Getting married in Australia is easy with the celebrant‘s right guidance, the process is simple and stress-free.
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!
Whether you’re planning a small intimate wedding, an elopement, or a grand celebration, understanding how to get married in NSW is key.
Step 1: Lodge Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
The first legal step to getting married in Australia is lodging a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM). This form must be submitted to an authorised marriage celebrant at least one calendar month before the wedding date. The earliest it can be lodged is 18 months prior to the ceremony.
The NOIM records essential personal details for both parties, including full names, addresses, dates and places of birth. It must be signed in the presence of an authorised witness, which I will arrange for you.
By lodging the NOIM, you formally notify the Australian Government of your intention to marry. This step is mandatory and forms the foundation of the legal marriage process.
How the NOIM Process Works
- Contact me to discuss the type of ceremony you are planning and check availability
- Your wedding date and location can be finalised later
- The NOIM can be lodged in person or electronically
- We can meet via FaceTime, WhatsApp, or another video platform
- You will email or present required documents such as passports, birth certificates, or Decree Absolute (if applicable)
- I will witness your signature and date the NOIM on the day it is signed
The NOIM is the only form you need to complete. I will handle all additional legal documentation on your behalf and provide clear instructions on how to complete the form correctly.
Please note: both parties must be 18 years of age or over to marry.
Step 2: Choose the Right Wedding Celebrant and Package
Selecting the right wedding celebrant is an important decision. As your celebrant, I manage all legal requirements, prepare your ceremony, and ensure every document is completed accurately. From intimate ceremonies to larger celebrations, my role is to guide you with professionalism, clarity, and care.
You may choose from four wedding packages, depending on your needs and preferred location:
- Packages 1 & 2: Ceremonies held at my location
- Packages 3 & 4: Ceremonies held at a venue of your choice
There is no pressure to lock into a package immediately. Once the formalities are underway, I will assist you in designing a ceremony that reflects your values and preferences. This includes discussing the flow of the ceremony, readings, music, personal wishes, and optional rituals.
You will also receive a complimentary information pack, and we will schedule our next meeting—typically around two weeks before the wedding.
Where needed, I can recommend reliable wedding suppliers, such as photographers and aisle décor services.
Step 3: Get Married and Complete Your Marriage Registration
Before the ceremony, we will confirm:
- The wedding date and time
- The names of your two witnesses, both over the age of 18
For Packages 3 & 4, we will have a final phone discussion during the week leading up to the wedding to confirm details. This includes reviewing the ceremony draft, ensuring signing furniture is available, and confirming how the ceremony will proceed on the day.
Following the ceremony, you will receive a ceremonial marriage certificate. I will then register the marriage with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) on the same day and apply on your behalf for the official marriage certificate, which will be sent directly to your address.
Congratulation !!! You are married !
After Your Wedding
After your marriage has been registered:
- Your feedback is welcome and appreciated
- I will contact you 1–2 weeks after the wedding to confirm you have received your official marriage certificate
Why Following These Steps Matters
Following these steps ensures your marriage is legally valid and recognised throughout Australia. With an experienced celebrant managing the process, you can focus on celebrating your relationship, confident that every legal requirement has been correctly handled.
Whether you are planning a civil ceremony, beach wedding, garden celebration, or Sydney Harbour cruise, this process provides a clear and reliable pathway to saying “I do” with confidence.
✨ Ready to begin your wedding journey?
Contact me today to guide you through every step toward a legally recognised and memorable wedding ceremony.