Summary: HSE employees are entitled to paid marriage leave (also called special leave for marriage) when they get married or enter a civil partnership. The standard entitlement is 5 days of paid leave, in addition to your regular annual leave.
If you are getting married or entering a civil partnership and want to know what paid leave you are entitled to as an HSE employee, this guide has everything you need to know.
What Is Marriage Leave?
Marriage leave (sometimes referred to as wedding leave or special leave for marriage) is a period of paid leave granted to HSE employees when they marry or register a civil partnership. It is separate from your annual leave entitlement.
How Much Marriage Leave Are You Entitled To?
| Event | Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Marriage or civil partnership registration | 5 days paid leave |
This is granted in addition to any annual leave you may choose to take around your wedding. The 5 days are typically intended to cover the wedding itself and the immediate days around it.
Is Marriage Leave Paid?
Yes. Marriage leave is fully paid at your normal rate of pay. It does not affect your annual leave balance or sick leave record.
When Must Marriage Leave Be Taken?
Marriage leave must be taken at the time of the marriage or civil partnership — it cannot be banked and taken at a later date unrelated to the event.
In practice, this means the leave should be taken within a reasonable period around the wedding date — usually including the day of the ceremony and the days immediately before or after.
How to Apply for Marriage Leave
- Notify your line manager as early as possible once your wedding date is confirmed
- Complete the relevant HSE Special Leave application form (available from HR or HRPOL) — marriage leave is typically processed under “special leave with pay”
- Provide the date of the ceremony on your form
- Your manager will approve the leave and confirm it in writing
You may be asked to provide evidence of the marriage (such as a marriage certificate) on your return, though in practice this varies by location.
Marriage Leave and Annual Leave
Marriage leave and annual leave are separate entitlements. You can take:
- Your 5 days of marriage leave and
- Additional annual leave days around your wedding
This allows many staff to take a longer honeymoon or wedding period by combining both entitlements. Discuss the arrangement with your manager in advance.
Marriage Leave for Civil Partnership
Marriage leave applies equally to civil partnership registrations. The same 5-day entitlement applies.
What About Same-Sex Marriages?
Yes. Marriage leave applies equally regardless of the gender of the parties involved. All legally registered marriages in Ireland qualify.
Marriage of a Close Family Member
If a close family member (such as a child) is getting married, there is generally no automatic entitlement to paid special leave for attending their wedding. In such cases you would normally use:
- Annual leave
- Discretionary special leave at your manager’s discretion (this varies by location and grade)
Honeymoon Leave
There is no specific HSE entitlement called “honeymoon leave.” However, combining your 5 days of marriage leave with your annual leave allowance allows staff to take a longer break around the time of their wedding.
Marriage Leave and Shift Workers
If you work shifts, the 5 days of marriage leave apply to your working days. Rest days and non-working days do not count as marriage leave days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I notify my employer about marriage leave? As early as possible — ideally as soon as your wedding date is confirmed. Most managers appreciate maximum notice to plan staffing, especially in clinical settings.
Can marriage leave be refused? The entitlement itself cannot be refused, but your manager may discuss the timing if there are critical staffing needs. The leave should be taken around the actual date of the marriage.
Does the 5-day entitlement include the wedding day? Yes. The wedding day itself is included in the 5 days.
Is marriage leave available to staff on probation? Marriage leave is generally available to all permanent and temporary HSE staff, regardless of probation status. Confirm with your HR department if you are unsure.
Can I take marriage leave if I am getting married abroad? Yes. The location of the marriage does not affect your entitlement, provided the marriage is legally recognised in Ireland.
What if my wedding is postponed after I have already notified my employer? Notify your manager as soon as possible and update your leave request with the new date.
Is there a time limit on when I must take my marriage leave? Yes — it must be taken around the time of the marriage. It cannot be deferred to a later date.
Related HSE Leave Guides
- HSE Annual Leave Entitlements 2026
- HSE Bereavement & Compassionate Leave 2026
- HSE Unpaid Leave Policy 2026
- HSE Force Majeure Leave 2026
This guide is based on HSE HR policy and standard public service special leave provisions as of 2026. Specific entitlements may vary by grade, contract, and location. Confirm the exact arrangements with your HR Business Partner or line manager.
