Frequently Asked Questions
If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please contact our friendly team. We are happy to assist with any enquiries about getting married in Melbourne.
Our office is available 7 days a week.
Call (03) 9820 1119 or 0424 778 800.
What is the process to get married in Australia?
Marriage in Australia is regulated by the Marriage Act 1961. The general process is:
Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with an authorised celebrant.
Provide proof of identity and evidence of how any previous marriages ended.
Sign the Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage before the ceremony.
The celebrant conducts the ceremony and the couple and witnesses sign the certificates.
The marriage is registered with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
These steps apply whether you are planning a registry wedding, elopement, or destination wedding in Victoria.
Can I get married in less than one month?
Usually, no.
Australian law requires that the Notice of Intended Marriage be lodged at least one month before the ceremony.
In certain situations a Shortening of Time may be approved through a government process. If you believe you may qualify, please contact our team and we can guide you through the requirements.
How long is the Notice of Intended Marriage valid?
The NOIM remains valid for 18 months from the date it is lodged.
If the form expires before your wedding takes place, we can assist you with renewing your NOIM form so your plans can proceed.
Can one partner lodge the NOIM without the other present?
Yes. Legally only one partner needs to lodge the NOIM.
This is very common for couples planning destination weddings or elopements in Melbourne when one partner may be overseas.
The other partner must still sign the NOIM before the ceremony takes place.
Can I lodge my NOIM if I don’t know every answer yet?
Yes. Couples who are living overseas may still lodge the form even if some information is not immediately available.
However, all required details and documents must be provided before the ceremony. If documentation is missing, the ceremony may need to be postponed until everything is legally complete.
Can I lodge my NOIM from overseas?
Yes. Download the NOIM form, have it witnessed at the Consulate, or by a Notary Public and send us a scanned copy by email or post.
You can also bring the original form with you to Australia and provide it to your celebrant before the ceremony.
Can we bring our own music?
Of course! It’s your day after all! Just bring along a blue tooth speaker and make the set list that reflects the both of your as a couple.
What should we wear to our ceremony?
You can wear anything you feel comfortable in.
Couples choose a wide range of styles, including:
• formal wedding attire
• semi-formal outfits
• traditional cultural dress
• business clothing for quick ceremonies
• casual outfits
• themed or costume weddings
Your ceremony can be as formal or relaxed as you wish.
Do we have to exchange rings?
Not at all. Exchanging rings is not legally required in Australia.
Couples may exchange two rings, one ring, or no rings at all. Some couples choose a necklace or other jewellery or symbols. Just let us know your preference so our celebrant can support you with how you envisage that exchange on the day during your ceremony.
Are children welcome at our ceremonies?
Yes. We are very happy to host family-friendly weddings, and children are always welcome.
Can we bring our dog or pets to the ceremony?
Of course! Pets of all kind are welcome — just let us know beforehand so we can plan with you accordingly.
Over the years we have hosted ceremonies attended by lots of fur babies, including dogs and cats, plus parrots, a lovely Boa called ‘Rosie’ and even Bearded Dragons.
What if we don’t have witnesses?
Every marriage requires two witnesses over the age of 18.
If you are eloping or do not have witnesses available, we can arrange witnesses for you. A small fee applies to cover their time and travel.
Can our witnesses be from overseas?
Yes. Witnesses do not need to be Australian citizens or residents.
They simply need to be 18 years of age or older and present at the ceremony.
What name should I sign on the marriage certificate?
You should sign using your current legal name, or “maiden name” – the same signature you used on all your pre-ceremony documentation.
When can I change my surname after the wedding?
After the marriage is registered, you can order the official Marriage Certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
This certificate is required for updating:
• passports
• driver’s licences
• bank accounts
• other official documents
The ceremonial certificate you receive on the day is not sufficient for most legal purposes.
Will I receive Australian citizenship if I marry an Australian citizen?
No. Marriage to an Australian citizen does not automatically grant citizenship.
Citizenship and visa matters are handled by the Department of Home Affairs.
