Making
your Marriage Legal
The legal side of getting married in Australia is quite
straightforward, as long as you follow the rules. That's
where I come in. I'll coach you and hold your hand
through the process!
Boring? I do my best to make it as un-boring as
possible.
Heads-up>>> While different celebrants
can and will offer you differing personal styles, ideas,
and ceremonial inclusions, every celebrant is
required
to make sure that the legal service they provide
complies with the Marriage Act. It's the law. But in
depth knowledge counts too, particularly if you have
unusual or difficult identity or other issues. Which is
why I can guarantee to make the legal side of getting
married as pain-free as possible for you. It can
actually be fun, with a little help!
What you must do
To marry in Australia you must
- be at least 18 and not married to anyone else
- give a full month written notice to your celebrant
Notice of
Intended Marriage form
- have two witnesses present who are at least 18
years of age (they do not have to be Australian
citizens or Australian residents, and can be blood
relatives, friends, or strangers)
- prove your age, place of birth, and identity by
showing your celebrant official documents
- if you've been married before, prove that you are
now free to marry again (divorce or death
certificate)
- make the declarations required by the Marriage Act
- make vows in the form required by the Marriage Act
- use an official interpreter if understanding
English is a problem for you or for one of
your witnesses
My Job (legally)
My job is to make sure that everything is done properly
according to law, so that you are legally married.
A word about lodgement
The world "lodge" probably causes more
confusion/misunderstand than any other word associated
with weddings. What it means is that you put the Notice
into the hands of the person who is going to marry you.
When you do that (and it can be done by email for the
purpose of starting the clock ticking) the Notice is
lodged - and it then stays in the custody of your
celebrant until after the wedding at which time it is
sent in to Births Deaths and Marriages along with the
paperwork you sign on the day to register your marriage.
Explaining a Prohibited
Relationship
In Australia, there are certain people you cannot
legally marry. These are people who are in a close
relationship with you, either biologically, or by
adoption. Click on the graphic to enlarge it.
detailed information about completing the
Notice of Intended Marriage correctly
Common errors when
completing the Notice of Intended Marriage
Download my Legal
Notes: Getting Married in Australia sheet
more information about Wedding
Ceremonies