Step-by-Step Guide to Legally Getting Married in Australia
- Louise Carter
- May 1
- 3 min read
Be confident about the wedding process
Getting legally married in Australia is an exciting journey, but navigating the legal side of things can feel overwhelming. If you're planning your wedding in Australia, there are a few key legal steps you need to follow to ensure your marriage is valid. As a Canberra-based celebrant, I'm here to break it down for you in a simple, stress-free way!
Step 1: Choose Your Celebrant
To get legally married in Australia, you must be married by an authorised celebrant. You can choose:
A registered civil celebrant (like me!)
A religious celebrant from a recognised denomination
A state or territory registry office official
To ensure your marriage is legally recognised, check that your celebrant is registered on the Attorney-General’s list of authorised celebrants. https://marriage.ag.gov.au/commonwealthcelebrants/all
Step 2: Lodge Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
At least one month before your wedding (and no more than 18 months in advance), you must complete and lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form with your celebrant.
What you’ll need:
Your original birth certificate or passport (to prove date/place of birth)
Valid photo ID (such as a driver’s licence)
If previously married, proof of divorce or death of former spouse
Tip: Your celebrant can help you complete this form correctly – most of the time they will do it for you!
Step 3: Plan Your Wedding Ceremony
Your ceremony must include specific legal wording:The Monitum: Your celebrant must say:
"I am duly authorised by law to solemnize marriages according to law.
Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are about to enter.
Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life."
Legal Vows: You and your partner must each say:
"I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [your full name], take you, [partner’s full name], to be my lawful wedded [husband/wife/spouse]."
Beyond this, you can personalise your ceremony with readings, personal vows, and traditions. Your celebrant should be able to help you with this and provide you examples.
Step 4: Sign the Legal Documents on Your Wedding Day
To make sure you are legally married in Australia, you’ll need to sign four documents:
Declaration of no legal impediment to Marriage. Stating there are no legal reasons why the marriage shouldn’t proceed
Two Official Marriage Certificates. One kept by your celebrant, and one submitted to Births, Deaths and Marriages for marriage registration purposes.
The Ceremonial Certificate of Marriage – Given to you as a keepsake
Your celebrant and two witnesses (over 18 years old) must also sign the Marriage Certificates and Presentation Certificate.
Step 5: Your Celebrant Registers Your Marriage
After your wedding, your celebrant will submit your signed marriage paperwork to Births, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM) in your state or territory within 14 days.
Important: The certificate you receive on the day is a ceremonial copy. To get your official marriage certificate, you’ll need to apply through BDM, which is required for name changes or legal documentation.
Bonus Tip: Can You Get Married Faster Than One Month?
Yes! If you have exceptional circumstances (e.g., employment related or other travel commitments, medical reasons, legal proceedings, military deployment), you can apply for a Shortening of Time through a prescribed authority. Ask your celebrant for guidance!
Final Thoughts
The legal steps to getting married in Australia are simple when you know what to do! As a Canberra-based celebrant, I’m here to make the process stress-free so you can focus on your big day.
Need help with your wedding ceremony? Let’s chat! Contact Me
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