Legal Marriage Checklist (Australia – 2025 Edition)
Legal Marriage Checklist (Australia – 2025 Edition)
Before the Wedding: Required Steps
Lodge Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
- Must be submitted at least 1 month before the wedding
- Valid for up to 18 months
- Lodge with: Registered Celebrant or Registry Office
Provide Valid Identification
Bring original documents to your celebrant or registry:
- Passport OR
- Birth certificate AND photo ID (e.g. driver's licence)
If Previously Married
- Provide divorce certificate (if divorced)
- Provide death certificate (if widowed)
Choose an Authorised Celebrant
Must be registered with the Australian Attorney-General's Department
- Civil celebrant
- Religious minister (must be registered)
- State registry office celebrant
On the Day of the Wedding
Two Witnesses
- Must be over 18 years old
- Present for the entire ceremony
- Can be friends or family (not the celebrant or venue staff)
Legal Vows Must Be Spoken
These are mandatory for the marriage to be valid:
“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse.”
Sign Three Marriage Certificates
- Couple, celebrant, and both witnesses must sign
- One copy is sent to Births, Deaths & Marriages (BDM)
- Couple receives a ceremonial certificate
- Celebrant keeps a copy for legal record
After the Wedding
- Not automatically issued — must be applied for separately
- Apply through your state's Births, Deaths & Marriages office
- Required for name change, visa, or legal proof
- You must be over 18 to legally marry in Australia (exceptions require court approval)
- Both parties must give free and informed consent
- Marriages between close relatives (e.g., siblings) are not legally valid
Maria Nguyen
Experienced Marriage Celebrant
Let's Start Now
Let's Plan Your Perfect Ceremony
With over 14 years of experience, we have worked with couples from diverse backgrounds, helping them honour traditions and create lifelong memories. Whether you're looking for a legally binding marriage ceremony or a heartfelt commitment ceremony, we're here to make your day unforgettable.
Celebrants Training Program
At IDO CELEBRANTS, we have a program that supports & mentors newly graduated celebrants to help you kick start earlier in your career. If you are a newly graduated celebrant and are interested in this mentorship, you are welcome to join our program along with other newly appointed celebrants for the hands-on experience!