Important Points...
- A signed Notice Of Intended Marriage form must be received by the celebrant at least one calendar month prior to the wedding ceremony. This can be by fax or email as long as the original is also received before the wedding.
- The celebrant must sight your original birth certificates prior to the marriage if you were born in Australia. These can be obtained from the relevant authority in the State in which you were born, and you should allow at least three weeks for delivery. If you were born overseas, a valid overseas passport can be used as evidence of name, but if you have become an Australian Citizen then an overseas birth certificate must be produced. If neither the original birth certificate or passport can be produced, a Statutory Declaration must be signed.
- Where either the bride or groom has been widowed or divorced, death or divorce certificates must be sighted by the celebrant prior to the marriage.
- Where a person wishes to marry while under the age of 18, consent for the marriage must be obtained from a magistrate as well as from the parents. Consent cannot be given if both parties are under the age of 18.
Renewal of vows ceremonies, Commitment ceremonies and and Re-affirmation ceremonies require no legal documentation and tend to be more personal and spiritual rather than official.
For more information on the legal aspects and requirements of getting married see these websites:
