Frequently Asked Questions

What is a marriage celebrant ?

A Civil Marriage Celebrant is someone who has been appointed by the Australian Commonwealth Attorney General to solemnize marriages at any location in Australia pursuant to sub section 39 (2) of the Marriage Act 1961.

What are the legal requirements for marriages in Australia ?

• Before a marriage can be performed, the law requires that you sign and lodge with me a Notice of Intended Marriage (NIM) form a minimum of one calendar month and one day prior to the wedding. You can lodge your Notice in person, via fax, email or mail, but you must bring the original Notice with you when we meet. The NIM form will remain active for 18 calendar months from the date of lodgement.
• You must be at least 18 years of age to marry in Australia
• If you are Australian born you must show an original copy of your birth certificate. This can be obtained at the Registry Office of your state of birth (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania). If born outside Australia, you are required to show your birth certificate or passport from your country of birth. If these documents are in a language other than English, you will need a certified translation of the documents.
  
• For persons who have previously been married - an original Divorce Document is necessary and if your previous partner is now deceased, an original Death Certificate is required.
• If you are widowed you will also need the death certificate which can be obtained from the State Registry in the state where the death was registered.
• On the day of your marriage you must have two witnesses over the age of 18.
• If you are bringing your partner into Australia on a prospective spouse visa I can provide you with the necessary letter for the Immigration Department.

I live overseas. Can I get married in Australia during my holiday ?

Yes, you can, providing all the legal requirements are met. The details can be arranged via email, telephone, fax and your plans finalised when you arrive in the country.

Do you present certificates ?

I present personalised certificates at all naming, commitment and re-affirmation of vows ceremonies. These can be signed by family and friends who are present at this special occasion. For marriages, apart from your official Marriage Certificate, I can apply for the registered version of your Marriage Certificate from the Births, Deaths & Marriages office.