RELIGIOUS MARRIAGE AND THE MARRIAGE OF THE SECULAR GROUPS IN THE IRISH LEGAL SYSTEM

Abstract

This paper deals with the study of the formalities that have to be complied with in order to validly solemnize the marriage in Ireland, in light of the Civil Registration Act 2004 that has radically change the face of this hole area of Irish law. Particular consideration is here given to the formalities that are required by the civil law in relation to religious marriages and also concerning the solemnization of marriages by a registered celebrant pertaining to one of the so called secular bodies, according to the new legislation that in the year 2012 gave chance to the validity of this latter new type of non-religious marriage. The author examines the Irish constitutional framework of this legislation and gives also extensive consideration to the historical development of this specific field of law, acknowledging the very complex and uneven legal scheme that was traditionally applied to the various religious marriages that could formerly reach their civil effectiveness in this country.