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What are the legal requirements to get married in australia?
To be legally married in Australia you must:
You don’t have to be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia to marry in Australia. However, this might come with extra paperwork required from your country of origin.
You almost have two witnesses over the age of 18. These witnesses will be signing the Marriage Certificates at the wedding ceremony.
As your Celebrant, I will step you through all of the legal requirements and it is my responsibility to ensure that all the legal requirements are met before we can continue on.
- Not already be married.
- Not be a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or sister of the person you’re marrying.
- Be at least 18 years old (or if one party to the marriage is 16 – 18 years old, you must have a court order approval)
- Understand what marriage means and freely agree to marry.
- Use specific legal words during the ceremony – The Monitum and Your Legal Vows. You may also say your personal vows, this is optional.
- Give a Notice of Intended Marriage form (known as the NOIM) to an Authorised Marriage Celebrant.
- Be married by an Authorised Marriage Celebrant.
You don’t have to be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia to marry in Australia. However, this might come with extra paperwork required from your country of origin.
You almost have two witnesses over the age of 18. These witnesses will be signing the Marriage Certificates at the wedding ceremony.
As your Celebrant, I will step you through all of the legal requirements and it is my responsibility to ensure that all the legal requirements are met before we can continue on.
When should we book our Celebrant?
Once you have decided on the date of your wedding and you have booked your venue, the next crucial person you should book is your Celebrant.
What legal documents does the Celebrant need to see?
The first legal document that needs to be completed is the Notice of Intended Marriage, known as the NOIM. Your Celebrant will need to establish your identity, the place of your birth and if you are free to marry.
You will need to provide your Birth Certificate, current Passport, Driver's Licence, Divorce Certificate, if applicable and death certificate of your previous spouse, if applicable.
As your Celebrant, I will guide you through this process and provide you with a comprehensive list of the documents. You will need to provide your identity can be established and the details can be completed in the NOIM.
If any of your documentation is in another language, I will only accept a translation certified by a NAATI-qualified translator. Please visit this website for details: www.naati.com.au
If your name differs from your Birth Certificate, I will need to sight a previous Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Certificate issued by Birth, Deaths and Marriages from the state you were residing in at the time of the name change.
You will need to provide your Birth Certificate, current Passport, Driver's Licence, Divorce Certificate, if applicable and death certificate of your previous spouse, if applicable.
As your Celebrant, I will guide you through this process and provide you with a comprehensive list of the documents. You will need to provide your identity can be established and the details can be completed in the NOIM.
If any of your documentation is in another language, I will only accept a translation certified by a NAATI-qualified translator. Please visit this website for details: www.naati.com.au
If your name differs from your Birth Certificate, I will need to sight a previous Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Certificate issued by Birth, Deaths and Marriages from the state you were residing in at the time of the name change.
Can I keep my name after I am married
Yes, you do not need to take your partner’s name once you are married. Being married does not automatically change your name.
Will you officiate a same-sex marriage?
Yes, of course! I value inclusiveness and respect for all. I am happy to provide a service to anyone as long as the legal requirements can be established and there are no barriers to the two parties being joined in marriage.
I’m marrying someone from overseas. Will they become an Australian citizen once we are married?
No, you will not be granted citizen ship just because you a have a married and Australian Citizen.
For all matters related to citizenship and migration, I would strongly encourage you to consult legal advice from a migration lawyer or from the Department of Home Affairs
For all matters related to citizenship and migration, I would strongly encourage you to consult legal advice from a migration lawyer or from the Department of Home Affairs
We are not Australian Citizens – can we get married here?
Yes, just as long as we can satisfy all of the legal requirements. I would strongly recommend that you check with your home country to make sure they will recognise your Australian marriage.
Can you help us to write our personal vows?
Absolutely. I will be able to provide you with some resources and coaching if required. There is really nothing to be shy of… It’s wonderful to express yourself in a creative way. It’s something that will become a precious memory for you and your guests.
The wedding day will be a day of celebration, so can I have a drink while getting ready?
Yes, but you must not be under the influence at the ceremony. If either party to the marriage be intoxicated at the ceremony, the marriage ceremony cannot be completed …. Only a commitment ceremony can be performed. So please be mindful.
Should either of the witnesses be intoxicated, we can ask them to step aside and allow another person who is over the age of 18 to act as the Couples witness.
Should either of the witnesses be intoxicated, we can ask them to step aside and allow another person who is over the age of 18 to act as the Couples witness.
Is a rehearsal mandatory?
No, it’s not mandatory, however, I will strongly recommend that we have a rehearsal to go over some styling and stage crafting points. The rehearsal will help other parties to the ceremony to feel confident about their role in the ceremony… and besides, its fun to have a practice run!
How far will you travel for our wedding?
Do you have a question I haven’t answered in the FAQs? Get in touch with me with any questions you may have. I’ll be happy to assist you.