Booking an Australian Wedding and the Legals

Lots of people dream of travelling to Australia to get married – maybe it’s the beaches, or the chance to get away from it all if they’re eloping!

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t’s not quite as simple as just rocking up to Oz and finding a registrar or celebrant, though, not even if you’re an Australian citizen or resident. Aside from needing another human being who wants to marry you, you also need to fulfil a few legal requirements before you get hitched.

If you want to get married in Australia, you must:

• not be married already;

• not be marrying a close relative;

• be 18 or over, unless one of you is between 16 and 18 and the marriage is approved by a court;

• understand what marriage means and to be able to give informed consent;

• use specific words in the wedding ceremony, and

• give notice in writing to the celebrant of your intent to marry within pre-set time limits.

You don’t have to be an Australian citizen or resident to get married in Oz, but if you are planning to live there after you’re married you should visit the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website for information on visas.

Your Notice of Intended Marriage

You should fill out this form and give it to your celebrant at least a month before the wedding, but no longer than 18 months before. If necessary, the form can be filled out and witnessed outside Australia by a Consulate Official in the Australian Embassy of that country.

You’ll also need evidence of your date and place of birth; if either of you has been married before, you’ll need to provide evidence of the divorce, too.

Once you’re married

Once the ceremony is over, you, your celebrant and your two witnesses will all sign three marriage certificates. You keep one and your celebrant registers your marriage with the state within 14 days. You need to keep hold of your marriage certificate as it’s an important document for various official functions and purposes.