NOIM and Individual Real Consent

The Notice of Intended Marriage must be submitted no less than 30 calendar days and no more than 18 months before the ceremony.
This meeting is a legal requirement to confirm genuine consent.

Shortening of time may be arranged for special circumstances.

Health and Safety

Couples must comply with venue health and safety requirements.
I hold full public liability insurance and follow NSW Health guidelines.

Legal Terms

All ceremonies are legally binding and lodged with NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Proof of Relationship

When you apply for a Notice of Intended Marriage, you must declare that you are not closely related. Providing false information is a legal offence.

Other Requirements

Both parties must be 18 years or older (or under 18 with a court approval, which is very rare).

You must freely consent, Real Consent

In Australia, marriage must be entered into freely and voluntarily. It is illegal to force or pressure anyone into marriage in any way. Everyone must give genuine, informed consent for the marriage to be legally valid. Before the ceremony, we will hold a brief five-minute meeting to confirm that your consent is real and voluntary.

Who you can marry

In Australia, you are not allowed to marry close relatives such as parents, grandparents, siblings, or uncles and aunts with their nieces or nephews. Marrying a first cousin is permitted. Both parties must be at least 18 years old and give their consent freely.

Legal Obligations

Under the Marriage Act 1961, couples must meet certain requirements before a marriage can be solemnised. A Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged with a celebrant at least one month and no more than 18 months before the wedding. Identification and proof of date and place of birth (e.g., birth certificate or passport) must be provided. In some cases, if one party is overseas or interstate, exceptions allow only one signature initially. If original documents aren’t available, a statutory declaration may be used.

IMPORTANT: A statutory declaration can only be used in extreme cases, such as civil unrest or natural disasters, when official documents are unavailable. If previously married, you must provide a Divorce or Court Annulment Certificate; if widowed, a Death Certificate of your former spouse. Both parties must also sign a legal declaration under the Marriage Act 1961 confirming there is no legal impediment to the marriage. Providing false information can result in penalties.

Overseas Visitors

Overseas visitors can marry in Australia by following the same legal obligations as residents. The process is straightforward, and a celebrant can guide you through each step.

You must complete a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), have it signed, and have your signatures witnessed by an authorised person as outlined on the form.

IMPORTANT: The NOIM must be signed and witnessed by an authorised person, or it will not be valid. Best practice is to have it witnessed at an Australian Embassy or by a Notary Public. After signing, you must email a copy of the NOIM to your celebrant and post the original via registered airmail.

Requiring a Fiancé Visa?

Marriage celebrants cannot give immigration advice, but a Fiancé (Prospective Spouse) Visa requires lodging a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with a celebrant. The celebrant will provide a letter to the relevant Embassyconfirming the NOIM and the planned marriage date. The original NOIM stays with the celebrant, though a copy can be provided if needed.

Shortening Of Time

Shortening the usual 30-day notice period for marriage is only approved for five reasons:

• Employment or travel commitments (with proof of notification date).
• Wedding arrangements, celebrations, or religious considerations (with receipts or evidence of invitations sent).
• Medical reasons (letter from a specialist and a detailed request from both parties).
• Legal proceedings deemed valid for shortening.
• Errors in giving notice by the celebrant.

If your situation fits one of these categories, you can contact the celebrant for further information about availability on your chosen date.