Legal Wedding Requirements

The Commonwealth of Australia Marriage Act 1961 requires certain procedures and documents to be completed prior to your wedding day.

A Notice of Intended Marriage

This is supplied by your Celebrant. This document needs to be completed by both marriage partners and lodged with your Celebrant, at least one month prior to your wedding day; but not more than 18 months prior. This document is lodged at the relevant Government Department by your Celebrant.

Original Documents must be produced

These may include: Birth Certificates, Decree Absolute, Death Certificates. Australian citizens must produce an original Birth Certificate. For overseas residents a foreign passport is acceptable.

Declaration

You are required to complete a Declaration prepared by your Celebrant prior to your wedding day.

Witnesses

You require two people who are over the age of 18 years to witness your signatures on your Marriage Certificate, and on other legal documents on your wedding day.

Article provided by Mrs. Dale White, celebrant