Before you travel

How overseas couples complete the paperwork

Start the Notice of Intended Marriage early — ideally as soon as your wedding date is set. The form must be signed at least one month and one day before the ceremony, and is valid for 18 months.

  1. Complete your Notice of Intended Marriage

    Download the Notice of Intended Marriage (NIM) from the Australian Attorney-General's Department. Fill it in carefully — this is the legal starting point for every marriage in Australia, whether you are a visitor or a resident.

  2. Have it witnessed in your home country

    Take the completed form and your ID to a Notary Public in your city or town to have it signed and witnessed. Alternatively, book an appointment with your nearest Australian Consulate or Embassy — they can also witness the Notice.

  3. Send it to your celebrant

    Scan the signed Notice and email it to Janet, then post the original by registered mail to her Balmain address. Getting this done early gives everyone time to fix any issues before you travel.

  4. Arrive, meet, and celebrate

    Bring your passports and any divorce or death certificates with you. Janet will complete the remaining legal steps, craft your ceremony with you, and officiate on the day. Afterward, your Certificate of Marriage can be posted overseas.

What to bring with you

Pack originals (or authorised extracts). Use this checklist so nothing is left behind at home.

Passports

  • Valid passport for each of you (usually the best proof of date and place of birth for overseas couples)
  • Keep photocopies separate from the originals when you travel

Photo ID

  • Driving licence or equivalent photo ID if available
  • Your passport often covers both identity and birth details

If you have been married before

  • Original Divorce Certificate (Decree Absolute), or
  • Death certificate of your late spouse if you are widowed
  • Bring these with you — do not leave them at home

Two witnesses

  • Australian law requires two witnesses aged 18+
  • If you are eloping or arriving without guests, Janet can arrange witnesses for you

Tips for getting married in Australia

  • Only an Australian Marriage Celebrant (or other authorised celebrant) can legally officiate your wedding in Australia.
  • Sign the Notice at least one month and one day before the ceremony — earlier is better.
  • The signed Notice is valid for 18 months, so you can complete it well ahead of travel.
  • Use registered post for the original form, and keep a scanned copy.
  • Plan time in Sydney before the wedding for a no-obligation chat and any final paperwork with Janet.
  • Think about venues early — parks, harbour foreshores, hotels and elopement spots book up, especially in spring and autumn.

After the ceremony

Your Certificate of Marriage

On the day, you, your partner and two witnesses sign the marriage certificates. Janet registers the marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages and can have your Certificate of Marriage posted to your overseas address — so you leave Australia with everything settled.

Enquire about your wedding