Before I can legally marry you, Australian law requires me to sight a set of documents confirming who you are, your date of birth, and your marital history. Getting these ready early is one of the simplest ways to keep your wedding planning stress-free and avoid last-minute delays.
For the full legal process, including timing and the NOIM, see my complete guide to Australia’s marriage legal requirements. This page is your checklist of exactly what to bring.
Documents I’ll Need to See
1. Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
- Lodged with me at least one month before your wedding day, and no more than 18 months prior.
- Both of you need to sign it — but not necessarily together or at the same time.
- One of you can sign at lodgement, and the other any time after, as long as it’s before the wedding day.
- Signing can be done in person or electronically.
2. Proof of Date and Place of Birth
- Australian birth certificate plus photo ID such as Driver’s licence, OR
- Passport (Australian or international)
- If neither is available, a statutory declaration may be accepted in limited circumstances — I can talk you through this.
3. If Applicable
- Previous marriage ending — divorce certificate or death certificate of a former spouse.
- Change of name — required if you’ve legally changed your name outside of marriage, issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages.
- Under-18s — rare, but if either of you is under 18, both a court order and parental consent are required.
All documents must be in English, or accompanied by an authorised (usually NAATI) translation.
If You’re Missing a Document
Misplaced a birth certificate or divorce certificate? I can help you apply online for a replacement, and in limited circumstances a statutory declaration may substitute for a missing document. The key is telling me as soon as you notice — the earlier we know, the more time we have to sort it out without it affecting your wedding date.
Why This Matters
As your celebrant, I have a legal duty to confirm your identity, your date and place of birth, and that there’s no legal impediment to your marriage — and that you’re both freely and knowingly consenting. Sighting these documents properly is what makes your marriage legally valid, so getting it sorted early means you can focus on the parts of your day that are actually fun.
FAQ
What documents do I need to get married in Australia?
I’ll need proof of identity (passport, driver’s licence, or birth certificate) and, if you’ve been married before, a certified divorce or death certificate. Anything not in English needs an authorised translation.
Can I use overseas documents?
Yes — as long as they’re certified and translated into English by an authorised translator, so your marriage is legally recognised in Australia.
What is the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)?
It’s the official form I lodge with you at least one month before your wedding. Both of you need to sign it, but you don’t have to do it together — one signature can come at lodgement and the other any time before the wedding.
How far ahead should I get you my documents?
Ideally at least one month before your wedding date, so there’s time to verify everything and fix anything that’s missing.
What if I’m missing a document?
Let me know as soon as you notice — I can guide you through applying for a replacement, or in some cases a statutory declaration will do.
What happens if we don’t get our documents to you in time?
Missing the one-month NOIM deadline can mean your wedding date needs to move, so it’s worth starting early. If you’re close to the deadline, contact me straight away — there may still be options depending on your situation.
Stress-Free Weddings Start With Preparation
By preparing these legally required documents early, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your marriage is valid and your wedding day will run smoothly. I’ll guide you through the planning process, manage the legal paperwork, and make sure that when you say “I do,” you’re not only celebrating your love — you’re also creating a marriage that’s fully recognised under Australian law.
Ready to Send Through
Once you’ve got these together, you can send copies through electronically or bring the originals to our first meeting — whichever’s easiest for you.
You don’t need to have everything ready to lodge your NOIM, but all documents must be presented to me before your wedding day for your marriage to go ahead.