How to Get Married in Australia: A Guide from Sunshine Coast Celebrant Nikki Honson
Planning a wedding is one of life’s most exciting adventures, but let’s be honest - there are so many moving parts to keep track of! As a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, I’m here to do more than just capture your big day; I’m also here to guide you through the process with expert tips and advice from local pros. I’ve teamed up with the fabulous Nikki Honson from Marry Me, Mon Chéri to help answer one of the biggest questions newly engaged couples ask: How do we get married legally in Australia?
Nikki is not only an authorised marriage celebrant but also a true romantic at heart. From crafting Barbie and Ken weddings as a little girl to curating bespoke ceremonies for real-life couples, Nikki brings creativity, warmth, and a whole lot of love to every wedding she officiates. Now, let’s dive into her expert advice on what it takes to tie the knot legally Down Under!
The Legal Checklist: Getting Married in Australia
Getting married in Australia is a straightforward process, but there are a few key legal steps you need to tick off your to-do list. Here’s Nikki’s breakdown:
1. Eligibility
First things first: you need to meet some basic requirements to be eligible for marriage in Australia. Both parties must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be unmarried, widowed, or legally divorced.
2. Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
The NOIM form is your first official step toward saying “I do.” You’ll need to lodge it with an authorised celebrant at least one month before your wedding day (and no earlier than 18 months in advance). Not sure how to fill it out? No worries – your celebrant can can guide you through the process and ensure it’s done correctly.
3. Gather Your Documents
You’ll need some official paperwork to prove your identity and eligibility to marry. This includes:
- A passport or birth certificate (for proof of birthdate and place).
- Any relevant divorce papers or death certificates if either of you has been married before.
- Before your ceremony, you’ll also need to sign a ‘Declaration of No Legal Impediment’ form to confirm there are no barriers to your marriage.
4. The Ceremony
Your wedding ceremony must include specific legal elements, including:
- The minimum legal wording spoken by both you and your celebrant.
- Two witnesses who are at least 18 years old to sign your marriage certificates.
5. Lodging Your Marriage Paperwork
After the ceremony, your celebrant will lodge all the paperwork with the Australian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages on your behalf. Once that’s done, you can apply for an Official Marriage Certificate as proof of your marriage.
So, to wrap up, here are the legal essentials to say “I Do!” in Australia.
Eligibility: Be 18 or older, unmarried, and legally free to wed.
Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM): Submit it at least one month before your big day with the help of your celebrant.
Documents: Gather your proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) and any divorce or death certificates if needed.
The Ceremony: Include the legal wording, two witnesses aged 18+, and a celebrant to make it official.
Marriage Certificate: After the wedding, your celebrant lodges the paperwork, and you can apply for your official certificate.
With these steps sorted, you can focus on celebrating your love! Huge thanks to Nikki Honson for these expert tips.
Let’s Plan Your Perfect Wedding Day!
As a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, I’m lucky to work alongside incredible vendors like Nikki who help couples create unforgettable celebrations. If you’re in the middle of planning your dream wedding and feeling a bit overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. From legal requirements to styling and capturing your day, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to tick “find a celebrant” off your list? You can connect with Nikki Honson at Marry Me, Mon Chéri here:
Instagram: @marryme.moncheri
Website: www.marrymemoncheri.com.au
