The legal requirements for marriage in Australia do not have to detract from the joy and personalisation of your ceremony. Here is a clear guide to the seven key steps.

  1. Authorised celebrant — Marriages require an official celebrant — either civil or religious — to oversee the legal process.
  2. Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) — Couples must lodge this form with their chosen celebrant between one month and 18 months before the wedding, providing personal details and marital history.
  3. Identity verification — Both parties present identification documents and, where applicable, evidence of the end of any previous marriages via divorce or death certificates.
  4. Declaration of No Legal Impediment — Both partners sign a legal statement confirming they are free to marry and that the information provided is accurate.
  5. Ceremony requirements — The celebrant must state their name and legal authority, and both partners must recite specific vows acknowledging the legal nature of their union.
  6. Certificate signing — Three marriage certificates are signed by the couple, the celebrant, and two witnesses (both over 18).
  7. Official registration — The celebrant submits the documents to the Births, Deaths, and Marriages office to officially record the marriage.