Camden, Macarthur & Greater Sydney, NSW Call Dinah: 0409 790 318 dinahgould40@gmail.com
Knowledge & Guidance

Legal Guide & FAQs

The Essentials

Australian Marriage Legal Checklist

Getting married in Australia is straightforward when you have the right celebrant guiding you. Here are the 4 fundamental legal steps:

1
NOIM 1-Month Rule

The Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged at least 1 calendar month before the ceremony date (and within 18 months).

2
Proof of Identity & Age

Original Passports OR original Birth Certificates + government photo ID (e.g. Driver's Licence) must be sighted.

3
Two Adult Witnesses

You must have two witnesses who are at least 18 years of age present to sign the marriage register and certificates.

4
Mandatory Vows

The celebrant says the legal Monitum and each partner recites the mandatory legal vows required by the Marriage Act 1961.

Answers to Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The NOIM is the legal form that notifies the Australian Government of your intention to marry. It must be lodged with your celebrant at least 1 month prior to your wedding day. Dinah will supply the official form, assist you with completing the details, and witness your signatures.

If either party has been previously married, you must provide proof that the previous marriage has officially ended. This is done by presenting an original Certificate of Divorce (or Certificate of Dissolution) or an official Death Certificate if your former spouse has passed away.

Yes! There are no Australian residency or citizenship requirements to legally marry in Australia. As long as you are both over 18, not already legally married, and meet the 1-month NOIM requirement with valid passports, you can marry here.

Under the Australian Marriage Act 1961, the celebrant must state the Monitum:
"I am duly authorized by law to solemnize marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life."
Additionally, each person must say the legal vow: "I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [Name], take thee, [Name], to be my lawful wedded wife / husband / spouse / partner in marriage." All other parts of the script can be personalized!

On your wedding day, you will be presented with a ceremonial presentation certificate. Within 14 days of your ceremony, Dinah lodges all signed official marriage documents online with NSW Births Deaths & Marriages (BDM). You can then order your official standard certificate from BDM for passport changes and legal name changes.

Dinah always recommends having a backup plan (Plan B) with your venue or a marquee setup. Dinah brings weather protection for her wireless PA equipment and will seamlessly adapt the setup to your backup indoor location.