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We can help you organise your special day. If you plan to get married in Belfast, it is important that you read all of the information on this page.
You will first need to decide when and where to have your ceremony before giving notice of your marriage.
Fill out our marriage and civil partnership enquiry form or call 028 9027 0455 to speak to us about your arrangements.
A civil marriage ceremony can be conducted by a registrar or deputy registrar for the district in which it is to take place.
Religious ceremonies may, with the agreement of the Officiant, take place anywhere in Northern Ireland. Services are conducted by authorised people, according to the relevant tradition.
Humanist ceremonies are conducted by a Humanist celebrant. Ceremonies can only take place in a venue which is approved by us, for example, a licenced hotel.
You must give at least 28 days’ notice to get married. If you don't give this in time, you may need to postpone your marriage.
You can give notice up to a year before the date of your marriage. We recommend a period of 10 to 12 weeks’ notice for a religious or humanist marriage.
Before you can get married in Belfast, you and your partner will need to complete a marriage notice form and produce other essential documents. You will need a separate form for each person.
Visit nidirect to download the marriage notice form (link opens in new window)
This still applies if you are having a religious or humanist ceremony. The marriage notice forms must be signed by the religious conductor.
Don’t post your original passport and birth certificate as we can accept photocopies. However, we will need to see the originals before your ceremony takes place and you can bring these when you collect your schedule. Call us on 028 9027 0455 to discuss and make your payment. You can also send a cheque, made payable to Belfast City Council.
These documents must be provided by both you and your partner when returning your marriage notice forms:
If you're a non-EEA citizen, read nidirect's information (link opens in new window) on getting married in Northern Ireland.
Weddings | Fee | |
---|---|---|
Religious wedding | £44 | |
Civil wedding in Registrar's office (Belfast City Hall) |
£180 weekdays |
|
£306 Saturdays |
||
£360 bank holidays |
||
Civil wedding in an approved venue |
£213 weekdays |
|
£280 Saturdays |
||
£312 bank holidays |
||
Civil wedding in a venue of your choice |
£213 weekdays |
Plus £400 to apply for a temporary marriage licence |
£280 Saturdays | ||
£312 bank holidays |
From 7 December 2020 to 6 December 2023, couples in a same-sex civil partnership or opposite sex marriage can change their civil partnership to a marriage or marriage into a civil partnership.
If you live in Northern Ireland and want to get married outside of NI, you may need to provide a document showing that you are free to marry.
In this case, you will need to complete a marriage notice application form to apply for a certificate of legal capacity to marry (Certificate of non-impediment).
You must submit your application in the district of your home address and proof of home address is required before the application will be accepted. The usual supporting documents for a marriage application are also required. A fee of £22 per certificate is payable on submission of the application.
When the marriage notice form has been submitted, the certificate of legal capacity to marry will be issued after at least 28 days have passed.
You will then need to book an appointment with us to collect your certificate. Appointments are available from Monday to Friday. Select the ‘short appointments’ option on the form to book your appointment.
Once you have completed your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with further information about your appointment. If you don’t receive this, check your junk mail folder.
If you have any issues booking online, call us on 028 9027 0290.
Couples can also choose to have their legal ceremony in Belfast, or other districts in Northern Ireland, and then have a symbolic ceremony abroad.
For more information on getting married outside of Northern Ireland (link opens in new window), visit nidirect’s website .
Please visit nidirect's website for more guidance on marriage procedures.