Wedding FAQs

Below are some of the common questions that a couple wants answers to when getting married.

What are the legal requirements for marrying in Australia?

When you marry in Australia, there are a number of legal requirements for marriage that you need to be aware of.

Notice of Intention to Marry Application

This is the first thing a couple must complete when planning to marry and to have a wedding ceremony. The Notice of Intention to Marry (NOIM) must be submitted to me one month and one day prior to your ceremony. To shorten the time delay between completion and the wedding day, Court approval must be given to the applicants.

Applications can be submitted in person, by fax or mail. You will need to bring the original if you have faxed your NOIM by the due date. The application is valid for 18 months from the date of submission.

Applicants must be over 18 years of age or have Court approval to marry. To complete the NOIM, both parties will need their full birth certificates if you are Australian Citizens. If you were born outside Australia, you will need either a birth certificate from your country of origin, or a current Passport. The NOIM will be witnessed by me as your wedding celebrant.  If you are living outside Sydney, it can be witnessed by a certified person. Contact me for further information about the notice of intention to marry.

Declarations

Prior to the marriage ceremony being conducted, the Bride and Groom are required to complete declarations stating that all information given to the celebrant is true and neither of them are aware of any impediment to marrying the other. This is witnessed by the celebrant.

Wedding Ceremony Documents

There are three documents to be signed on the wedding day by the Bride and Groom, two witnesses of their choice (who must be 18 years or over), and the Celebrant.  The Bride and Groom take the Wedding Certificate with them on the day of their wedding, but please be advised that this is a ceremonial document only, even though it is an officially numbered document. You will receive a Marriage Certificate issued from the New South Wales Births Deaths and Marriages (BDM) as an official document if one person is changing their surname. I apply for the official Marriage Certificate to be sent to you when I electronically submit your marriage for registration after the ceremony.

What if someone has been married before?

If either of you have been married previously, you will need to produce your Divorce Decree Absolute.

What if a previous spouse has died?

You will need to produce the Death Certificate of the deceased spouse.