Questions?

You may have lots of questions about wedding and commitment ceremonies. I've included a few answers to typical questions.   If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to email me.

What is the Notice of Intended Marriage? A Notice Of Intended Marriage form (NOIM) is required to be completed by the couple, with the celebrant witnessing all official documents and signatures.

The NOIM must be completed no later than One month and one day prior to your wedding day. Once completed the NOIM is valid for a period of 18 months. All documentation must be in English (if not, an official translator is required to translate information accompanied by a signed a statutory declaration).

How many witnesses do I need? You will also require two witnesses over the age of 18.

What documents do I need?  I will need to see originals or certified copies of your original birth certificates.   If either of you have been married before, I will need to see evidence that the marriage has been dissolved by either death or divorce. This can either be a Decree Nisi Absolute or an offical Death Certificate.

What if I/my partner wasn't born in Australia?

How soon can I get married?   A completed Notice of Intended Marriage

form must be provided to a Registered Celebrant at least one month and one day prior to your wedding ceremony day.

Is it possible to get married sooner than one month?

Prescribed authorities (usually at your Local Court or Registry officials) can shorten the required period of notice if they are satisfied that the circumstances prescribed in the Regulations are met.

1. Employment–related, or other travel commitments
2. Wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious considerations 
3. Medical reasons
4. Legal proceedings, and
5. Error in giving notice.

The reason for wanting a shortening of time for notice must fall within one of these categories.  There is no capacity to grant a shortening of time outside these circumstances.  Shortening of time is not automatic.  When making a decision, the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) or a prescribed authority will weigh up the information provided in support of your application and may seek additional information as outlined in the Regulations. You should have the documentation that supports your request before approaching a prescribed authority.

How old do I need to be to get  married?

To marry in Australia you must be over 18 years old. Parental consent and a court order are required for a person aged 16years+ marrying a person aged 18+ years. In this regard one of the party must be the required legal age limit – 18 years of age.

Can I surprise my partner with a wedding proposal and get married at the suprise?