Top things your need to know to get married in Australia
- Celebrant Karla
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Planning a wedding in Australia? Whether you're a local couple or coming from overseas, there are a few important things you need to know to make your marriage legal and stress-free. Here’s a clear, simple guide to help you get started with confidence.
✅ 1. You Must Give at Least One Month’s Notice
To get married in Australia, you must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding date. This is a legal requirement.
📌 Key facts:
The NOIM must be submitted to your celebrant at least 1 month and no more than 18 months before the wedding.
You and your partner must both sign the form in front of an authorised witness (e.g. a celebrant, police officer, or Justice of the Peace).
If you need to marry sooner, a prescribed authority may approve a ‘shortening of time’ due to:
employment-related or other travel commitments
wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious considerations
medical reasons
legal proceedings, or
an error in giving notice.
📄 2. You’ll Need the Right Documents
When lodging the NOIM, you’ll need to provide:
Proof of identity (passport or birth certificate)
Proof of the end of any previous marriages (if applicable), such as a divorce certificate or death certificate
Both parties must be over 18 years old (or have special court approval if one is 16–17)
👉 Tip: Originals are required — photocopies won’t be accepted without official certification.
🧑⚖️ 3. You Must Use an Authorised Marriage Celebrant
Only registered celebrants can legally marry you in Australia. They can be:
Civil celebrants (non-religious)
Religious celebrants (affiliated with a faith)
State or registry office officiants
Ask your celebrant to confirm their legal status. You can also check the Attorney-General’s website.
📋 4. There’s a Legal Script You Must Include
During the ceremony, your celebrant must say specific legal words (known as the monitum) and both partners must say a legally recognised vow.
💬 Example legal vow:
“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [Name], take you, [Partner’s Name], to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse.”
Your ceremony can still be personal and meaningful — but the legal elements must be included to make the marriage official.
📜 5. You'll Sign 3 Legal Documents on the Day
At your ceremony, you’ll need to sign:
Marriage certificates (2 copies)
Official marriage register
You’ll sign alongside your celebrant and two witnesses over 18 years old. Your celebrant will then submit the paperwork to the state registry within 14 days.
🇦🇺 6. Your Marriage Is Recognised Nationally and Internationally
Once your marriage is registered, it's valid throughout Australia and generally recognised overseas. For international use (e.g. visa applications), you may need an apostille stamp or an official certificate from your state registry.
📬 7. You Need to Apply for a Legal Certificate After the Wedding
The decorative certificate you receive on your wedding day is not the official legal version.
To get your official marriage certificate, you’ll need to apply through your state or territory’s Births, Deaths & Marriages Registry after the ceremony. This is the document you'll need for changing your name, updating ID, or applying for visas.
🗺️ Bonus Tip for Overseas Couples
Australia is a popular destination for elopements and weddings! If you’re visiting from another country, you can still legally marry here — just allow enough time to:
Lodge the NOIM at least 1 month before the date
Provide your passport and visa details
Have your documents translated into English (if needed)
🥂 Final Thoughts
Getting married in Australia is straightforward once you know the steps. Partnering with an experienced celebrant will make the process smooth, legal, and personal to your love story.
📣 Ready to Plan Your Ceremony?
Need help with the paperwork or want a ceremony that feels 100% YOU? Contact me here — I’d love to be part of your journey!
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