How to Get Married in NSW:
How Legal Requirements Made Simple
What do you need for Marriage Registration NSW?
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Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding.
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Meet the legal eligibility requirements, such as age, consent, and marital status.
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Be married by a registered celebrant, who will prepare and submit all legal paperwork to NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages after your ceremony.
Getting married in NSW can be a joyful and stress-free experience when you understand the process. Whether you plan a simple registry-style wedding or a fully personalised ceremony with a Sydney marriage celebrant, following these legal steps ensures your marriage is valid, smooth, and recognised across Australia.
This guide covers eligibility, required documents, timelines, and what happens before, during, and after your ceremony—so you know exactly how to get married in NSW.
Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
When Must the NOIM Be Lodged?
The NOIM must be lodged at least one month and no more than 18 months before your wedding. Exceptions may be granted in rare circumstances.
- Minimum: 1 month before your wedding
- Maximum: 18 months before your wedding
In exceptional cases, such as medical or immigration reasons, a shortening of time may be approved.
What Is a NOIM?
The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) is a legal document notifying the government of your intention to marry. Lodging a valid NOIM is mandatory for every marriage in NSW.
How to Lodge the NOIM?
You can lodge the NOIM:
- Online through NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages
- With the help of an authorised marriage celebrant, who ensures compliance and accuracy. The celebrant will lodge it online fast, secure, and accepted for both local and overseas couples.
What Documents Required to Get Married in NSW?
Provide original or certified copies of birth certificates, passports, and photo ID. If previously married, include divorce orders or death certificates. Overseas documents may need translation.
- Birth certificate or passport (proof of date and place of birth)
- Photo identification (passport or driver’s licence)
- Evidence of the end of a previous marriage, if applicable (divorce order or death certificate)
All documents must be originals or legally certified copies. Overseas documents may require translation.
Who Can Legally Get Married in NSW?
To legally marry in NSW, both parties must be 18 or older, freely consent, not already be married, and not be closely related. These rules apply to all couples, regardless of nationality or visa status.
To legally marry in NSW, both parties must:
- Be 18 years or older (court approval is required in rare exceptional circumstances)
- Freely consent to the marriage
- Not already be married to someone else
- Not be closely related (siblings, parent/child)
These rules apply to all couples in NSW, regardless of nationality or visa status.
Why Choose a Marriage Celebrant in NSW
An authorised celebrant legally solemnises your marriage, lodges paperwork, and can craft a personalised ceremony. Celebrants offer flexibility with location, time, and style, making your wedding intimate and meaningful.
Your marriage must be solemnised by a legally authorised celebrant, which includes:
- Civil marriage celebrants OR Religious marriage celebrants OR Ministers of religion
An authorised celebrant will:
- Verify your legal eligibility
- Witness your legal declarations
- Conduct your ceremony in accordance with Australian law
- Lodge all marriage documents with NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages
Choosing an experienced celebrant ensures your wedding is both meaningful and legally compliant.
Wedding Ceremony Legal Requirements
Your ceremony must include two adult witnesses, required legal wording, and the signing of the Official Marriage Certificate. Celebrants seamlessly integrate these into a personalised ceremony.
On your wedding day, your ceremony must include:
- Two witnesses aged 18 or over
- Legal wording required under Australian law
- Signing of the Official Marriage Certificate
These requirements can be seamlessly woven into a personalised ceremony reflecting your culture, values, and love story.
Registry Wedding vs Celebrant-Led Wedding in NSW
Registry weddings meet legal requirements but have limited flexibility. Celebrant-led weddings allow personal vows, choice of venue, flexible scheduling, and guidance with all legal documents.
Many couples wonder whether it’s easier to marry at a registry office. While registry weddings follow the same legal requirements, a celebrant-led ceremony offers:
- Greater flexibility with dates and locations
- Personalised vows and rituals
- A relaxed, intimate atmosphere
- Support with all legal paperwork
A celebrant can host your wedding at a private venue, your home, or a scenic location, giving you the freedom to make the day uniquely yours. Check out the difference between a celebrant-led ceremony and the registry.
Why Couples Choose a Celebrant
Couples choose a celebrant because they want more than a formality—they want a ceremony that feels personal, relaxed, and genuinely meaningful.
A celebrant provides warmth, flexibility, and freedom to create a moment that reflects who you are. From choosing the location and tone to shaping the words and rituals, a celebrant turns a legal requirement into a heartfelt experience.
After the Wedding: Marriage Registration & Certificate
After the ceremony, your celebrant lodges all documents with NSW BDM. Your marriage is officially registered, and you can apply for an official marriage certificate within days.
Once your ceremony is complete:
- The celebrant lodges all documents with NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages
- Your marriage is officially registered
- You can apply for an official marriage certificate, required for name changes, visas, and legal purposes
Certificates are often issued within days when paperwork is lodged promptly.
FAQ About Getting Married in NSW
What legal documents are required to get married in Australia?
Couples must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), provide proof of identity and birth, and meet legal eligibility requirements under Australian marriage law.
How far in advance do we need to lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage?
The NOIM must be lodged at least one month and no more than eighteen months before your wedding.
Can we have a legal-only or registry-style wedding ceremony?
Yes. Couples can choose a legal-only or registry-style ceremony if they prefer a simple and efficient marriage process without a full ceremonial event.
Who submits the marriage paperwork after the ceremony?
The authorised celebrant is responsible for submitting all completed paperwork to NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages.
How long does it take to get legally married in NSW?
Once the NOIM has been lodged and the notice period passed, your ceremony can proceed. Afterward, the celebrant lodges the documents, and the official certificate is issued shortly after.
Can overseas or visa couples get married in NSW?
Yes. Australian citizenship is not required. Many couples marry in NSW while on temporary or permanent visas.
Can a celebrant help with immigration letters?
Yes. A celebrant can provide required documentation and letters confirming marriage details where appropriate.
Planning Your NSW Wedding with Confidence
Understanding the legal requirements to get married in NSW lets you focus on what truly matters: celebrating your commitment with joy and confidence.
With the right guidance, the legal process is simple, reliable, and stress-free, leaving you free to enjoy your journey to marriage.
Contact a professional Sydney marriage celebrant today to guide you through your paperwork and ceremony.
State Registry Offices
(for all birth, death and marriage certificates).
| NSW | ACT |
| GPO 30 Sydney NSW 2001 http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au |
GPO Box 788 Canberra ACT 2601 Ph: 02 6207 6444 |
| Queensland | Victoria |
| PO Box 188 Albert St., Brisbane QLD 4002 Ph: 07 3247 9203 |
PO Box 4332 Melbourne VIC 3001 Ph: 1300 369 367 |
| South Australia | Western Australia |
| GPO Box 1351, Adelaide SA 5001 Ph: 08 8204 9599 |
PO Box 7720, Cloisters Square WA 6850 Ph: 08 264 1555 |
| Northern Territory | |
| PO Box 3021 NT Ph: 08 8999 6119 |