Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What does it take to be legally married in Australia?

You must:

  1. In Australia you must be aged 18 or over. If you are under 18, you need to apply to a Judge or Magistrate for court permission to marry.

  2. You must provide a copy of your birth certificate and photo identification. If you were not born in Australia, you can provide a foreign passport instead of a birth certificate.

  3. You must complete a Notice of Intended Marriage form and lodge it with your celebrant at least 1 month and 1 day before the wedding date.

  4. Finally, you must sign a declaration indicating that there are no impediments to you being married. All other documentation requirements, including for couples who are living overseas, can be discussed with your celebrant.

Note: As your celebrant, I can provide the form to you, or you can also download it from http://www.ag.gov.au/celebrants. The notice period can be shortened under exceptional circumstances by applying to a Prescribed Authority: http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Marriage_GettingMarried_PrescribedAuthorities

  1. Two witnesses, aged 18 or over, must sign the marriage certificates, along with the bride and groom.

- Are there any parts of a civil ceremony that are mandatory?

The style and tone of your ceremony is up to you. However, as a minimum you must say these words, or words to this effect

“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, A.B. (or C.D.), take you, C.D. (or A.B.), to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband)”

The celebrant must say these words, or words to this effect:

“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 a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

2. What does a civil wedding ceremony look like?

Your ceremony can be as traditional or unique as you want it to be. There is a lot of flexibility in a civil ceremony.

You can choose any event order you like and you can include just the minimum words or add rituals or other meaningful aspects such as readings and music.

A sample ceremony includes:

  • Entry of the wedding party (Processional)
  • Welcoming
  • Giving away / joining of families
  • Opening by Celebrant
  • Opening prayer/poem/reading/music
  • Monitum / Legal - from the Marriage Act and said by Celebrant
  • Declaration of Intention to Marry
  • Wedding Vows
  • Ring Ceremony
  • Second prayer/poem/reading/music
  • Signing the register
  • The couple, as husband and wife, join their guests (Recessional)

3. Besides weddings, what type of ceremonies do you perform?

Commitment ceremonies
Commitment ceremonies have no legal requirements and are not registered. They are an opportunity for couples to formalise their love and the meaning of their relationship in the company of others. The ceremony can follow a similar form to that of a wedding, aside from the legalities, or can be tailored for your needs.

Same sex ceremonies
While marriage remains illegal for gay and lesbian couples in Australia, a commitment ceremony enables you to share your love and the meaning of your relationship with others.

Renewal of vows ceremony
This ceremony is also known as a re-affirmation ceremony. Couples choose to declare their continued commitment to each other for many reasons. These might include marking a special anniversary, relationship survival and strengthening through difficult circumstances or to acknowledge their continued love after being together for some or many years. As there are no legal requirements for these ceremonies, they can be tailored to celebrate exactly what you wish to cover.

4. What name should the bride use to sign all forms?

The surname that you are currently using should be used. This will typically be your family name or the name you have taken on from a prior marriage.

5. What happens if we need to postpone our wedding date?

Your Notice Of Intended Marriage is valid for 18 months from the date you signed it and your wedding date can easily be changed.

6. If we bring all the necessary documents, can we get married today, or tomorrow?

No. To abide with Australian laws you must have all your documentation when you fill out the Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month and one day prior to the marriage, but not longer than 18 months before.

The period of Notice can be shortened in exceptional circumstances by applying to a Prescribed Authority.

7. Is the certificate we get on the day of the ceremony sufficient as proof of marriage?

In most cases the certificate provided is sufficient. However, to change your name for an Australian passport, you will require the "registered" marriage certificate. This certificate can be obtained from the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. A fee applies.

8. How long does the ceremony take?

The legal part of the wedding takes about 5 minutes. Most ceremonies take around 20 minutes with the inclusion of readings, music or some words from a close friend or family member.

9. What happens if you get sick and cannot make the ceremony?

Unless I am at death's door, I will perform your ceremony. In the event that I am too ill, I have a wonderful group of celebrants I can call on at short notice to perform your ceremony.

10. We plan to have the ceremony and reception on a boat. Would you stay onboard after the ceremony?

No, I would ask the captain to take me back to the pick up point or, if that isn’t possible, I would order a water taxi (this would be at your expense) to return me to the pick up point.

11. Will you stay for the reception after the ceremony?

No, I will leave quietly and discreetly once the ceremony is finished, occasionally staying for a congratulatory drink.

12. We are planning the ceremony in a park. What happens if there are people around at the time of the ceremony?

Provided you have written permission from the relevant local Council to hold the ceremony in a public venue, you may ask them to move. I will be pleased to do this on your behalf.