage (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.

You should contact the officiant of your choice well in advance of your chosen wedding date and ask them to sign your marriage notice forms.


Marriage schedule

Once your marriage notice forms have been returned to the Registrar, a marriage schedule will be prepared.

This cannot be issued more than 14 days before your wedding and you will be informed when it is ready for collection.

Either you or your partner must collect your schedule in person.


On the day

You must give your marriage schedule to your officiant before your ceremony begins.

Once the ceremony has finished, the schedule must be signed by both the bride and the groom, by the person who has solemnised your marriage and by two witnesses over the age of 16.

You must then arrange for it to be returned to the Registrar within three days, so your marriage can be registered.

Certified copies of your registration can then be obtained, subject to a small fee.


Cancellation

If your marriage ceremony does not take place, you must notify the Registrar as soon as possible and return your marriage schedule.