Never been married
- Passport or original birth certificate (or authorised extract)
- Photo ID (e.g. driving licence)
Weddings I Do
Legal Requirements
Getting married in Australia
Whether you live in Sydney or are flying in from overseas, the legal steps to marry in Australia are straightforward. Here is what you need to know.
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The process
Three simple steps to say I do
Every couple marrying in Australia follows the same legal pathway. Here is the outline.
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Lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage
Complete a Notice of Intended Marriage (NIM) at least one month and one day before your wedding.
You can sign it with your celebrant in person. If you live interstate or overseas, you can sign in front of a Justice of the Peace or another prescribed authority, then scan and send the form to me to process.
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Bring your identity documents
When you sign the Notice you must show evidence of your date and place of birth - usually a passport or original birth certificate — plus photo ID such as a driving licence. If you have been married before, bring your original divorce papers (or a death certificate if you are widowed).
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Ceremony day and registration
On your wedding day your celebrant solemnises the marriage. You, your partner and two witnesses sign the marriage certificates.
Your celebrant then registers the marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state where you married, and lodges the paperwork with the Registry.
What documents will you need?
Bring originals (or authorised extracts) to your first interview. Use the checklist that matches your situation.
Born overseas
- Passport or original birth certificate
- Photo ID
- Plus any divorce or death certificate that applies (see below)
Previously divorced
- Passport or original birth certificate
- Photo ID
- Original Divorce Certificate (Decree Absolute)
Widow or widower
- Passport or original birth certificate
- Photo ID
- Death certificate of your late spouse
Overseas couples
Flying in from overseas?
Overseas couples can marry legally in Australia. You do not need to be an Australian resident or citizen.
The Notice of Intended Marriage can be signed before you travel in front of a prescribed authority in your home country and then scan and sent to me by email. Bring your passports and any divorce or death certificates with you.
After the ceremony, your Certificate of Marriage can be posted to your overseas address. Janet handles the legal documents end to end so you can enjoy your Sydney wedding without stress.
View Overseas Couples
Age requirement
For a civil marriage ceremony in Australia, both of you must be 18 years of age. Permission for someone under 18 can only be granted by a Judge through the courts, and is rarely given.
About the Notice of Intended Marriage
The NIM must be signed at least one month and one day before you can be validly married. Once signed, the form is valid for 18 months only so if your plans change, check the expiry with your me.
Official forms & further reading
- Notice of Intended Marriage (NIM) — Attorney-General's Department
- NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
- Marriage Act 1961 — Commonwealth legislation
- Commonwealth Statutory Declaration
Client Testimonials
What people say…
We had Janet as our celebrant for our wedding, and she was amazing. From our fist catch up her warmth and humour was something that really stood out to us. She was so helpful the whole way through the process and made a stressful period easy and relaxing. On the day she was incredibly helpful, getting guests seated and calming us down before and during the ceremony. A lot of our guests have also mentioned how great she was, and she perfectly matched our energy. Thank you Janet!!
Thank you... Read more
March 2026
