FAQs – Getting Married
Can I get married in Australia?
Thinking of getting married in the land of stunning beaches and friendly locals? Australia warmly welcomes couples from all over the world to celebrate their love. Whether you’re an Aussie local, an international visitor, or just passing through, saying ‘I do’ is a breeze.
So, what do you need? It’s straightforward, really. Just make sure you’re 18 or older, single in the eyes of the law, not related too closely, and genuinely eager to start this exciting chapter together.
Not sure if you meet the criteria? Take our brief quiz to confirm that you’re good to go. Let’s make your Australian wedding dreams a reality! Click here to find out more.”
Can I get married in Australia?
Anyone from any country around the world can get married in Australia. It makes no difference if you are a resident or citizen of Australia or just visiting for the day.
The only criteria you need to fulfill is;
* You must be 18 years old. In some cases, if one of the parties is 17, it may be possible – talk to your celebrant about this.
* Not already legally married in Australia or any other country around the world.
* You must not be in a ‘Prohibited Relationship”. This generally refers to a close family relationship.
* Both of you are freely choosing to get married.
You can click here to complete a quick quiz to confirm that, in your specific circumstances, you are good to get married.
What are the steps in getting married in Australia?
With Simple Ceremonies, there are just 3 simple steps. Step 1. Make a Booking, Step 2. Complete the NoIM, Step 3. Love your ceremony.
What is the Notice of Intended Marriage form (NoIM)?
The Notice of Intended Marriage form or NoIM is a requirement for getting married in Australia.
The NoIM needs to be completed at least one calendar month prior to your ceremony date.
The NoIM needs to be signed by at least one of the couple and their signature witnessed by an Authorised Person.
Simple Ceremonies requires the NoIM is completed on their website, click here to get started.
Can I get married in less than one 1 calendar month?
By law in Australia, everyone getting married has to provide at least one calendar month’s notice by lodging a Notice of Intended Marriage form.
However, in extraordinary circumstances, you can apply for a Shortening of Time. See Shortening of Time below.
Can I complete the NoIM before booking a ceremony date for my wedding?
The first step is to make your booking and then complete your NoIM. However, if can not fix a date at this stage but want to complete the NOIM you can do this by purchasing a Lodgement Voucher for $110 off our Bookings page here.
Once you have purchased the Lodgement Voucher you can complete the NoIM and we will lodge it for you.
Then when you are ready to lock in a date for your ceremony, you will not have to wait another calendar month.
Just make the booking and payment and we will transfer the NoIM to the date you have chosen for your ceremony.
What ID will I need to provide?
You will need to provide either:
* a passport. It can be from any country and can be expired.
* an original Birth Certificate AND a government-issued Photo ID (for example a Drivers License or Proof of Age card).
In extreme circumstances, where birth certificates can not be issued by a State (for example the State is war-torn) the use of a Statutory Declaration and Photo ID may be considered. Download Stat Dec. However, you will need to prove and have documented, the extraordinary steps you have taken to try and obtain your Birth Certificate.
I don’t have a Passport or a Birth Certificate
In extreme circumstances where birth certificates can not be issued by a State/ Country (for example the State is war-torn) the use of a Statutory Declaration and Photo ID may be considered.
The person completing the Statutory Declaration must go to exhaustive lengths to attempt to get their birth certificate. Once these steps have failed, you can then complete the Stat Dec.
In particular, you will need to provide a detailed explanation of why you don’t have your birth certificate and what lengths you have gone to get it – documentation will be required. Click here to Download Stat Dec.
I have previously been married, how do I get my divorce papers?
Divorce papers are issued by the court – either the Federal or Family Court. For more information click on this link http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/how-do-i/divorce/proof-of-divorce/fcc-proof-divorce
Is pre-marriage counseling required by law?
The Commonwealth Government of Australia recommends all couples receive pre-marriage counseling. However, it is not compulsory, but it is recommended.
Please feel free to talk to us about service providers or check out the list below
Couples Counselling
The Heart Centre
Affinity Counselling
Equilibrium Psychology
Are we eligible for a Shortening of Time?
The Marriage Act 1961 requires that one calendar month’s notice be given by all couples wishing to get married.
This notice starts when you provide your marriage celebrant with the Notice of Intended Marriage.
However, there are exceptions and a “Shortening of Time” can be applied for.
The Marriage Regulations 2017 (Cth) Schedule 3 – Circumstances for authorising marriage despite the late notice.
The 5 prescribed categories are set out below.
They are;
1 Employment‑related or other travel commitments
2 Wedding or celebration arrangements
3 Medical reasons
4 Legal proceedings
5 Error in giving notice
Please see the bottom of this page for details for each of these situations and examples, as published by Sutherland Local Court.
Please click and read Schedule 3 to see the full details and documentation required
Please note;
the reason for seeking a shortening of time must fall within one of the prescribed categories before the application can be considered
A prescribed Authority has no discretion to grant a shortening of time outside the circumstances covered by these categories
the granting of a shortening of time is not automatic, and a Prescribed Authority may charge an application fee, celebrants should suggest that the couple check if a fee is charged when making an appointment, with a prescribed authority.
Below is a list of circumstances in which the application may be granted by a Registrar:
1 Employment-related or other travel commitments
(1) The marriage should be solemnised despite the required notice not having been received in time because of a party to the marriage or someone involved with the proposed wedding:
(a) has employment commitments that require the party’s absence from the location of the proposed wedding for a considerable period of time; or
(b) has other travel commitments.
Example 1: A party to the marriage has accepted an offer of employment for imminent transfer or posting overseas or to a part of Australia distant from the location of the proposed wedding for at least 3 months, and wishes to be married with the party’s family and friends present before the departure.
Example 2: A party to the marriage realises that a close relative or friend of the party is in Australia but the relative or friend has a non-redeemable ticket for departure from Australia within less than a month, and the party wishes the relative or friend to be present at the wedding.
(2) In determining whether a circumstance in subclause (1) is met, the prescribed authority may take into account the following:
(a) documents relating to the employment commitments of a party to the marriage such as a letter of offer and a letter of acceptance;
(b) documents relating to the travel of a person such as a dated receipt or a ticket;
(c) any explanation provided for not giving the notice sooner;
(d) any explanation provided for not postponing the proposed wedding;
(e) whether hardship would be caused to a party to the marriage if the marriage is not solemnised as proposed;
(f) any other matter that the prescribed authority considers relevant.
2 Wedding or celebration arrangements
(1) The marriage should be solemnised despite the required notice not having been received in time because of:
(a) the binding nature of the wedding arrangements or celebration arrangements made in connection with the marriage; or
(b) any religious consideration.
Example: Arrangements and non-refundable payments of a considerable sum have been made for the proposed wedding, or for any celebration associated with the marriage, and the date for the wedding or celebration cannot be changed.
(2) In determining whether a circumstance in subclause (1) is met, the prescribed authority may take into account the following:
(a) documents showing the extent of preparations for the proposed wedding, such as receipts showing dates and amounts of payments connected with the wedding;
(b) in the case of a religious consideration–the nature of the consideration;
(c) any explanation provided for not giving the notice sooner;
(d) any explanation provided for not postponing the proposed wedding;
(e) whether hardship would be caused to a party to the marriage if the marriage is not solemnised as proposed;
(f) any other matter that the prescribed authority considers relevant.
3 Medical reasons
(1) The marriage should be solemnised despite the required notice not having been received in time because a party to the marriage, or someone involved with the proposed wedding, is suffering from a medical condition of a serious nature.
Example: A party to the marriage, or a parent or close relative of the party, has a serious illness that will prevent the person from attending the wedding unless it is held in less than a month.
(2) In determining whether the circumstance in subclause (1) is met, the prescribed authority may take into account the following:
(a) a letter from a medical practitioner or other health professional confirming the relevant health circumstances of a party to the marriage or a person involved with the proposed wedding;
(b) any explanation provided for not giving the notice sooner;
(c) any other matter that the prescribed authority considers relevant.
4 Legal proceedings
(1) The marriage should be solemnised despite the required notice not having been received in time because a party to the marriage is involved in a legal proceeding.
Example: A party to the marriage is subject to a pending court proceeding, and is at risk of imprisonment.
(2) In determining whether the circumstance in subclause (1) is met, the prescribed authority may take into account the following:
(a) a sealed copy of any applicable court order;
(b) a letter from the party’s solicitor stating the dates and nature of a pending court proceeding;
(c) any explanation provided for not giving the notice sooner;
(d) any explanation provided for not postponing the proposed wedding;
(e) whether hardship would be caused to a party to the marriage if the marriage is not solemnised as proposed;
(f) any other matter that the prescribed authority considers relevant.
5 Error in giving notice
(1) The marriage should be solemnised despite the required notice not having been received in time because:
(a) it was due only to an error on the part of an authorised celebrant (or a person the parties to the marriage believed to be an authorised celebrant) that:
(i) the notice was not given; or
(ii) the notice given was invalid; or
(iii) a notice given earlier was lost; and
(b) arrangements have been made for the proposed wedding to take place within less than one month.
Example 1: The parties have given significant notice to the authorised celebrant orally, and arrangements for the proposed wedding have been made, but written notice was not given in the required time because the authorised celebrant failed to explain the notice requirements properly.
Example 2: The parties have given written notice in the required time, and arrangements for the proposed wedding have been made, but the notice is invalid because the person to whom the notice was given was not yet registered as a marriage celebrant.
Example 3: The parties gave written notice in the required time, and arrangements for celebrations have been made to follow the marriage ceremony, but the original notice was lost by the authorised celebrant and the replacement notice was not given in the required time.
(2) In determining whether the circumstance in subclause (1) is met, the prescribed authority may take into account the following:
(a) documents confirming why the notice was not given, such as a letter confirming an earlier interview between the authorised celebrant and the parties to the marriage;
(b) a letter from the person to whom the notice was given explaining why the notice was invalid or lost;
(c) documents showing the arrangements made in connection with the proposed wedding;
(d) any other matter that the prescribed authority considers relevant.
If you believe you meet any of the above criteria please make an application for the Registrar’s consideration. You will also need to provide the Notice of Intended Marriage and Celebrant’s consent to perform the ceremony.
How do we apply for a Shortening of Time?
There are 2 Options.
Option 1 – your Local Court – in person
Option 2 – Births, Deaths, and Marriage – via email
Options 1 your Local Court registrar – in person
Step 1. Contact your Local Court registrar and explain that you require a meeting with a Prescribed Authority to arrange a Shortening of Time for your marriage Notice. Explain to them why you think you should get a shortening of time and ask what you will need to provide. They should be able to give you an indication at this point if your application for a shortening will be considered – and if so what documents you will need to bring to the meeting with the Prescribed Authority.
If you then wish to proceed
Step 2. Purchase a Lodgement Voucher from Simple Ceremonies for $110. To purchase a Voucher click here
This voucher covers the cost of;
i) The lodgement of your Notice of Intended Marriage form (NoIM). The NoIM is valid for up to 18 months. If you do not get married within 18 months, you will need to complete a new NoIM and purchase a new Lodgement Voucher or make a booking.
ii) The preparation of our STANDARD letter confirming the lodgement of your NoIM in relation to your proposed ceremony. Additional letters requiring changes to the format, information required, the proposed date or corrections will incur an additional fee of $50.
NOTE. All payments are Non-refundable and not conditional on an Application being approved for a Shortening or any other requirement.
Step 3. Immediately complete your Notice of Intended Marriage form online with Simple Ceremonies – you will be directed how to do this once you have purchased a Voucher. NB. You will need to have lodged your Notice of Intended Marriage prior to your meeting with the Prescribed Authority.
Step 4. Sign and have your signature witnessed by an Authorised Person and upload it back to Simple Ceremonies, along with your IDs.
Step 5. Generally, within a few hours, you will receive an email containing a letter confirming your NoIM has been lodged (you will also receive a copy of the NoIM you uploaded) that has now been signed and dated by the celebrant. This is some of the documentation that you will be required to take to your meeting with the Prescribed Authority.
Step 6. Make an appointment with the Prescribed Authority – ensure you have all the documents they require for you to bring to the meeting. To see the documentation required please see Schedule 3 of the Marriage Regulations 2017
Generally, the Prescribed Authority will charge a fee of around $50 but clarify this with them before booking an appointment.
If you application is granted
Step 7. As soon as your application is granted contact Simple Ceremonies to confirm the specific location, date, and time you would like to get married. Email us a copy of the NoIM/ Letter you received from the Prescribed Authority granting the shortening.
Step 8. Simple Ceremonies will provide you with a link to make your specific booking and make full payment.
Step 9. Love your ceremony!!!!
Options 2. Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Step 1. Review Schedule 3 to see if you may qualify for a Shortening of Time. If you believe you do qualify and are able to provide the required documentation, as set out in Schedule 3, please proceed to Step 2.
Step 2. Prepare a letter outlining the following
– Your full name and contact details (address, email, and phone number)
– headings “Requestions for a Shortening of Time”
– the reason you expect to get a Shortening of Time. Specifically, list using the Options provided in Schedule 3.
Example.
“1 Employment-related or other travel commitments
(1) The marriage should be solemnised despite the required notice not having been received in time because of a party to the marriage or someone involved with the proposed wedding:
(a) has employment commitments that require the party’s absence from the location of the proposed wedding for a considerable period of time”
– list the specific documentation you can provide (per Schedule 3 – “In determining whether a circumstance in subclause (1) is met, the prescribed authority may take into account the following:”
– Outline, in your words, your situation and why you would like a shortening of time.
Step 3. Email us at wedo@simpleceremonies.com.au attaching a copy of the letter and all supporting documents.
Once we have received your email we will review your application, and provide feedback if necessary.
If we consider your application may comply, we will notify you so you can proceed to Step 4.
Step 4. Purchase an Application for a Shortening Voucher from Simple Ceremonies for $260. To purchase click here.
This voucher covers the cost of;
i) The lodgement of your Notice of Intended Marriage form (NoIM). The NoIM is valid for up to 18 months. If you do not get married within 18 months, you will need to complete a new NoIM and purchase a new Lodgement Voucher or make a booking.
ii) The preparation of our STANDARD letter confirming the lodgement of your NoIM in relation to your proposed ceremony. Additional letters requiring changes to the format, information required, the proposed date, or corrections will incur an additional fee of $50.
iii) Forwarding your application (and supporting documents) to BDM and then managing your application.
iv) Payment of the application fee charged by BDM ($48)
NOTE. All payments are Non-refundable and not conditional on an Application being approved for a Shortening or any other requirement.
Step 5. Immediately complete your Notice of Intended Marriage form online with Simple Ceremonies – you will be directed how to do this once you have purchased a Voucher.
Step 6. Sign and have your signature witnessed by an Authorised Person and upload it back to Simple Ceremonies, along with your IDs.
NB. You will need to have lodged your Notice of Intended Marriage prior to us sending in your application.
Step 7. Generally, within 7 days, you should hear from us, as to whether your application has been successful.
If your application is granted
Step 7. As soon as your application is granted we will contact you to confirm the specific location, date, and time you would like to get married.
Step 8. We will then provide you with a link to make your specific booking and make full payment.
Step 9. Love your ceremony!!!!
FAQs – your ceremony day
To be sure, log onto the Couple’s Portal here and you will be able to see specifically what you and your partner need to bring.
However, in general terms, you will need to bring:
* Signed NoIM,
* ID you used to complete the NOIM.
* If previously married, you will need to bring termination papers. That is Divorce papers or Death certificates.
* If either of you does not speak and understand English you will need to bring;
– Interpreter (they do not have to be a professional but need to be fluent in English and the other language)
– Certificate of Faithful Performance of Interpreter. This must be completed in full, by the interpreter, prior to the scheduled start time of the ceremony. A copy can be downloaded here.
* Two witnesses. They can be anyone as long as they are over 18 years of age and speak & understand English. Please notify us of the full legal names of the witnesses at least a week prior to your ceremony date. They are NOT required to provide ID.
If either of your do not speak and understand English you will need to bring;
– Interpreter (they do not have to be a professional but need to be fluent in English and the other language)
– Certificate of Faithful Performance of Interpreter. This must be completed in full, by the interpreter, prior to the scheduled start time of the ceremony. A couple can be downloaded here.
First of all, relax and enjoy this very special day. We will take care of it all.
HOWEVER, the easiest way to stay relaxed and enjoy your ceremony is to arrive early – even if you end up just sitting in the car waiting for your ceremony to start. We suggest, aim to arrive 15 minutes prior to your ceremony – and share this with your guests.
This is why you have chosen Simple Ceremonies because we are very experienced celebrants with a focus on making your day; relaxed, fun, memorable and a meaningful reflection of your relationship.
Pre- Ceremony
1. We will meet you on at your ceremony location at the exact scheduled time.
2. We will finalise your paperwork and any details you may want to include in your ceremony. Example, personal vows, walking down the aisle, ring bearer etc.
3. Arriving separately? Not a problem. We can meet with each of you separately to finalise the paperwork and details.
Ceremony
1. We will organise you and your guest ensuring everyone feels involved
2. We will then commence the ceremony. Below is a sample ceremony to give you an idea of what will be included and also the legal components that must be included. Note. I have highlighted the legal requirement with “bold and italic”
Charlie and George’s SAMPLE Wedding Ceremony
To begin, on behalf of Charlie and George, I would like to welcome you here today.
“My name is Michael Teulon (celebrant’s full legal name) and I am a Marriage Celebrant, I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law”
We are all here today to celebrate with Charlie and George a very important moment in their lives.
They have learned to know and love one another and have now decided to spend the rest of their lives together, as a married couple.
Marriage is a commitment to life. To the best that two people can find and bring out in each other.
It is a commitment from the heart and mind based on mutual love, trust, respect and the understanding that from now on, each partner will consider the other’s desires and needs as equal to their own.
But real love is not about two people being totally absorbed in one another, it is about two people looking outwards, in the same direction – together.
Monitum of Marriage
“Before I can join you in Marriage I must remind you, in the presents of your witnesses and my self of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are about to enter.”
“Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others,
voluntarily entered into for life.“
The Asking
George do you take Charlie to be your lawful wedded wife/husband/partner?
George: I do
Charlie do you take George to be your lawful wedded husband/wife/partner?
Charlie: I do
The Vows
George please repeat after me:
I call upon the persons present to witness that from today:
I, George Allouache take you Charlie Wong (full names to be used), to be my lawfully wedded wife/partner in marriage / spouse.
Charlie please repeat after me:
I call upon the persons present to witness that from today:
I, Charlie Wong take you George Allouache(full names to be used) , to be my lawfully wedded husband/partner in marriage / spouse.
(If you wish to make your own personal vows, we would suggest that you say them here)
Ring ceremony
George please repeat after me
With this ring I marry you (place ring on finger)
Charlie please repeat after me
With this ring I marry you (place ring on finger)
Declaration
Charlie and George, now that you have made your promises to share your lives together in accordance with your vows, it is with great pleasure, I now pronounce you husband and wife/ partners in life.
Congratulations, you may kiss!
The signing of the register
Witnesses: Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten
Following the Ceremony
1. You will sign the marriage certificates along with your two witnesses and the marriage celebrant. You will be given the Certificate of Marriage (from the Commonwealth Government) for you to take home. The celebrant will keep the others so they can register them with BDM NSW.
2. Immediately after your ceremony your celebrant will register your marriage, online with Births, Deaths and Marriage NSW. So there is nothing you have to do – except CELEBRATE!
No. There is nothing you have to do after your ceremony to register your marriage. Your marriage celebrant will take care of this.
However, if you require the registered Certificate of Marriage (issued by BDM NSW) you will need to order it. You can do this prior to your ceremony by logging onto the Couples’ Portal or for a month after your ceremony. Alternatively, after your ceremony can order it at any time direct through BDM NSW, click here.
Immediately following your ceremony, you will be presented with the offical Certificate of Marriage (on Commonwealth of Australia paper). Theses certificates are uniquely numbered and conclusive evidence of marriage. However, they are not proof of identification.
The registered Marriage Certificate (issued by BDM NSW) can be ordered from BDM NSW and importantly provides proof of identify too.
As such the registered Marriage Certificate is the certificate you require if you are apply for a Visa or what to use the Marriage Certificate to change your name. Log onto the Couples Portal to order it direct through BDM NSW.
FAQs – After your marriage
No. There is nothing you have to do after your ceremony to register your marriage. Your marriage celebrant will take care of this.
However, if you require the registered Certificate of Marriage (issued by BDM NSW) you will need to order it. You can do this prior to your ceremony by logging onto the Couples’ Portal or for a month after your ceremony. Alternatively, after your ceremony you can order it at any time direct through BDM NSW, click here.
Immediately following your ceremony, you will be presented with the offical Certificate of Marriage (on Commonwealth of Australia paper). These certificates are uniquely numbered and conclusive evidence of marriage. However, they are not proof of identification.
The registered Marriage Certificate (issued by BDM NSW) can be ordered from BDM NSW and importantly provides proof of identify too.
As such the registered Marriage Certificate is the certificate you require if you are applying for a Visa or you want to change your name surname. If you want to hyphen or merge your surnames, or do anything else creative, you will need to go through the change of name process through BDM.
Prior to your ceremony or up to a month after your ceremony, you can order the registered Marriage Certificate by logging onto the Couples’ Portal. No additional forms are required to be completed. The total fee is $100 ($60 for BDM plus a $40 admin fee).
Alternatively, after your ceremony, you can order it at any time direct through BDM NSW, click here.
Unfortunately, errors on your Marriage Certificate have to be corrected through BDM NSW.
You will need to complete an Application to correct an Entry – click here for the form
Please, please, please double check everything when completing the NoIM.
FAQs – General
With the aim of keeping everyone happy and smiling we have set out detailed Terms and Conditions so we are all on the same page. Please read through these before making your booking. Click here to see Terms and Conditions
So sorry to hear that you have not been completely satisfied by our services. Please contact us by phone +61280033919 or at wedo@simpleceremonies.com.au. If you are then not completely satisfied please click here to make an official complaint to the AG.
Prior to your ceremony or up to a month after your ceremony, you can order the registered Marriage Certificate by logging onto the Couples’ Portal. No additional forms are required to be completed. The total fee is $100 ($60 for BDM plus $40 for admin).
Alternatively, after your ceremony, you can order it at any time direct through BDM NSW, click here.
To start with, we do NOT share your information with anyone other than the NSW Government body Births, Deaths and Marriages NSW.
In addition, we regularly purge your details following your ceremony.
But the main way we protect your details is to get experts to do ;-). Organisations that have full cyber security accreditation.
So check out our data host Logiforms
All celebrants should operate in accordance with a Code of Conduct as issued by the Australian Attorney General. To see the code click on this link. https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/publications/code-practice-marriage-celebrants
To answer all of your questions on getting married head to Simple Ceremonies, call or email us.
