Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married in Melbourne
Call (03) 9820 1119.
Below is a simple overview of the steps required to legally marry in Australia. Taking a few minutes to understand the process will help make planning your wedding much easier.
If anything seems unclear, our team is always happy to help. You can call us on (03) 9820 1119 and we will gladly talk you through the process and answer any questions.
For couples who need to get married quickly in Melbourne, the experienced team at Marriage Bureau of Victoria can help organise the paperwork and ceremony efficiently.
THE PROCESS IN A NUTSHELL
Click here for a one-stop guide to the Marriage Process in Victoria.
Lodge Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
Before any legal wedding ceremony can take place in Australia, a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged with an Authorised Marriage Celebrant.
Only one partner is required to lodge the NOIM, even if the other partner is currently overseas. The form can also be lodged from overseas by email or post once it has been properly witnessed.
Many couples wish to marry as soon as the legal waiting period allows. Under Australian law, the earliest a wedding can normally take place is one month after the Notice of Intended Marriage has been lodged.
Because Marriage Bureau of Victoria assists couples with the paperwork and ceremony arrangements in one place, it is often possible to organise your ceremony exactly one month after your NOIM lodgement date.
This makes it a popular option for couples who need to get married quickly in Melbourne, whether for personal reasons, travel plans, or visa applications.
Proof of Identity
When lodging your NOIM, you must also provide identification confirming your date and place of birth, along with information about how any previous marriages ended (if applicable).
This documentation ensures your marriage meets all requirements under Australian marriage law.
When lodging your NOIM, you must also provide identification confirming your date and place of birth, along with information about how any previous marriages ended (if applicable).
Click here to see a list of the documents you may need to provide in order to legally marry in Victoria.
DECLARATION OF NO LEGAL IMPEDIMENT TO MARRIAGE
Shortly before your wedding ceremony, both partners must complete a Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage.
This document confirms that there are no legal reasons preventing the marriage, such as being already married or closely related under Australian law.
The declaration is usually signed with your celebrant before the ceremony begins.
LEGAL VOWS
During the ceremony, each partner must make a legal declaration of marriage in front of the celebrant and two witnesses.
These words must be spoken aloud as part of the ceremony and are repeated after the celebrant:
“I call upon the people here present to witness that I, (name), take you, (name), to be my lawful wedded wife / husband / partner.”
SIGNING THE MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES
Immediately after the ceremony, the couple, the celebrant and the two witnesses will sign the official marriage certificates.
Both parties will sign using their current, or “maiden” names.
Registering the Marriage
After the ceremony, your celebrant will lodge the official documents with the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages so the marriage can be formally registered.
You will receive a Commemorative Party Marriage Certificate on the day of your ceremony.
PROCESSING TIMES AND THE FINAL OFFICIAL MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
The official legal Marriage Certificate is issued by the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Processing times can take up to five weeks. This certificate must be ordered online or arranged through your celebrant on the day of the ceremony.
This is the document required for:
• change of name
• legal identification updates
• visa or immigration applications
• official proof of marriage