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Who can marry under Australian law?

Marriage under Australian law means the union between a man and a women.

A man and a women are of marriageable age when they reach the age of 18 years.

A couple can be married if one party is over 18 years and the other party is between 16 -18 years however, parental/guardian consents must be given and a court order grante before they can be married.

 

Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

You must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage with me no less than one calendar month prior to the proposed ceremony date but no longer than 18 months prior.

I will assist you with completing the Notice during our appointment. I will also need to sight documentary evidence of your birth certificate and photographic identification as soon as possible on or after the lodgement of the notice.

 

Evidence of Birth

You will need to produce either your original birth certificate or passport.

 

Photographic Identification

You will need to produce photographic evidence such as drivers license.

 

Evidence of Previous Marriage

If this is not your first marriage, you will need to produce evidence of how your previous marriage was dissolved, such as, producing the original Certificate of Divorce, Death Certificate, Court Order.

 

Change of Name

If your name differs from your documentary evidence, you will need to produce original documentation showing the reason for the change, such as, Change of Name Certificate.

 

Shortening of Time

In extenuating circumstances, you can apply to the prescribed authority for a shortening of time, which if granted, allows you to marry with less than one months notice. If you are in this situation, please call me for more information.

 

Declaration

You are required to sign a declaration as close as possible to the ceremony. I usually ask you to sign this during the rehearsal. By signing this declaration, you confirm that there is no legal impediment to the marriage.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW!

 

Witnesses

You must have two witnesses over 18 years old that know you.

 

Wedding Ceremony

To ensure that you marriage is a legal one, I must state certain prescribed legal wording and both of you must exchange legal vows.

Immediately after the ceremony, both of you, the two witnesses and I are required to sign the marriage certificates. I will then present you with your Certificate of Marriage. I encourage you to keep this Certificate in a secure and safe place ast it will not be replaced in case of loss or damage.