The Road to 'I Do' – The Legal Edition

What you need to know about the legal steps to getting married in Australia

Let's Connect

Contact me to discuss your wedding plans, so that I can confirm my availability for the date and time of your ceremony.

We then arrange a meeting at a mutually convenient time and place to get to know each other and see if we’re a great fit.

If you are based overseas or interstate, please download a “Notice of Intended Marriage Form” (NOIM) from https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/marriage/get-married and complete as discussed on phone or email. This form is available in Word and PDF format. Please do not sign the NOIM, as it must be witnessed by the Celebrant or other authorised person.

I explain the legal requirements associated with your marriage.

We will discuss the ceremony –including your special wishes, readings, music, rituals, symbols, cultural input. It will be important to consider an alternate venue if it is an outdoor wedding.

If you are happy to engage my services as your Celebrant, I will need you to pay the Booking Fee. This secures the booking and is non-refundable.

I will get you to complete and sign my Client Services Agreement.

I will provide you with my comprehensive Wedding Information Pack to help with ideas and choices for your ceremony.

The Legal Bits Begin

It is my responsibility to ensure that you have a full understanding of all the legal requirements of a marriage, according to the Marriage Act 1961.

You must then complete, sign and lodge the “Notice of Intended Marriage” (NOIM) form with me. This can be done initially by scan and email if we are unable to meet in person. It is important that you complete and lodge this document with me at least one full month prior to your wedding. This form is valid for 18 months from lodgement.

Original documentation required to be sighted by the Celebrant prior to the marriage:

To prove place of birth:

An original birth certificate (issued by a government authority — not a commemorative version)
An Australian or foreign passport (current or expired, but not cancelled)
If you were born overseas and can’t obtain a birth certificate, speak with your celebrant, as you may be able to complete a statutory declaration instead.

To prove identity:

A current driver’s licence
An Australian or foreign passport
Proof of Age card
Other official photo ID issued by a government authority

If previously married:

Divorce Certificate (if divorced)
Death Certificate of former spouse (if widowed)

Final prep – one week to go!

4-6 weeks before your ceremony: I will need you to send me your completed Wedding Information Pack. This should include your draft vows, readings and rituals and will help me to create a unique ceremony for you full of heart, humour and meaning.

2 weeks before your ceremony: We will usually meet to discuss the finer details of the ceremony, including the legal requirements and logistics on the day. I will also need you to confirm the names and contact details of your two witnesses.

2 weeks before your ceremony: As per my Client Services Agreement, full settlement of my fees are due for payment.

Saying 'I do'

Rehearsal: If convenient, we will arrange a rehearsal/final meeting either at the venue, on-line or at another suitable venue. We will walk through the ceremony
beforehand, so you feel calm and prepared.

Original Documents: If there are any outstanding original documents that I have not yet witnessed, please bring them along to the rehearsal.

Declaration of No Legal Impediment (DoNLI): You will need to sign a declaration stating that there are no legal impediments for the marriage to go ahead.

Confirmation: I’ll need you to confirm the wedding details such as time, date, venue address, parking arrangements and any other important information. Also advise if signing table is required.

Creating the magic

On the day of your wedding, I will ensure you get legally married and will accurately take care of the official wording and legal requirements.

At your wedding you will sign and be presented with a Commemorative Marriage Certificate. This certificate is conclusive evidence of your marriage but not of your identity. Some government entities require you to produce a registered copy of your Marriage Certificate. The Application for a Marriage Certificate Form can be download from the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages in the state in which you were married or I can assist you with this process.

As your Marriage Celebrant I am required to:

Identify myself to the assembled parties, as the celebrant authorised to solemnise the marriage and say the words required by Section 46 of the Marriage Act (known as the Monitum), in the presence of the parties, the formal witnesses and the guests.
To ensure that the witnesses hear and understand the vows being exchanged. It is the exchange of the legal vows that constitutes the marriage.
Ensure the couple and the witnesses sign all the documents as required by the Act.
Register the marriage with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state in which you were married, within 14 days of the ceremony taking place.

Legal Wrap-up

Within 48 hours after the ceremony, I will lodge your official Marriage documents with Births, Deaths and Marriages on your behalf.
Should you need assistance with applying for your registered marriage certificate, I'm always here to help—just ask!

Tell Me What You Loved (or What I Can Do Better!)

I'm always looking to grow and improve as a celebrant, so I truly value your feedback. You'll find a Feedback Form included in your Wedding Information Package—your thoughts are very much appreciated.
If you're happy to share any photos from your special day, I’d be absolutely delighted! With your permission, I’d love to feature them on my social media pages to inspire other couples.