Marriage Abroad

Some countries may require non-nationals, before they can get married in their jurisdiction, to produce a certificate from their country of origin that they are free to marry. These are usually known as Certificats de Coutume and may be issued to Irish citizens abroad who apply, to the Irish Diplomatic or Consular Mission nearest to where the applicant normally resides.

 The relevant forms can be downloaded from this website. Please see “Related Documents” below. 

It is extremely important that all forms are either type-written or completed in block-capitals to ensure that the information provided is legible. 

Applications should be made four months before the marriage is due to take place. There is an additional charge for late applications. The certificat de coutume is valid for 120 days from the date of issue.

All documents in languages other than English should be translated.

Documents required

In all cases, the following documents are required for each Irish person:  

·         Completed MP1 Form (Questionnaire to be completed by Irish citizen seeking a “Certificate de Coutume” for marriage abroad)

·         Completed MP2A form (Statutory Declaration by Irish citizen seeking a “Certificate de Coutume” for marriage abroad)

·         Original long form birth certificate

·         Copy of Irish passport

·         Fee of INR 4,400

·         If it is less than 28 days before the intended marriage, the fee is INR 8,800

 If an Irish citizen who wishes to marry in India has previously been divorced they should also provide the following:

Completed MP2B form (Statutory declaration to be made by a divorced Irish citizen requiring a “Certificate of Coutume” for marriage abroad). This is instead of the MP2A form.

Original petition of divorce

Original Final decree of divorce

The statutory declaration form must be completed in person either at the Embassy or before a notary public.  If you wish to have your form witnessed at the Embassy, please contact us at +91 11 246 26 733 for an appointment.   If you choose to complete the form with a notary public, you can complete the rest of the process by mail.

Certificats de Coutume will  not be issued to persons under 18 years of age without the written and witnessed consent of their parents or guardians.