Couples planning to get married outdoors have now been told they can. The Attorney-General says the venue must be readily accessible to the public to allow for objections - and to stop things like forced marriages taking place.

The Tánaiste has described it as "welcome news for couples wishing to celebrate in a way that is most meaningful to them".

The notification, solemnisation and registration of marriages are governed by the Civil Registration Act 2004, which says that a registered solemniser "…shall not solemnise a marriage unless the solemnisation takes place in a place that is open to the public".

The Tánaiste Joan Burton published the Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill on July 10th, and will bring forward a Committee Stage amendment to this Bill in the Autumn to further clarify what constitutes an outdoor marriage.

"There has recently been some uncertainty about the definition of 'a place that is open to the public', and in order to clarify the matter, my Department sought advice from the Attorney-General" she said.

"This legal advice has clarified that the definition does include outdoor venues" she added.