What Legal Documents Do We Need to Get Married in Australia?

Planning a wedding is a big deal - and while the party planning is the fun part, there’s also a few legal must-dos to make it all official-official. But don’t worry - I’ve got you covered.

Here’s what you need to know:

The NOIM (Notice of Intended Marriage)

This baby is the big one we need to start with. You need to complete the NOIM at least 30 days before your wedding date but no earlier than 18 months out. But before you start spiralling about forms and legal jargon - I’ve gotchu.

Here’s how I make it easy as:

💌 Step 1: I’ll send you a super simple online link to complete your NOIM details (no printing or scanning required).

🪪 Step 2: Once I’ve sighted your ID and other relevant documents such as divorce decrees, I’ll print the official NOIM form and have it ready to go for our planning meeting.

🖊️ Step 3: We’ll sign the NOIM together with me as your witness - and I’ll take care of lodging it officially so it’s all legal and above board. We can even lodge this online via Zoom/Facetime if you are unable to meet in person.

Boom. Done. Legalities sorted without the headache.

On the Day: What We Sign

Before the ceremony kicks off:
We’ll sign the Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marry. Sounds intense, but it’s basically just a fancy way of saying you both consent to the marriage and there’s nothing legally stopping it from happening. Easy.

At the arbour, when it’s time to make it official:
You’ll need two witnesses (any legends you like, as long as they’re over 18), and together we’ll sign:

💍 Two Marriage Certificates
These are identical forms, but legally we need two – one stays with me for record-keeping, and the other is sent off to Births, Deaths & Marriages to officially register your marriage.

🇦🇺 One Commonwealth Certificate
This is your cute little keepsake from the day – not valid for legal stuff, but super cute to frame!

After the Wedding

No need to stress about the paperwork - I’ve got that covered too.

Once you're off dancing into married life, I’ll take care of registering your marriage with Births, Deaths & Marriages. I’ll also send you a link to order your official marriage certificate (you’ll need that baby if you’re changing your name or updating any legal docs).

FYI: The commemorative certificate you sign on the day is adorable - but you can’t use it to change your name - you still need to order the offical one from BDM,

Bottom line?
Hire a celebrant who knows her sh*t, keeps it chill, and makes sure absolutely everything is covered. No stress, no confusion, just a whole lotta love and legally binding vibes. 💃🏼📜💫 HINT: It’s me - hi!

Reach out here to see if i’m available for your date. Spoiler alert: I book out FAST!