Eloping in Brisbane in 2024. (The Little Love Experience)

So, what is the process to get married? (heads up- it’s SUPER easy)

So, you’ve decided that a small, intimate wedding is for you. GREAT!!! I’m excited! Here is the Little Love Experience in a nut shell…

Please be aware that the Little Love experience is not a ceremony per se. Yes, you can dress up and bring some flowers or champagne and make it as special as you want to. However, this option is simply covering the legal components to be married and is completed in just a few moments. Yes, this process still feels incredibly special if you want it to. It is poignant and emotional if you want it to be. Or, it is light-hearted and fun if you want it to be. Whichever way, it is STRESS-FREE!

To be legally married you need to:

  • Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage with me at least one month before your wedding date. That’s right, folks - you have to wait one month to get married after you lodge your NOIM - no drunken/spur of the moment marriages here in Oz.

    How to lodge your NOIM?

    1 - Complete the document.

    2 - Have your signatures witnessed by a prescribed authority (as listed on page 4 of the document)

    3- Email me a copy (& keep the original please)

  • Supply a passport (Or Birth Certificate AND Photo ID)

  • Provide proof of the dissolution of any previous marriages (divorce or death certificate)

  • Organise a time & place to get married (yes, I can help you with ideas if you’re stuck)

  • Organise two witnesses (18+ years of age) to bring with you. Yes, they can be related to you. Yes, they could be random strangers.

    ON THE DAY:

  • We sign a few legal documents (I provide these)

  • I say the ‘Monitum’, “I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

  • You two then say legal vows “I ask the people here to witness that I (full name) take you, (full name) as my lawful wedded husband/wife/spouse/partner in marriage”

  • We sign three more documents (I supply these) with your witnesses.

And, HEY PRESTO! You’re Hitched! We cheers, have a hug and then I leave you to celebrate in whichever way you choose with your witnesses.

I register your Marriage with Births, Deaths & Marriages. Please let me know if you require a REGISTERED MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE (for name changes or any other reason) so I can assist you with the application.

If you are choosing a Little Love Elopement, we don’t meet in person to plan, but keep the whole process super easy by emailing (or chatting on the phone) to organise everything, & we meet on the wedding day like old friends re-uniting.

If you have your heart set on an outdoor space, please also have a wet weather plan in mind as back up.

Joanna Lincolne