Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

36. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if persons will be able to have a wedding ceremony at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27975/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The solemnisation of marriages in the State is governed by the Civil Registration Act 2004.

In relation to religious and secular marriages section 52 of the Act provides that a marriage may only be solemnised at a place and time chosen by the parties to the marriage with the agreement of the registered solemniser concerned. In relation to civil marriages solemnised by registrars the approval of the registrar is required.

Guidelines issued in relation to venues for marriages require that the place where the solemnisation occurs must be ‘a place that is open to the public’. Only venues that allow unrestricted public access without charge will be considered for approval, subject to normal security and health and safety considerations.

The place must conform to all the requirements of any place that is open to the public in respect of planning permission, certificate of fire safety and it must meet all relevant health and safety requirements.

Persons who wish to have a civil marriage at a venue other than a registrar’s office must contact the registration office in the area where the venue is located and apply to have the venue approved for the solemnisation of the marriage. This may involve the registrar making an inspection of the venue. In order that the venue can be inspected in good time for the intended marriage, it is recommended that these arrangements are made well in advance of the notification appointment with the registrar.

In the case of the venue referred to, the local registrar may be contacted at: Civil Registration Service, Sister Joseph's Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry. Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 09:30 – 13:15 & 14:00 - 16:15; Friday 09:30 – 12.45 & 14:00 – 16:15Phone: 064 6632251 (From outside Ireland: +353 64 6632251).