FAQ's
Getting Married in Australia
Welcome to the ultimate FAQ list for getting married in Australia! Here, we’ll tackle all the common questions couples have about tying the knot Down Under.
Let’s dive in!
Legal Requirements and Documentation
ANSWER: The NOIM is a legal document you must lodge with an authorised celebrant at least one month before your wedding. It’s your official declaration that you intend to get married.
ANSWER: Fill out our handy Google form with your details, and we’ll generate the NOIM for you. You’ll need to sign it in front of an authorised witness, like a celebrant, JP, or police officer, and then submit it to your chosen celebrant.
ANSWER: You’ll need original birth certificates or passports. If you’ve been married before, you’ll also need divorce papers or a death certificate from the previous marriage.
ANSWER: The NOIM is valid for up to 18 months from the date you lodge it. So, plenty of time to plan that dream wedding!
ANSWER: In exceptional circumstances, you can apply for a shortening of time with the relevant authority, but it’s generally a one-month minimum.
ANSWER: This is a legal form you and your partner sign before the wedding, stating that you’re free to marry each other. It’s usually signed close to the wedding date.
ANSWER: Besides the NOIM and the Declaration of No Legal Impediment, you must ensure both partners are over 18 years old and not already married. Consult your celebrant for any additional requirements.
ANSWER: Your celebrant will handle the registration of your marriage with the state or territory registry. You’ll receive your official marriage certificate in the mail after the registration is complete.
ANSWER: Yes, all necessary documents, such as the NOIM and the Declaration of No Legal Impediment, need to be submitted before the wedding. Our Google form will help streamline this process.
ANSWER: You will need to sign three marriage certificates on your wedding day—one for you, one for your celebrant, and one for the registry.
ANSWER: Non-citizens can get married in Australia as long as they meet all the legal requirements. Your celebrant can guide you through any additional documentation needed.
ANSWER: If you need a marriage visa, you should consult with an immigration specialist or the Australian Department of Home Affairs for detailed information and requirements.
Marriage Celebrants
ANSWER: Your celebrant must be a registered marriage celebrant. They’ll guide you through the process and ensure all legal requirements are met.
ANSWER: Look for a celebrant who is registered, professional, and a good fit for your personality and style. Use our Google form to book your celebrant and provide all necessary details.
ANSWER: Fees vary, but typically include consultations, preparation of legal documents, the ceremony, and registration of the marriage. Ask your celebrant for a detailed breakdown.
ANSWER: Only if they’re a registered marriage celebrant. However, you can involve them in the ceremony, such as doing a reading or sharing a personal story.
ANSWER: Absolutely! Your celebrant can help incorporate any cultural or religious elements you’d like. Just discuss your preferences during your planning sessions.
ANSWER: Yes, if you have guests who speak different languages, a bilingual ceremony can make everyone feel included. Discuss this with your celebrant to ensure proper translation and flow.
ANSWER: Consider rituals like handfasting, sand ceremonies, or unity candles. Your celebrant can suggest ideas that align with your values and personalities.
ANSWER: Yes, I can officiate a wedding in Bali, but we need to complete all the legal paperwork in Australia first. This ensures your marriage is legally recognised back home.
ANSWER: Communication is key. Set clear boundaries and focus on what’s important to you as a couple. Your celebrant can also offer advice and support.
ANSWER: Yes! You can personalise your vows, include readings, music, and even write your own script. Just coordinate with your celebrant to ensure everything fits together.
Ceremony Details
ANSWER: Your ceremony will include the Monitum (a legal statement read by the celebrant) and the legal vows. You can personalise the rest with your own vows, readings, and music.
ANSWER: Yes, you need two witnesses over the age of 18 to be present at the ceremony. They’ll sign the marriage certificates along with you and the celebrant.
ANSWER: Absolutely! Your ceremony can take place at any location agreed upon with your celebrant. Just make sure it’s safe and legal.
ANSWER: On your wedding day, you’ll sign three marriage certificates. Your celebrant will register the marriage with the state or territory registry, and you’ll receive an official marriage certificate, which you can use for legal purposes.
ANSWER: Yes! You can personalise your vows, include readings, music, and even write your own script. Just coordinate with your celebrant to ensure everything fits together.
ANSWER: While not mandatory, a rehearsal is highly recommended. It helps everyone understand their roles and ensures the ceremony runs smoothly. Coordinate this with your celebrant.
ANSWER: Yes, you can write your own vows. Personalised vows can make your ceremony even more special and meaningful.
ANSWER: Most wedding ceremonies last between 20 to 30 minutes, but this can vary depending on the elements you choose to include.
ANSWER: The Monitum is a legal statement that the celebrant must read during the ceremony, outlining the nature of marriage according to Australian law.
ANSWER: A civil ceremony is conducted by a civil celebrant and does not include religious elements, whereas a religious ceremony is performed by a religious leader and includes specific religious rituals.
ANSWER: Absolutely! Many couples choose to include their furry friends in the ceremony. Just ensure the venue and celebrant are okay with it.
ANSWER: Yes! Themed weddings are a fun way to express your personalities. Discuss your ideas with your celebrant to ensure everything runs smoothly.
ANSWER: Wear whatever makes you feel fabulous! Whether it’s a traditional gown and tuxedo, cultural attire, or something completely unique, the choice is yours.
ANSWER: Personalise your vows, include meaningful readings or songs, involve loved ones, and choose a unique location. Your celebrant can help brainstorm ideas to make your ceremony one-of-a-kind.
ANSWER: Yes, but it requires careful planning and coordination with your celebrant to ensure all legal requirements are met without tipping off the guests.
Personalising Your Wedding
ANSWER: Consider rituals like handfasting, sand ceremonies, or unity candles. Your celebrant can suggest ideas that align with your values and personalities.
ANSWER: Absolutely! Renewing your vows is a beautiful way to celebrate your ongoing commitment. Your celebrant can help plan a meaningful vow renewal ceremony.
ANSWER: There are many ways to involve children, such as having them as flower girls or ring bearers, or including a special family unity ceremony.
ANSWER: Yes, but remember to handle all legal paperwork in Australia first. This ensures your marriage is legally recognised.
ANSWER: Consider their comfort and enjoyment. Provide clear directions, consider their dietary needs, and plan engaging activities. A good celebrant can help keep the ceremony lively and engaging.
Planning and Logistics
ANSWER: If you need to postpone, your NOIM is still valid for up to 18 months. Just inform your celebrant and any other relevant parties.
ANSWER: Common issues include dealing with family dynamics, managing budgets, coordinating with vendors, and handling last-minute changes. Your celebrant can provide support and guidance to navigate these challenges.
ANSWER: Yes, but remember to handle all legal paperwork in Australia first. This ensures your marriage is legally recognised.
ANSWER: Yes, I can officiate a wedding in Bali, but we need to complete all the legal paperwork in Australia first. This ensures your marriage is legally recognised back home.
ANSWER: You can use the official marriage certificate as proof to change your name on documents like your driver’s licence, passport, and bank accounts.
ANSWER: Communication is key. Set clear boundaries and focus on what’s important to you as a couple. Your celebrant can also offer advice and support.
ANSWER: Consider factors like weather, availability of your desired venue and celebrant, and any significant dates for you and your partner.
ANSWER: Your ceremony will include the Monitum (a legal statement read by the celebrant) and the legal vows. You can personalise the rest with your own vows, readings, and music.
ANSWER: Stay calm and communicate with your celebrant and vendors. Flexibility and a positive attitude can help navigate last-minute changes.
ANSWER: Have a backup plan! Consider indoor options or tents. Embrace the weather and remember, a little rain is said to be good luck on your wedding day.