Everything You Need to Know

Planning a wedding in Australia? Before you pick the flowers or book your dream venue, it’s essential to understand the legal steps to getting married in Australia. Whether you’re saying "I do" on a beach on the Mornington Peninsular or a winery in the Yarra Valley, every couple must meet the legal marriage requirements under Australian law. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

1. Choose a Registered Marriage Celebrant

The first step is choosing a registered marriage celebrant—someone legally authorised to perform your marriage ceremony. In Australia, you can get married by a civil celebrant, a religious celebrant, or through a state or territory registry office. Make sure your celebrant is registered with the Australian Government to ensure your marriage is legally binding.

💡 Tip: Many couples choose a celebrant who also doubles as an MC or wedding DJ, helping to streamline the day!

2. Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

At least one month before your wedding date (and no more than 18 months prior), you must submit a Notice of Intended Marriage form. This is a legal requirement and must be signed in front of an authorised witness such as your celebrant, a justice of the peace, doctor, police officer, or lawyer.

You'll need to provide:

• Birth certificates or passports as proof of identity
• Divorce or death certificates if you’ve been previously married

Once lodged, the NOIM is valid for 18 months.

3. Provide Evidence of Identity and Eligibility

To get legally married in Australia, both parties must:

• Be at least 18 years old*
• Not be currently married to someone else
• Not be closely related (by blood)

*If one party is aged 16 or 17, court approval is required—but this is rare and usually only granted under exceptional circumstances.

4. Sign the Declaration of No Legal Impediment

Just before the ceremony, you’ll both sign a Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage. This confirms that you’re legally free to marry and aware of your obligations under Australian marriage law. This step is handled by your celebrant and usually completed during your final meeting or rehearsal.

5. Your Wedding Ceremony: The Legal Bits

During your wedding ceremony, your celebrant must include certain legally required wording, including:

• The Monitum (a legal statement by the celebrant)
• A legal vow spoken by both partners

Once the ceremony is complete, you, your partner, your celebrant, and two witnesses (over 18) will sign three marriage certificates.

6. Registering Your Marriage

Your celebrant is responsible for lodging your marriage paperwork with the relevant state or territory registry within 14 days of your ceremony. Once processed, you can apply for your official marriage certificate—this is the legal document required for name changes and visa applications.

Summary: Checklist for Legally Getting Married in Australia

✅ Choose a registered marriage celebrant (preferably us)
✅ Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (at least 1 month before)
✅ Provide valid ID and evidence of eligibility
✅ Sign a Declaration of No Legal Impediment
✅ Include required legal wording in the ceremony
✅ Marriage registered and certificate issued post-wedding

Final Thoughts

Getting legally married in Australia is a straightforward process—as long as you follow the proper steps and choose a professional marriage celebrant who knows the law. Whether you're planning a small elopement or a large wedding celebration, ticking off the legal requirements early will ensure your big day is smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable.

Looking for a Melbourne-based celebrant and wedding entertainer who can help you get married and keep the party going? Contact Wedding Sounds today to find out more.