Planning Your Wedding – The 7 Legal Steps to Getting Married in Australia
A simple, stress‑free guide by Sydney Marriage Celebrant Michael Janz
- Australia has 7 legal steps to get married
- You must lodge a NOIM at least one month before the wedding
- You must show proof of birth, identity, and end of previous marriages
- Celebrants must meet each partner separately to confirm real consent
- You need two witnesses over 18
- Your celebrant lodges all documents with Births, Deaths and Marriages
- You can then apply for your official Marriage Certificate
Step 1 — Book a Marriage Celebrant
Your celebrant is the first legal requirement. Choosing someone who offers warmth, clarity and calm guidance makes the entire process easier.
When couples contact me, I provide:
- Clear explanations of every legal step
- A simple, organised process
- Examples, templates and ceremony ideas
- Support from enquiry to ceremony day
Your celebrant becomes your guide through both the legal and personal parts of your wedding.
Step 2 — Complete the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
The NOIM is the legal form that must be lodged at least one month before your wedding date (and up to 18 months prior).
Your celebrant will:
- Provide the NOIM
- Help you complete it correctly
- Explain each section in plain English
- Ensure your signatures are witnessed properly
Who can witness the NOIM?
- Marriage Celebrant (your celebrant as well as witnessing will ensure the NOIM is accurately and correctly completed. Other witnesses just witness your signature)
- Justice of the Peace
- Doctor
- Police Officer
- Lawyer
If you are overseas, different witnessing rules apply — I guide couples through this regularly.
Step 3 — Provide Your Proof of Birth, Identity & End of Previous Marriages
Before your wedding, you must show your celebrant the following documents.
Accepted documents to verify your identity include:
- Passport (covers birth + identity), or
- Birth Certificate + Driver’s Licence / Proof of Age Card
If previously married, you must also provide:
- Divorce Certificate, or
- Death Certificate
These documents can be shown anytime before the wedding.
Step 4 — Discuss Your Wedding Ceremony
This is where your ceremony becomes personal and meaningful. Together, we shape a ceremony that reflects your style — relaxed, modern, traditional, fun, or a blend.
We explore:
- Your story and personal elements
- Readings or rituals
- Cultural inclusions
- Music and structure
- Legal vows and personal vows
If you’re unsure where to begin, I provide examples and inspiration to help you create something that feels genuinely yours.
Step 5 — Separate Meetings & the Declaration of No Impediment
Since 12 June 2024, celebrants must meet with each partner separately and in person before the wedding to ensure real consent.
After these meetings, you will sign the Declaration of No Impediment, confirming:
- Your name and occupation
- Where you live
- That you are of marriageable age
- That there is no legal barrier to your marriage
I prepare this form and advise the correct timing.
Step 6 — Your Wedding Ceremony
On the day, your celebrant delivers the ceremony you’ve planned and ensures all legal wording is included.
You will need:
- Two witnesses over 18
- To sign three marriage certificates during the ceremony
My role is to guide you through every moment so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Step 7 — Registration of Your Marriage
After your ceremony, your celebrant must lodge all legal documents with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state where you were married. This final step makes your marriage official.
As your celebrant, I go one step further. I apply for — and pay for — your official Marriage Certificate on your behalf. This is designed to speed up the issuing of your certificate and remove one more task from your to‑do list. Not all celebrants offer this service, but I include it because it makes the process smoother and less stressful for couples.
Your official Marriage Certificate is essential for:
- Name changes
- Updating passports and licences
- Bank and government records
- Proof of marriage for legal purposes
Once lodged, the Registry processes your application and posts the certificate directly to you.
How early should we lodge the NOIM? At least one month before your wedding date.
What ID do we need to show our celebrant? A passport, or a birth certificate plus photo ID.
Do we need to meet separately with the celebrant? Yes — this is now a legal requirement to ensure real consent.
How long does marriage registration take? Processing times vary by state, but your celebrant will lodge everything promptly.
Planning Your Wedding in Sydney
I work across Sydney, the Eastern Suburbs, Randwick, Coogee, Vaucluse, Mosman, Kirribilli, Taronga Zoo, Gunners’ Barracks, Sergeants’ Mess, Curzon Hall and beyond — crafting warm, personal ceremonies that feel truly yours.
Ready to Begin Your Wedding Journey?
If you’d like a ceremony that’s warm, personal and beautifully organised, I’d love to help you create something memorable.
Contact Michael Janz – Sydney Marriage Celebrant
Warm, authentic ceremonies. Clear guidance. Stress‑free planning.
