Australian law does not require you to obtain a marriage licence.
When should we book a celebrant? The celebrant must know at least one month before the date you have decided of the intention of your marriage. What is the Notice of Intended Marriage Form and how do we lodge it? This is an Australian government form that must be lodged with your chosen celebrant at least one month before the wedding. The form remains current for 18 months before expiring. What documents do we need to show our celebrant before the wedding? If you or your partner were born in Australia, a Birth certificate or extract of birth must be shown. No photocopies are acceptable. Generally, most countries of the world can provide a birth certificate to you within the month after you sign the Notice of Intended marriage, and before the wedding. My partner is divorced, and I am widowed, what documents should we show? If previously married, evidence is needed to show that the last marriage has ended. This is in the form of a Death Certificate of the previous spouse, or a Certificate of Divorce. Photocopies are not permitted. Replacement divorce papers may be obtained from the Family Law Court -1300 352 000. My girlfriend is 17 years of age, but will be 18 by the time of our wedding. I am twenty years of age. Can we marry legally? Persons under the age of 18 years cannot legally marry in Australia. Both persons intending to marry must be over 18 years. My partner cannot speak or understand English, so what should we do? Advise the celebrant at the time of the booking. An interpreter must be appointed to translate from English to the Mother tongue of your partner and in the reverse. Two Statutory declarations must be signed by the interpreter- one before the wedding to say they are able to translate as required and two, to say they have completed the duty. The interpreter may also be required to explain the Declarations that the non- English speaker has to sign before the wedding can take place. Do we need to appoint official witnesses to the wedding? Two adult persons, who have heard the vows, and witnessed the signing of official papers after the ceremony must also sign and give their full names,. They should be over the age of 18 years. They are usually from the wedding party, but can be anyone at the wedding. Can we change our wedding date or venue after booking? Yes, but speak to your celebrant about their availability. There may be a surcharge, or the Notice of Intended Marriage may have to be transferred to another celebrant, if your celebrant is not available. The month long waiting period after the first lodgement remains current. If weather problems may be an issue at your wedding venue, please discuss alternatives with your celebrant at the time of booking. The health and safety of you, your guests and the celebrant are paramount. Ideas for Dress code for ceremonies? Themed weddings are popular, and your theme should be discussed with your celebrant at the time of booking. Although under no obligation to comply most celebrants are willing to co-operate, if possible, with themes or colour schemes. From smart casual to formal wear, the wedding dress code is entirely up to you. How much will it cost? This is the most popular question. Remember that your celebrant holds full legal responsibility to perform your marriage ceremony and register the details correctly. Celebrants are free to set a charge that reflects and includes.
In addition the celebrant may supply at extra cost
Can we have a surprise wedding? Yes, you can surprise your guests, but you CANNOT surprise your intended spouse. Both parties must agree to marry, and the decision should not be made under duress, but with due thought and consideration. Can I change the wording of the Vows? Can I just say “I do”? One sentence is essential for the legality of a marriage, and as long as that is said by both parties, the rest of the vows can be individually chosen, but should reflect that the commitment to marriage is for life. The sentence is |