​Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Australia
Getting married in Australia comes with a few legal steps, but it doesn’t need to feel complicated or overwhelming.
This page outlines what’s required to make your marriage legally valid, what I handle for you and what you’ll need to organise along the way.
WHAT MAKES A MARRIAGE LEGALLY VALID
To be legally married in Australia, the following must take place:
• A completed Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
• A minimum notice period of one month
• A registered marriage celebrant
• Two witnesses aged 18 or over
• The correct legal wording spoken during the ceremony
• Lodgement of paperwork with Births, Deaths & Marriages
As your celebrant, I guide you through this entire process and ensure everything is completed correctly and on time.
NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE FORM (NOIM)
The Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged at least one month before your wedding date and is valid for up to 18 months.
This form can be completed:
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In person
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Online
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From overseas
You’ll also need to provide:
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Proof of identity
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Proof of date and place of birth
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Evidence of the end of any previous marriages (if applicable)
I’ll walk you through this step and check everything before submission.
IDENTIFICATION & DOCUMENTATION
Most couples will need to provide:
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A birth certificate or passport
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Photo identification
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Divorce or death certificates (if applicable)
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Proof of name change (if applicable)
If anything is missing or unclear, I’ll let you know early so there are no delays
WITNESSES
You’ll need two witnesses over the age of 18 present at your ceremony.
They don’t need to be Australian citizens or related to you — just able to witness and sign the legal documents
WHAT I TAKE CARE OF
​Once your paperwork is complete, I handle the rest.
This includes:
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Ensuring all legal wording is delivered correctly
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Completing and lodging your marriage documents
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Submitting your marriage to Births, Deaths & Marriages
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Providing guidance on how to obtain your official certificate
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You don’t need to deal with government offices or paperwork beyond what’s required up front.
WHAT A CELEBRANT CAN AND CAN't DO
As a celebrant, I can legally marry you anywhere in Australia and tailor a ceremony to suit you.
However, I can’t:
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Conduct church ceremonies in any church venue besides a Uniting Church
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Override church-specific requirements
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Register a religious ceremony with a specific religious denomination
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If you’re navigating cultural or religious considerations, you may find the following page helpful:
COMMON QUESTIONS
Do we need to be Australian citizens?
No — residency or citizenship is not required.
Can we get married quickly?
In some cases, yes, but legal requirements still apply. Ask me about your options.
Is the ceremony legally binding if it’s short?
Yes. Length doesn’t affect legality.
​I'm applying for a visa, can you help with this process?
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Couples who are in the process of a VISA application will require documentation from a celebrant, confirming a wedding is in works.
I can provide this, with an official letterhead and the details of your upcoming nuptials, even if the date and location are tentative.​
Celebrants are in no way, shape or form authorized to provide legal advice regarding the VISA process.