A civil or humanist ceremony booklet in Ireland sets out the running order of your ceremony: the welcome, your story, readings, the legal declarations, vows, ring exchange, signing of the register and the pronouncement. Add your names, date, venue, the names of your solemniser, witnesses and readers, and a short thank you to guests.
At a glance
- Legal basics: at least 3 months' notice in person to a civil registrar, a registered solemniser, and two witnesses aged 18 or over.
- Typical order: welcome, your story, readings, declarations, vows, rings, signing, pronouncement.
- Booklet contents: cover, running order, readers and witnesses, any rituals, a thank you.
- Length: often 4 to 8 pages, or a single card.
- Alternatives: an order of service card or an order of service fan.
How does a civil ceremony work in Ireland?
Every couple marrying in Ireland, whatever the type of ceremony, must give at least three months' notice in person to a civil registrar with the HSE. After the notification meeting, the registrar issues a Marriage Registration Form, which you give to your solemniser before the wedding.
A civil ceremony is carried out by a registrar, either at a civil registration office or at an approved venue. On the day you need two witnesses aged 18 or over. After the ceremony, you, your witnesses and the solemniser sign the Marriage Registration Form, which is then returned to a registrar so the marriage can be registered.
What is a humanist wedding in Ireland?
A humanist wedding is a non-religious ceremony built around the couple, their story and their values. It is legally binding in Ireland when it is performed by a solemniser who is on the official register, for example a solemniser from the Humanist Association of Ireland.
The same legal steps apply: three months' notice, the Marriage Registration Form, and two adult witnesses. What differs is the feel. Humanist and other secular ceremonies tend to be more personal, with more freedom over readings, music, rituals and setting.
Other secular bodies also have registered solemnisers, so if you have a particular ceremony style in mind, ask your celebrant to confirm they are on the register.
What is the running order of a civil or humanist ceremony?
Every celebrant works slightly differently, but most ceremonies follow a similar shape:
- Processional: the wedding party and couple enter.
- Welcome: the celebrant greets guests and introduces the ceremony.
- Your story: how you met and what brought you here, often told by the celebrant.
- Readings or poems: usually one to three, read by family or friends.
- Declarations: the legal statements that you know of no impediment to your marriage and that you take each other as spouses.
- Vows: traditional, personal, or a mix of both.
- Ring exchange.
- Optional ritual: such as a handfasting, a candle lighting or a quiet moment of reflection.
- Signing of the register: you, your witnesses and the solemniser sign the Marriage Registration Form.
- Pronouncement: you are declared married.
- Recessional.
What should you put in a civil ceremony order of service?
Your booklet or order of service is both a guide and a keepsake. Aim for clear, warm and uncluttered. Most include:
- Cover: your names, the date written out, and the venue.
- Welcome: a short note from the two of you.
- The people: your celebrant or solemniser, witnesses, wedding party and readers.
- Running order: each part of the ceremony, with music titles where relevant.
- Readings: the title and author, with the reader's name. Print the full text only if it is out of copyright or you have permission.
- Rituals: a sentence explaining any handfasting or symbolic moment, so guests understand what they are seeing.
- In memory: an optional line for loved ones who have died.
- Thank you: to guests, families and anyone who helped.
- What happens next: drinks reception details, photographs, or directions to the reception.
What readings work for a non-religious wedding?
Non-religious ceremonies give you wide choice. Think about what sounds like the two of you when read aloud by someone you love. Ideas include:
- A poem by an Irish poet whose work means something to your families.
- A short passage from a favourite novel or a children's book you loved growing up.
- Song lyrics that matter to you, read as a poem.
- A letter written to you by a parent, grandparent or friend.
- An extract from a philosophical or scientific essay on love and companionship.
- A traditional Irish blessing, such as the old wish "May the road rise to meet you", which works beautifully as a closing reading.
- Something original, written by a friend for the day.
For modern poems and songs, print the title and author rather than the full text unless you have permission. Your guests will hear the words; the booklet simply helps them follow along.
How long should a civil ceremony booklet be?
Civil and humanist ceremonies are usually shorter than a wedding Mass, so a booklet of 4 or 8 pages is usually plenty. If you want to include full readings, a longer welcome or a page of photographs, 12 pages gives you space without feeling crowded.
For larger booklets with Catholic or interfaith elements, our wedding mass booklet guide covers page counts in more detail.
Do you need a ceremony booklet at all?
Not always. A shorter civil ceremony, especially at a venue where guests sit close to the couple, is easy to follow without a booklet. Many couples choose a single order of service card with the running order and readers, which is elegant and simple.
For outdoor or summer ceremonies, an order of service fan does two jobs at once. And if you would rather skip printed orders entirely, a large welcome sign at the entrance can share the key details.
Paper and finish ideas for a civil or humanist ceremony
Secular ceremonies often take place in hotels, country houses, gardens or restored barns, and the stationery can echo that setting. Uncoated 350gsm has a soft, natural feel; Old Mill 300gsm has a gentle texture that suits relaxed, rustic venues; and Tintoretto Gesso brings an artisan quality. Browse the full range in our paper guide.
A small foiled monogram on the cover ties the booklet to your wedding invitations and on-the-day pieces, so the whole day feels like it belongs together.
When should you order your ceremony booklet?
Order 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, once your celebrant has confirmed the running order. On-the-day stationery is produced within 7 to 10 working days of approving your proof. Our wedding stationery timeline shows how it fits with everything else.
Frequently asked questions
Is a humanist wedding legally binding in Ireland?
Yes, as long as it is performed by a solemniser on the official register, such as one from the Humanist Association of Ireland, and you have given three months' notice to a civil registrar.
How much notice do you need for a civil ceremony in Ireland?
You must give at least three months' notice in person to a HSE civil registrar. This applies to civil, secular and religious ceremonies alike.
How many witnesses do you need for a civil wedding in Ireland?
You need two witnesses aged 18 or over. They sign the Marriage Registration Form with you and your solemniser after the ceremony.
Can you print poems in an order of service?
You can print the full text of poems that are out of copyright, or where you have permission. For modern poems and songs, list the title and author instead.
Do you need an order of service for a civil ceremony?
It is optional. A single card or fan listing the running order and readers is often enough for a shorter ceremony.
Whatever shape your ceremony takes, we would be glad to design something that suits it. Request a quote and tell us about your plans.
