How it works – The Celebrant From Snowy River

Getting Married in Australia: The Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’re ready to tie the knot in Australia! Buckle up because we’re about to take you on a fun-filled journey through the steps to make it happen. And yes, I’m a bit of a nerd, so we’re going to use a Google form to fill in the details, automatically generating all the documents we need. Let’s get started!

Step 1

Choose Your Marriage Celebrant

DOCUMENT ALERT: Marriage Celebrant Booking

FINDING THE ONE (AGAIN): Pick a registered celebrant (I hear the Celebrant from Snowy River is a good one) who can legally tie the knot. Not just any random person off the street!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Someone who’s empathetic, communicative, and professional (but also a bit of fun helps).

HOW TO BOOK: Give me a call to see if we are a good fit. 0401 007 373.

Step 2

Fill in the Online Google Form

DOCUMENT ALERT: Online Marriage Details Form

WHAT IS IT?: A comprehensive Google form designed to gather all the essential details about your wedding.
WHY IT’S AWESOME: It automates the creation of all necessary documents, making the process smooth and efficient.

HOW TO DO IT: Fill in the form with all the important details. It takes about 30 minutes per person, but it covers both the legal talk and the wonderful aspects of your love story.

Step 3

Meeting and Document Review

DOCUMENT ALERT: Services Engagement Agreement

WHAT’S THE PLAN?: We will meet either in person or virtually online via a Google Meet video conference.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED: Bring your original birth certificates or passports, and if you’ve been married before, your divorce papers or death certificate (let’s hope it’s the former).
WHAT WE’LL DO: I will review all the details from the online form and ensure everything is in order. If you’re happy with everything, I will give you a Services Engagement Agreement and you’ll need to put down a half deposit to secure your spot.

Step 4

Notice of Intended

Marriage (NOIM)
DOCUMENT ALERT: Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

WHAT IS IT?: The NOIM is your official “Hey, we’re getting married!” shout-out to the government.
WHEN TO DO IT: At least one month before your wedding day. Procrastinators, beware!
HOW TO SUBMIT: Use my super geeky Google form to provide all the details. It’s like magic—fill it out, and voilà, your NOIM is ready!

Step 5

Legal Declarations

DOCUMENT ALERT: Declaration of No Legal Impediment

WHAT’S THIS?: This is where you solemnly swear you’re not already married to someone else (awkward…).
WHEN TO DO IT: Close to the big day, witnessed by your fabulous celebrant.

HOW TO COMPLETE: Once again, our trusty Google form will generate this for you. I know, I’m amazing.

Step 6

Find Your Witnesses

WHO DO YOU NEED?: Two fabulous friends or family members who are over 18 and can sign their names legibly (seriously, we need to read it).
WHAT THEY DO: Stand there looking important and sign the marriage certificates.

HOW TO REGISTER THEM: You guessed it, through our Google form.

Step 7

The Big Day – Marriage Ceremony

WHAT HAPPENS?: The ceremony must include the Monitum (legal jargon read by the celebrant) and your vows (time to get sappy or hilarious, your choice).
PERSONALISE IT: Add readings, music, interpretive dance—whatever floats your boat.
WHERE TO DO IT: Anywhere your heart desires. Just coordinate with your celebrant (also through our form).

Step 8

Sign the Marriage Certificates

DOCUMENT ALERT: Marriage Certificate

ON THE DAY: You, your spouse, the celebrant, and your witnesses will sign three certificates including your official form 15. It’s a signing party!
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Your celebrant will register the marriage with the state or territory registry.

Step 9

Post-Wedding Paperwork

NAME CHANGE: If you’re taking your partner’s name, use the official marriage certificate as proof.
DOCUMENT UPDATES: Update your driver’s licence, passport, bank accounts, and anything else that needs your new name.

HOW TO DO IT: Keep a copy of the marriage certificate safe (use the Google form for a request if you need another copy).

To make the process easy, I have created a Google form that you can fill in with all the details of your wedding. This will help me prepare all of your forms for our first meeting.