AboutHugh O'Rourke Expertise I can answer questions about Ireland.
My particular fields of expertise are the natural beauty of Ireland, travel information for Ireland and insights into business and politics here.
I am interested in all aspects of our country and can readily find links for aspects of this country in which I am not myself expert.
You can see some of my pictures of Ireland at http://www.globosapiens.net/horourke
Experience
Past/Present clients JFK Trust, New Ross, County Wexford.
Kealy technical Services, Tramore Waterford
Heath Technical services Sligo
An Teach Bán Downings Co.Donegal
Milk Link Bristol UK
JFK Trust, New Ross County Wexford
Question We would like to get married in Ireland-we want to be married in "House of God" but not Catholic as neither of us can be married in a catholic church by a priest--we are in need of what is necessary to accomplish this-I am told we need to know who our witnesses will be and their date of birth etc-it will be just the two of us traveling there-how do we get witnesses?-Can you direct me to someone that can help us with this? thank you Jeanne Hansen
Answer Dear Jeanne
Thank you for your interest in Ireland.
Getting married here is made quite difficult by state requirements.
The civil (government) registration office requires all documentation to be lodged three months before the wedding. the couple must also complete a pre marriage course approved by the government to ensure they are fully aware of the responsibilities of marriage.
The couple must also have a face to face attendance at the registration office three months before the marriage.
These registration offices are established separately in each county and requirements vary a little from county to county.
So for your wedding in any House of God you would first need to have completed the civil requirements. Probably the best course of action would be to choose a preferred location for the wedding and then explore in depth necessary steps.
There are a couple of "priests" specialising in weddings for people who have difficulties with established churches but they tend to be expensive and I am not sure about either the civil or ecclesiatical validity of the ceremonies.
Many couples wishing to be married in Ireland choose to have the civil elements completed in their own jurisdictions and then have the marriage blessed in a church ceremony in Ireland.
If you indicate a preferred location I can explore the potential local church/state issues further
