Legal Requirements

Wedding Ceremonies in Australia

Let Lesley guide you through the legal requirements for wedding ceremonies in Australia. Before you set your date, contact us to confirm the details so your special day goes smoothly.

To get married in Australia, you must:

  • Not be married
  • Not be marrying a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or sister
  • Be at least 18 years old, unless a court has approved a marriage where 1 person is 16-18 years old
  • Understand what marriage means and freely agree to marry
  • Use specific words during the ceremony
  • Be married by an authorised celebrant

You don't have to be:

  • An Australian citizen
  • A permanent resident of Australia
Lesbian wedding ceremony services

Before you get married

Before you get married, you need to:

  • Complete a Notice of Intended Marriage Form at t least 1 month (but not more than 18 months) before your wedding.

I am able to assist you in completing this form. The completed form MUST be in my possession at least 1 month before the wedding

You can complete it if you are overseas and plan to get married in Australia.
If there is less than 1 month until your wedding, you may be able to get married if it is approved by the prescribed authority – Queensland Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages (in Queensland) approves it. Reasons for getting married in less than one month include:

  • Employment-related or travel commitments
  • Wedding or celebration arrangements
  • Medical reasons
  • Legal proceedings
  • Error in giving notice

You will also need to provide me with the following original documents:

  • Evidence of your date and place of birth (birth certificate or passport)
  • Identity (driver's licence or passport)
  • Proof that a previous marriage has ended

After you get married

On your wedding day, three marriage certificates must be signed by:

  • You and your spouse
  • Myself; and
  • Two witnesses, who must be over 18 years old

I will give you a certificate of marriage on the day. This is a ceremonial certificate of your marriage.

I will submit your marriage paperwork to the Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (within 14 days of the marriage) or if not in Queensland to the relevant state or territory registry.

You should apply for a copy of your official marriage certificate or I can do this for you. The current fee in Queensland is $54.40 or $70.70 (plus postage of $8.10) for a Commemorative marriage certificate. Processing time is usually 5 business days. Allow extra time for Australia Post to deliver the certificate to your address.

Bride and groom signing marriage wedding certificate

Talk to me!

Would you like me to help make your next event perfect? Just reach out and we’ll make sure everything is perfect for you! I am a civil celebrant based in Townsville, Queensland and service all suburbs of Townsville and surrounding areas.οΎ 

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