Legal Requirements

If you wish to marry in Australia, there are certain legal requirements that you must meet.

You must be over the age of 18 years, and you must be free to marry - that is, not currently married.

Before your wedding, you must provide the following to your Celebrant:

• An original birth certificate
• If born overseas, an overseas passport or an original birth certificate
• A Divorce Decree Absolute (if previously married)
• A Death Certificate of former spouse (if widowed)
• Full names of the two witnesses aged over 18, who will sign the relevant marriage certificates with us during the ceremony
• Deed poll document for any name change, if relevant

You must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with your Celebrant at least one month and one day prior to your wedding day. This notice cannot be lodged earlier than 18 months prior to your wedding day.
As your Celebrant, I will supply you with the NOIM and complete it with you when we meet.

I will also provide and complete all legal Declarations which you must sign prior to your wedding.

Immediately after your wedding, I will electronically register your marriage with the NSW Registry Office (if married in NSW), and supply you with the Registration Number. This is required for speedy acquisition of your official Marriage Certificate, which is necessary for any change of name after your wedding.

I will also lodge all legal paperwork pertaining to your marriage with the relevant Registry Office, if marrying interstate.