Getting married in Australia

To legally marry in Australia, you must:

• not already be married
• not be marrying a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or sister
• generally be at least 18 years old
• understand what marriage means and freely agree to marry
• use the required legal wording during your ceremony
• complete the required notice
• be married by an authorised marriage celebrant.

You don't need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to marry in Australia.

Marriage in Australia is available to two people regardless of their sex or gender.

You'll need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage, usually called the NOIM.

I must receive your NOIM at least one month before your wedding and no more than 18 months beforehand.

In limited circumstances, a prescribed authority may approve a wedding with less than one month's notice, but there are specific legal grounds for this.

I'll guide you through exactly what you'll need, but generally I'll need to see:

• evidence of your date and place of birth, such as a birth certificate or passport
• evidence of your identity, such as a driver's licence or passport
• if you've previously been married, evidence that the previous marriage has ended.

Don't worry if you're unsure what documents apply to you — that's something we can work through together.

Some of it can.

Your NOIM can be witnessed in person or, provided the legal requirements are met, remotely using audio-visual technology.

However, before the wedding I am legally required to meet each of you separately and in person.

And for the marriage itself, your celebrant, both of you and your two witnesses must all be physically present.

Yes.

You'll need two witnesses who are at least 18 years old present at your wedding.

They'll sign your marriage certificates alongside both of you and me.

Yes — but only a small part of your ceremony is legally prescribed.

As your celebrant, there are words I am required to say, and there are legal vows that each of you must say to the other.

Around those legal words, we can create a ceremony that's completely personal to you.

You can surprise your guests, but you can't surprise the person you're marrying.

Both people must freely consent to the marriage and complete the required legal process.

So inviting everyone to a "birthday party" that turns into your wedding? Absolutely possible.

Telling your partner they're getting married when they arrive? Not possible.

Yes.

You don't need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to marry in Australia.

If you're travelling to the Whitsundays for your wedding, we can organise much of the preparation beforehand.

Just remember that getting married in Australia doesn't automatically give someone the right to live in Australia — immigration and visa requirements are separate.

Generally, your ceremony doesn't have to take place in a church or registry office.

Beach, garden, resort, private property, boat or somewhere completely unique — there are plenty of possibilities.

Your chosen location may have its own permission, permit or venue requirements, particularly for public spaces.

After your ceremony, three marriage certificates are signed by:

• both of you
• your two adult witnesses
• me, as your authorised marriage celebrant.

I'll give you your ceremonial marriage certificate on the day and then submit the required marriage paperwork to the relevant Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

You'll receive a ceremonial marriage certificate on your wedding day.

If you later need a registered marriage certificate for things such as officially changing your name or dealing with government agencies, you'll generally need to order one from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages after your marriage has been registered.

I'll explain all of that when the time comes.

When you strip away all the traditions, getting married is actually pretty simple.

You need:

• Two people who are legally able and freely choosing to marry.
• An authorised marriage celebrant.
• Two adult witnesses.
• The required notice and identification.
• A few legally required words.
• And the required paperwork.

Everything else is about making the day yours.

The dress, flowers, rings, aisle, wedding party, cake, first dance and 100 guests?

They're the wedding.
The two of you choosing each other is the marriage.