Getting married in Australia is an exciting milestone, and with the celebrant‘s right guidance, the process can be simple and stress-free. Whether you’re planning a small intimate wedding, an elopement, or a grand celebration, understanding the legal requirements is key. Here’s a straightforward guide to getting married in Australia in just three easy steps.
- Lodge with me the NOIM at least 1 month prior to the wedding.
- Choose your wedding package.
- Get married, enjoy a beautiful wedding and I’ll register your wedding with NSW Registry!
Step 1: Lodge Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
The first step in getting married is submitting a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM). This form must be lodged with an authorised marriage celebrant at least one month before your wedding day. The NOIM records essential details about both parties, including full names, addresses, and birthplaces, and must be signed in the presence of a qualified witness.
By completing the NOIM, you officially notify the Australian Government of your intention to marry, which is a crucial step in the legal process.
Step 2: Choose a Wedding Celebrant & your Wedding package
Selecting the right wedding celebrant is essential. As your celebrant I will guide you through the legal requirements, prepare the ceremony, and ensure that all paperwork is correctly handled. From intimate beach weddings to lavish garden ceremonies, a skilled celebrant brings both professionalism and warmth to your special day.
I will also ensure that all signatures on the marriage certificate are correctly completed during the ceremony, which is vital for your marriage to be legally recognised.
Step 3: Get Married and I will Complete Your Marriage Registration
After your wedding ceremony, your celebrant will provide a ceremonial marriage certificate. To make your marriage legally recognised, one copy of the certificate is sent to the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages in your state or territory.
I will then apply for an official marriage certificate, which is required for legal purposes such as changing your name or updating personal documents.
Why Follow These Steps
Following these three simple steps guarantees that your marriage in Australia is legally binding and recognised nationwide. By working with a professional celebrant, you can focus on celebrating your love while ensuring every legal requirement is properly completed.
Whether you’re planning a civil ceremony, beach wedding, or Sydney Harbour cruise, these steps provide a clear roadmap to say “I do” with confidence.
✨ Ready to Start Planning Your Wedding?
Contact me, an experienced marriage celebrant in Australia today to guide you through every step of your journey to a legally recognised, unforgettable wedding.
First Step to Tying the Knot (lodging the NOIM)
- Contact me and discuss the type of wedding ceremony you would like and my availability on that date and time.
- You can decide on your wedding date and location at a later stage – NO problem.
- We lodge the NOIM, either in person OR
- You can sign the NOIM electronically with me.
We then can e-meet on FaceTime/ WhatsApp or any other chat. - Email/bring documents such as e.g. birth certificate or passports, Decree Absolute.
We must lodge the NOIM at least one calendar month before the wedding, and the very earliest is 18 months before the wedding.
I will be witnessing your signature & dated the day of this witnessing.
The NOIM is an official document gathering the required information from your own personal documents.
I will email you “How to Fill in the NOIM.”
This is the only form you’ll need to fill in as I’ll attend to other wedding documentations.
You need to be 18 Yo (and over) to marry.
Second Step to your Wedding (Choosing your Wedding Package)
- We plan your wedding ceremony, and how you want it to flow.
- You can choose any of the 4 wedding packages I offer.
No locking in with any of the wedding packages. - I can recommend reliable wedding suppliers such as photographers, ailse decoration.
Packages #1 & #2 – At my place.
Packages #3 & #4 – Any other location
Once the formalities and lodgement of the documents have been attended to I will help you design the wedding ceremony of your choice, and discuss details of the ceremony – including readings, music, wishes and different rituals.
You will receive my complimentary package with lots of information and arrange a time for our next meeting, usually 2 weeks before the ceremony.
Third Step to Registering Marriage (Getting Married )
- Confirm the wedding ceremony details – time, date.
- Confirm the names of your two witnesses, over the age of 18.
For Wedding Packages #3 & #4
- The week before the wedding ceremony we have a chat on the phone to finalize the last details.
- We discuss the draft of your wedding ceremony preferably already done so via emails.
- Confirm table and chairs are available for the signing of the documents.
- We will be talking about how the whole wedding ceremony will proceed.
After your Wedding (All packages)
- I will register your wedding on the same day with the BDM and apply on your behalf for the official Marriage Certificate from the BDM regestry to be sent to your address.
- Your comments are welcomed on the feedback form.
- I will be in contact with you 1-2 weeks after your wedding to confirm you have received the official marriage certificate.
Congratulation !!! You are married !