Did you know?

A marriage cannot be solemnised in Australia unless:

• A Notice of Intended Marriage (NIM) has been given to a celebrant at least one month from your wedding date.  This is the first legal document that couples need to attend to.  Once received, your form is valid up to 18 months from the date of receipt by the Celebrant.
• Evidence of the date and place of birth of the bride and groom has been produced – birth certificate or valid overseas passport.  An Australian passport can be accepted.
• The bride and groom have made a declaration as to his and her belief that there is no legal impediment to the marriage.  This is the second legal document that couples will be asked to sign before the marriage can be solemnised.
• You must be over the age of 18 years.  Marriage of any person under the age of 18 years requires permission from a judge or local magistrate.  Note that this is rarely granted.  Further, no two persons under the age of 18 years can marry.

Documentation

The following documentation is required to be sighted by myself – depending on your marital status.

If you are born overseas, and your documentation (Birth certificate, Divorce Certificate etc…) are:

• In a foreign language, your documents will need to be translated into English.  This will be the couple’s responsibility to have their documentation translated.
• Misplaced or destroyed, you can overcome this be completing a Statutory Declaration.