Civil marriage ceremonies will be held in an interim venue in the former Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital in Dublin from August 4th, and for the first time weddings will take place on Saturdays.
The Eastern Health Board has taken over the provision of civil marriages from August 1st on the retirement of the private solicitor currently providing the service in Molesworth Street.
As Monday, August 3rd, is a bank holiday the first marriages are due to take place in Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital in Lower Grand Canal Street on Tuesday, August 4th. The building is used for a number of health services but is no longer used as a hospital.
The interim venue is a boardroom in Sir Patrick Dun's. On November 1st, the venue will be moved to its permanent site in the former TCD lecture theatre in Sir Patrick Dun's. The ampitheatre-style room will provide tiered seating for approximately 60 guests.
A spokesman for the health board said the boardroom was beautifully appointed. Car-parking was available.
The health board had originally planned to use the top floor of the Offices for the Registration of Births, Marriages and Deaths in Joyce House in Lombard Street until a permanent facility in Sir Patrick Dun's became available.
However, following concern by couples about the lack of parking and having to share a common entrance with the busy general office, the board relocated the venue.
Civil marriages will be performed by three health board staff, the Superintendent Registrar, Mr Sean Fitzgerald, and Assistant Registrars, Ms Teresa Byrne and Ms Hannah Conway.