- Marriage in Australia is the union of 2 people.
- The marriage can be celebrated in any location in Australia.
- Must be conducted by a Registered Celebrant.
- In the presence of at least two witnesses (18+).
- The current Marriage Act requires that a Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged with the authorised celebrant no earlier than 18 months and no later than one month before the date of the marriage. You can download the form here.
- A person may marry if they are under 18 in certain circumstances. Please consult with your celebrant.
Legal Requirements
The celebrant is required to sight the following original documents. Photocopies or copies certified by a Justice of the Peace are not acceptable.
- An official (original) certificate of birth, or an official extract of an entry in an official register showing the date and place of birth.
- If you cannot obtain a copy of your birth certificate then a current Australian or overseas passport is acceptable.
- If either party has been previously married, the Decree Absolute or Divorce Certificate.
- If you are a widow or widower, the Death Certificate of your late spouse.
- If any certificates are written in another language, a translation by an accredited translator is required.
- Evidence of identity: a driver’s licence, a proof of age/photo card, an Australian or overseas passport or a Certificate of Australian Citizenship along with another form of photo ID.
Same Sex Marriage
In November 2017, the people of Australia voted and the bill to legalise same-sex marriage was passed by the Senate. The bill was debated and passed through the Lower House in December 2017, paving the way for same-sex marriage to be legalised by Christmas.
As of 9 December 2017, sex or gender no longer affects the right to marry under Australian law and same-sex marriage has become legal. Marriage in Australia is now redefined as ‘the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life’.
The conditions for a valid marriage have not changed. Under Australian law, a couple must wait at least one month to marry after giving an authorised celebrant a completed Notice of Intended Marriage form. In certain circumstances, a couple can seek permission from a prescribed authority to marry earlier.
We would love to be part of your very special day by creating a bespoke ceremony for you, one that that meets your needs and expectations, one that you will never forget.
It is a magical moment when a couple declares their love for each other, and we hope that you will let us be part of your special day. We look forward to creating a ceremony that is perfect for you – all couples, all love.