Two South Africans want to get married in IRE - need advice?

[obelix112za]

I am Heinrich and my fiancee is Cheryl. We are both from South Africa (passports etc...). we've been living in Ireland now for about 4.5 years. We wanted to go back to SA to get married, but instead decided to bring over the family and get married in Ballymoney (nr. Gorey) in April next year.

We wanted to show them our lives here, and what we do. The only date next year we could set was in April (long story why...).

Our biggest problem is now, it seems we have to get married in a registry office. We really wanted to get married in a church. But because we are both non-EU nationals we were told we would not be accepted into any church unless we get baptised etc...

I am originally Dutch Reformed & Cheryl Methodist. Has anyone any idea of where to go or whom to ask about this. We've already spoken to a reverent from Church of Ireland.

My fiancee is really freeking out & I'm trying my best to help and find a solution. We really want to get married in a church - lawfully - of course. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank You

[archigabe]

I am sure the Methodist Church here will have no objections to your getting married their church if you can show them some connection to the Methodist church in your homeland.The main problem you might face is that not all churches have licence to perform marriages.Only Presbyterian,Church of Ireland,Catholic and certain Baptist Churches can issue marriage licences.Or you can have a civil ceremony in the Registrar's office and then follow up with a religious ceremony in the church of your choice like the French.

[obelix112za]

After I posted this tonight, we got to taliking & figured it might be the easiest way. Registrar & then Church. Will have to decide quick though. Thank You

[JAJ]

I would not be so quick to assume you cannot get married in a Methodist church. To start with you should take a look at http://www.irishmethodist.org and http://www.groireland.ie

[archigabe]

There have also been changes to the civil registration rules since november 2007 that civil weddings can be performed anywhere outside the registrar's office even in hotels or churches.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/News/ ... m-tomorrow

From 5 November 2007 it will be possible to hold a civil marriage in Ireland in a venue other than the Registry Office, providing the venue has been approved by the Health Service Executive and a Registrar is available to solemnise the marriage.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categ ... e_ceremony

[obelix112za]

Thanx for all the info. We'll be looking through it and post our decision on here.
Really appreciated

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

Getting married in a registry office and then in a church is also a way to reduce the stress of the church part a bit. You might find you enjoy the church wedding more that way.

[ikoonman]

Is ons uitgenooi?