~ Frequently Asked Questions ~

What are the Legal Documentation/Requirements to be married in Australia?

Never validly married Bachelor/Spinster - Birth Certificates
Divorced - Birth Certificates and Divorce Papers (Decree Absolute)
Widower or Widow - Birth Certificate and Death Certificate
Photo ID is also required (Drivers Licence will suffice).

If you are born overseas and you do not have your Birth Certificate, and you are unable to locate a copy, you may complete a Statutory Declaration (duly signed by myself, as a Justice of the Peace).

Current Passport for people who are not Australian Citizens is sufficient.

Notice of Intended Marriage

In order to be married you must lodge a “Notice of Intended Marriage" form with myself at least one (1) month and one (1) day prior to and no more than eighteen (18) months prior to your chosen wedding date.
You can obtain this form from myself or online from the Attorney-General's website which is www.ag.gov.au go to the section marked (Marriage), then the section marked (Getting Married), then go to the (downloads) for the 'Notice of Intended Marriage'.

Alternatively this can be collected from an Australian Embassy or Australian High Commission (outside Australia) or online, (please see paragraph above for website).

If you are completing this form outside Australia, you must complete all personal particulars and have your signatures witnessed before: an Australian Diplomatic Officer, an Australian Consular Officer, or a person who meets the requirements of one of the categories of authorised people in the Australian Couples section. NOTE: Only Australian citizens living or in transit overseas with these qualifications are acceptable.

When this documentation has been completed and duly witnessed, please return the notice to me prior to the minimum one (1) month and one (1) day Notice Period and no more than eighteen (18) months prior to the decided wedding date.

All documentation should be in English.

Wedding Formalities

You should contact me to make an appointment no less the one calendar month and one day prior to your suggested date of your forthcoming wedding. This initial contact also will confirm my availability on that date. If I am not available I am happy to recommend another Celebrant should you so desire.

At this meeting we can complete the Notice of Intended Marriage together, or if you have already completed the form, but not signed, then this can be done with myself as the witness, (signing should be witnessed by the Celebrant where possible). This notice is valid for eighteen (18) months. We can also discuss your ceremony requirements. The completed Notice of Intended Marriage is retained by myself until the wedding, then lodged electronically along with the Marriage Certificate.

Location

Your wedding ceremony may be located anywhere which is suitable to both of you in Australia - it's your choice!

Pre-Marital courses

This is not a pre-requisite, however should you wish to attend, I have course information readily available.

Marrying an Australian

If you wish to marry an Australian (IN AUSTRALIA) and you require either a Fiance or Spouse Visa, I am happy to assist with the necessary documentation for immigration. Once you obtain this visa, your wedding must take place within nine (9) months of your arrival in Australia.

Visiting Overseas Couples wishing to marry in Australia

AUSTRALIA is a wonderful place for a wedding! Many couples travel from overseas to marry and honeymoon in our magnificent country. There is no reason why you can't marry here and the legal requirements under the Marriage Act apply to you also. You should, however, check with your local authorities as to whether your marriage in Australia would be recognised when you return home. There is no reason why it should not be recognised and many couples experience the wonder and delight of being married here. Please feel free to utilise my expertise in this area. I am happy to organise the legal paperwork and assist you with your ceremony. You only have to email your thoughts and requirements.

Post Marriage

You may require a Registered Certificate of Marriage for legal reasons, ie Non-Australian Residents, Permanent Residency, New Passport, Drivers Licence, Change of Name etc. Please note it is important for Non-Australian couples to obtain this. If you live in a non-British Commonwealth country it is also important to obtain an Apostille stamp from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Sydney, so you may register your marriage in your country of residence. This can be done by yourselves or I am happy to arrange these for you.