Heidi and Luke
We just wanted to send you a huge huge huge thank you for our wedding on Saturday….
It was a gorgeous day and it went just as we had hoped.
All of our parents could not stop with the glowing praise for you, your professionalism and your warmth. They thought it was one of the best ceremonies that had seen and I think they almost enjoyed it more than us!
We are so sorry we didn't get to say goodbye to you in the flurry of activity at the end… I think we were all just melting and needed to get into the cool as quickly as possible. And thank you for braving the heat - it would've been very warm for you too!
We will be sure to recommend you to anyone who may be needing a special ceremony or blessing in the future and who knows, one day we may even cross paths with you again.
So, from the bottom of our hearts - thank you!!!
Heidi and Luke
Legal Requirements
A Marriage in Australia can take place at any venue, and at any time and date of the couple’s choosing. The Marriage must be performed by a legally appointed Civil Marriage Celebrant or appropriate Religious Minister according to the Marriage Act 1961. Civil Marriage Celebrants are appointed by the Attorney General’s Office in Canberra.
General Legal Requirements
- The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be completed, signed, witnessed and lodged with the Celebrant not less than one month, and not more than 18 months prior to the wedding date.
- At least one party must be over 18 years of age. If one is under 18, the other person must obtain parents’ authorisation and a court order giving permission to be married
- Australian Citizens – Official Birth Certificate obtained from the State Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
- Non Australian Citizens – Official Birth Certificate from country of birth or a current Passport from country of birth.
- In the event that either party has been married previously, a decree absolute, or certificate of divorce must be provided. In the event of the death of a partner, a death certificate must be provided.
- If either party has changed their name, documents certifying this must be produced.
- The bride and groom must state the Minimum Legal Vows which must be audible to the witnesses and any others present.
- There must be two witnesses over the age of 18.
- The appointed Celebrant must state the Monitum: “I am duly authorized by law to solemnise marriage according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”
Couples From Overseas
The Notice of Intended Marriage form must be completed and in the Celebrant’s possession at least 1 month prior to the date of the ceremony. (This form is available in the Documents section of this website).
Your signature must be witnessed by one of the following:
- Australian Diplomatic Officer
- Australian Consular Officer
- An employee of the Commonwealth or an employee of the Australian Trade Commission authorised under paragraph 3(c) of the Consular Act 1955.
- A Notary Public (If you cannot get to an Australian Embassy or Consulate using the services of a Notary Public will make completion of the Notice of Intended Marriage Form easier to arrange).