How do we get Married in Australia?

What is the process to be married in Australia in 2024?

Ahhhh, there is so much confusion about what makes you married. And, why wouldn’t there be? We have seen so many things, heard so many stories, imagined so many things for our wedding days. Here is the low-down on how easy it really can be married in Australia.

To be LEGALLY married, you need to:

  • Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage with your celebrant between one month & 18 months before your wedding date.

  • Supply proof of your Identity and date & place of birth. For most folk a passport is the way to go. (Or your Birth Certificate AND Photo ID if you don’t have a passport)

  • Provide proof of the dissolution of any previous marriages.

  • Sign a ‘Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage’. Say what? It’s a Stat Dec sating that you are free and able to marry the person you’re about to marry- I provide this.

  • Say some legal wording too (just a short sentence) Your celebrant also must say some legal wording-this is called the ‘Moniutm’

  • There must be two legal witnesses who are over 18 years of age to witness the ceremony and sign the legal documents. Yes, they can be related to you. Yes, they could be random strangers.

  • After we‘ve said the legal bits, there are three further documents to sign & hey, presto you’re hitched!

Yes, it really is that easy to be legally married.

So, what’s all the other stuff we always see at weddings? They’re all optional extras.

We are freaking out about writing our own vows. WILL you help us? YES! Yes, I will.

Do you have a PA system? Yes, I do. I use a cordless microphone and yes, you can hook your music up to the PA for the ceremony if you aren’t planning on having live musicians.

Do we have to invite you to our reception? No, you don’t. I hang around after the ceremony to help with announcements, maybe help the photographer with the group & family photos, champagne pouring (or consuming) & some chit chat with whoever wants to chat to me. Then we get a selfie and have a big hug and then I leave you to do your thing.

One of us wants to change our surname after the wedding. How do we do that? As I register your marriage with BDM, I inform them that you want a Registered Marriage Certificate. They will contact you to organise payment and then post one to you. You will use this Registered Certificate to change your surname on all your documents.

Jo, we have more questions!! Of course you do. Call me, email me, text me, FaceTime me, organise a get together.

Trust me, I’ve got you.



jo lincolneBig Love Ceremonies