The process

Three simple steps to say I do

Every couple marrying in Australia follows the same legal pathway. Here is the outline.

  1. 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 your celebrant.

  2. 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).

  3. 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.

Never been married

  • Passport or original birth certificate (or authorised extract)
  • Photo ID (e.g. driving licence)

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 — then scanned and sent to your celebrant. 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.

Overseas couples guide

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 celebrant.

Official forms & further reading