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Legal obligations must be met by both parties when marrying in Australia. Some of these are:
• you must be 18 years of age or over unless granted special permission by a Magistrate or Births, Deaths & Marriages
• if you were born in Australia, you must show your original birth certificate. Deed poll name changes, passports and/or statutory declarations cannot be accepted
• if you were born outside Australia, you must show your overseas passport &/or birth certificate. If you do not have these, a statutory declaration is required
• if divorced, you must show your Divorce Decree Absolute or Divorce Certificate
• if widowed, you must show the Death Certificate of a previous spouse
• you need 2 witnesses over the age of 18 (I can assist with this for elopements or if you are travelling from overseas)
• the Notice of Intended Marriage Form must be lodged with an authorised Civil Celebrant at least one month and one day prior to your wedding, but not more than 18 months
• all your names (Christian & surnames) as they appear on your birth certificate must be included on all official marriage documents
• a registered translator is needed if one or both of you do not speak and/or understand English.
Q: I'm travelling from overseas & will only arrive in Australia a day or two before the wedding. Who can assist with the official documents?
I'll guide you through the documents. You may also seek assistance from your local Australian Embassy or High Commission. Documents must be witnessed by an Australian Diplomatic Officer, an Australian Consular Officer or a Notary Public (a solicitor is not necessarily a Notary Public). Once witnessed, return them to me by fax or email in .pdf form. You must bring the originals with you.
Q: We want to get married in 2 weeks. It this possible?
By law, you must give one month & one day's notice. Under exceptional circumstances, this may be shortened if approved by a local court or Births, Deaths & Marriages. Reasons for shortening may be employment related or other travel commitments, wedding celebration arrangements, religious considerations, medical reasons, legal proceedings or an error in giving notice.
Helpful Websites
Getting Married in Australia.
This government website includes the Notice of Intended Marriage form, lists authorised celebrants and has some legal information
NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages
for NSW birth & marriage certificates
Need translator services? Try Sydney City Council or Community Services
Weather predictions? Try the Bureau of Meteorology or Weather Zone
How to locate an Australian Consulate or Embassy? Contact the Dept of Foreign Affairs
Need a Statutory Declaration? Go to the Attorney General's website
Remember, as a Civil Celebrant, I'm here to help & ensure all the official requirements are met.
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