Are you after an authentic, relaxed ceremony?
- Call Me Now!
-
How to get legally married in Australia
Before tying the knot, it’s important to know the legalities of getting married in Australia.
Read the below information to ensure that your marriage in Australia is binding here and overseas.
Do I need to be a citizen to get married in Australia?
Short answer, no. While you don’t need to be a citizen to get married in Australia, you do need to follow the legal requirements of Australian citizens when they get married locally.
Please Note: If you are an international couple that is considering de facto or partnership immigration, that is, gaining permanent residency in Australia following your marriage, you will still need to sign a NOIM prior to getting married in Australia.
Download the Notice of Intended Marriage Form
Download
Notice of Intended Marriage
Click on the link to download and fill out your Notice of Intended Marriage form
Note: Your form must be signed in my presence.
What do I need to get married in Australia?
Getting married in Australia is a fairly simple process, even for those born outside of Australia.
Step 1: NOIM Form (Notice of Intended Marriage)
A NOIM is a Notice of Intended Marriage form that must be signed by both partners one month prior to your wedding. Australian marriage law states that, regardless of your country of birth, you must sign the NOIM and have your nominated celebrant submit it. The NOIM is valid for 18 months.
Australia is a popular destination for weddings, and many couples travel from overseas to tie the knot here. While the process of getting married in Australia is fairly straightforward, there are some specific considerations for couples who are not Australian citizens.
The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form is a crucial document that must be signed by both partners, regardless of their country of origin. This requirement is set by Australian marriage law.
Step 2: Additional paperwork
If you plan to gain permanent residency in Australia after the wedding, some countries require some extra paperwork in addition to the NOIM. Some countries may need you to submit a ‘Letter for Immigration’ for the Australian Government. To see whether this paperwork applies to you, visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Time Differences and Mailing Documents
Planning a wedding from overseas can involve logistical challenges, such as navigating time differences and ensuring the reliable delivery of documents. It’s advisable to start the NOIM process well in advance to allow for any potential delays in mail or communication. Consider utilising secure and express courier services to ensure essential documents arrive on time.
A marriage ceremony in Australia requires two witnesses. These witnesses play a vital role in the legal proceedings, as they are required to sign the marriage certificates, attesting to the fact that the marriage took place.
Step 3: Proof of identification
Both for Australian-born couples, both parties are required to show their birth certificates or passports, driver’s licence or photo I.D card. For those born outside of Australia, your birth certificate is required with an English translation, or passport from your country of birth as well as your driver’s licence.
Step 4: Second marriage couples
If either partner has been married previously, marriage law requires you to show your Divorce Decree Absolute papers. Similarly, if a previous spouse is deceased, a Death Certificate is required.
Step 5: Witnesses
This part is easy. Get two of your closest friends (if eloping, this can be the photographer on the day or your very closest family members) who are both over 18 and can sign as witnesses of your wedding. These people will need to be present on the day.
Role of Witnesses
The role of a witness is to be present during the ceremony and to confirm that the marriage took place. They don’t need to be Australian citizens, but they must be able to understand English or have an interpreter present.
Witnesses for Elopements
For couples who are eloping, finding witnesses might seem challenging. However, the photographer or even close family members can act as witnesses. In some cases, your celebrant can help provide witnesses if necessary.
Once the NOIM form is completed and signed, it needs to be lodged with the celebrant. The celebrant is responsible for ensuring that the form is completed correctly and for submitting it to the relevant authorities.
How I can help
As your celebrant, I can help provide a fun, loving and memorable ceremony.
But my most important job is to make sure all legal requirements are met.
As a part of my fees, I provide you with advice and support to ensure all marriage law requirements have been adhered to. I’ll even submit all paperwork on your behalf!
With years of experience working with couples from overseas and in the Noosa area, I understand how to make your Australian destination wedding smooth, quick, and easy. Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding or an intimate elopement, I’m here to help.
If a face-to-face meeting isn’t possible, I’m happy to chat via Skype or phone to discuss your requirements and ensure everything is perfect for your special day.
Feel free to reach out – I’m happy to have a no-obligation chat about how I can assist you.
Your Dream Ceremony with Noosa-Style Ceremonies
Your Dream Ceremony with Noosa-Style Ceremonies
At Noosa Style Ceremonies, your wedding day should reflect your unique love story. I offer a range of personalised celebrant services to make your ceremony unforgettable. Whether you envision a grand celebration or an intimate elopement, I am here to guide you through the legalities and craft a ceremony that exceeds your expectations. My services include:
- Personalised Wedding Ceremonies: Creating a unique and heartfelt ceremony that reflects your personality and journey as a couple; I work closely with you to design a ceremony that tells your story.
- Elopements: Providing guidance and support for couples seeking a simple yet meaningful elopement experience. I can help you choose the perfect location and ensure your day is intimate and stress-free.
- Legalities and Paperwork: Ensuring all legal requirements are met, including the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) and submission of necessary documentation. I handle all the necessary paperwork so you can focus on enjoying your special day.
- Destination Weddings: Assisting couples in planning their wedding in the beautiful Noosa region and surrounding areas. I offer local knowledge and vendor recommendations to help you create a memorable destination wedding.
I have years of experience working with clients from overseas and from Noosa surrounds who have their unique, sunny destination wedding in Australia. With my help, the process is smooth, quick and easy.
Before commencing the legal process, I’ll sit down with you and your partner to understand what legal requirements you need to adhere to when getting married in Australia. Whether you’re after a traditional wedding or an intimate elopement, I’m here to help.
If you aren’t available for a face-to-face meeting, that’s fine too!
I am available to speak to you over Skype and/or phone to discuss all the requirements in advance of your destination wedding to ensure everything goes according to plan on your special day.
Don’t commit to a thing. Let’s just chat about how I might be able to help.
Wedding Locations
Wedding celebrants don’t just service their hometown; a good wedding celebrant will travel to you!
Primarily located in Noosa, I’m available to travel to where you want to hold your ceremony within a reasonable distance.
This includes:
- Sunshine Coast
- Brisbane
- Noosa
- Caloundra
- Maleny
- And beyond
Ready to book a celebrant?
Better to grab a wedding celebrant early and get it out of the way.
Let me take care of the dry legal stuff while you enjoy the good stuff.
Decided to take the plunge? Leave the rest to me!
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s make your ceremony unforgettable, no matter how many champagnes you have.
Got a vision for your wedding? I’d love to hear it.
Let’s chat