How to Submit Your Notice of Intention to Marry in Australia

Getting married can be one of life's most exciting milestones.

But before you get hitched there are a few important legal steps to complete, especially in Australia. One of the primary requirements is submitting a notice of intention to marry. Essentially, you giving the gorvernment notice of your intentions, as there is no such thing as a shot gun wedding in Australia. You have to go to Vegas for that baby!

This blog post will guide you through the process to ensure everything goes smoothly and all your t's are crossed before you say We do.

Understanding the Marriage Notice Submission

In Australia, when you decide to get married, you must submit a formal notice. This document is essential to ensure that you and your partner are legally able to marry. The notice of intention to marry must be lodged no less than one month before your wedding date. This timeframe allows for any legal requirements to be satisfied and ensures that no objections are made against your union.

So if you submit your notice on the 1st of January for example, you would be able to be married from the 1st of February onwards.

What Happens After Submission?

Once you submit your notice, your celebrant or local registry office will process it. You will also need to verify your identity at some stage before the marraige takes place. Doing this at teh same time you lodge your Notice is usually the easiest.

This is an important step to ensure that everything is in order and that there are no legal barriers to your marriage.

Post ceremony paperwork signing

Preparing Your Documents

Before you submit your notice of intention to marry, you'll need to gather several essential documents. These usually include:

1. Identification: You'll need to provide proof of your identity. This can be in the form of a passport, birth certificate, or driver's license. The passport can be expired, however not cancelled.

2. Proof of Termination of Previous Marriages: If you or your partner have been previously married, it's crucial to provide evidence that those marriages have been legally terminated. This could be in the form of a divorce decree or a death certificate.

3. Translation of Documents (if necessary): If your documents are not in English, you may need to have them translated by an accredited translator.

   
   

Paperwork required for marriage notice submission

Choosing the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to your notice of intention to marry. Make sure to submit your notice at least one month before your desired wedding date.

However, it is also essential to consider making arrangements well in advance of this one-month period. It is common for couples to plan their ceremonies months in advance, so be sure to factor this in when scheduling your submission.

If you are planning on a popular time of year or during an event, it is wise to submit your notice as early as possible. This helps avoid any last-minute issues that might prevent you from getting married on your chosen date.

Submitting Your Notice of Intention to Marry

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can submit your notice of intention to marry. This can be done in person at your local registry office or through an authorized celebrant (like me!)

Submission Through a Celebrant

• Contact Your Celebrant: If you have hired a celebrant, have a conversation to confirm they can assist you with the submission. They can witness your Notice either in person or via zoom, so last minute submissions are very possible.

• Provide Necessary Documents: Share your documents with your celebrant and preferably, show them teh original copy of your ID docs so there's no need to share yoru documents online. Your celebrant should not keep yoru ID documents on file, either digitally or hard copy. This is not neccessary.

• Celebrant Submission: Your celebrant will take care of the paperwork and submit it on your behalf.

  
  
  
  

Celebrant assisting couple in the wedding process

After You Submit

Once you’ve successfully submitted your notice of intention to marry, after the one-month notice period has passed, you can legally get married.

Check with your celebrant or registry office about any additional steps you may need to take.

Final Steps Before the Wedding

As your wedding day approaches, ensure that you’re prepared. Here are some final tips:

• Make sure your celebrant nails your ceremony: Be sure to communicate your vision for your marriage moment and choose a celebrant who is comitted to personalising and tailoring the ceremony to your style.

• Don't leave your vows to the last minute: The final days leading up to your wedding can be wildly busy. It can be hard to find the headspace to craft the vows you had dreamed of. Start early and write notes when they come to you. This way you won't be panicing days out.

• Make sure your celebrant has your up to date address: This will ensure your Official Certificate of Marriage reaches you after the wedding.

  
  

By following these steps and preparing well, you'll ensure that your wedding day will be as magic and stress-free as possible.

Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming task, but submitting your notice of intention to marry doesn't have to be. By understanding the requirements and preparing your documents in advance, you can take this important step toward your next chapter with ease.

Want to lodge yoru Notice with me?? Get in touch today and let's get the ball rolling.

I offer legals only and registry style marriage ceremonies, as well as full scale, bespoke wedding celebrations.

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