Planning a wedding is a very exciting time, but it can often feel quite overwhelming. To make sure that you are as prepared as possible, here are some important details around the paperwork that needs to be completed
. In Australia, the process of getting married is fairly straightforward, but it's crucial to ensure you meet all the legal requirements so your marriage is valid. Here's a step-by-step guide to the paperwork you need to complete to get married in Australia.
1. Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
The first step in the marriage process is lodging the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form. This form must be submitted to your chosen celebrant at least one month before your wedding. It's essential to note that this is a legal requirement, and your marriage can’t take place without it.
Where to submit the NOIM:
You can submit the NOIM to any registered celebrant, or alternatively, to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state or territory.
Key Details:
Personal information: Full names, date of birth, place of birth, and current address.
Details of previous marriages: If either party has been previously married, details of the divorce or spouse’s death need to be included.
Intended wedding date and location: The form will ask for the date and venue of your intended ceremony.
Remember, the NOIM form must be signed in the presence of an authorised witness (this could be a celebrant, a commissioner for declarations, a barrister, solicitor, or certain other officials). If you’re submitting the form in person at the Registry, they can act as the witness.
2. Proof of Identity
Along with your NOIM form, you'll need to provide proof of identity. This helps confirm that you are who you say you are. Accepted documents include:
Passport
Birth certificate
Statutory declaration if your documents are unavailable.
If you were previously married, you will need to provide:
Your divorce decree (if applicable) or
The death certificate of your previous spouse (if applicable).
In some cases, if you’re not a resident of Australia, you may also need to provide additional documents like proof of citizenship or residency status.
3. Declaration Of No Legal Impediment to Marriage (DONLIM)
Before your wedding can take place, you will need to sign a document outlining that there are no barriers to stop you and your partner being legally married such as being related or still being married to someone else. This will be done in accordance with, and must be witnessed by your celebrant.
4. Witnesses
Your wedding ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people (other than the celebrant). They must be at least 18 years old and be present during the ceremony. These witnesses will also need to sign the marriage register to legally validate your marriage.
5. Marriage Certificate (Post-Wedding)
Once the ceremony is over, you will need to apply for an official marriage certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in your state or territory. The celebrant will usually submit the details of the marriage to the Registry on your behalf, but it's a good idea to double-check that the information has been properly filed.
You can then request a marriage certificate to use for legal purposes such as changing your name or applying for benefits. The certificate costs around $50-$70 (depending on the state) and is available after the marriage has been officially registered.
6. Special Considerations for Non-Residents
If one or both of you are non-Australian residents, the process is largely the same, but there may be some additional requirements, including:
Proof of your legal status in Australia (such as a visitor visa or other proof of residency).
You may also need to provide additional documents in a language other than English, in which case you may need to have them officially translated.
7. Post-Marriage Paperwork
After your ceremony, once your celebrant has filed your marriage details, you’ll receive a marriage certificate. You can then begin the process of changing your name (if applicable) and updating any legal documents, such as your driver’s license, passport, and bank accounts.
While getting married in Australia is a joyful occasion, making sure the paperwork is in order is an essential part of the process. As long as you follow the steps carefully and ensure all forms and identity documentation are submitted correctly, you’ll have no problem making your marriage official. Don’t forget to allow plenty of time to submit your NOIM, and always double-check with your celebrant or registry to ensure that everything is in order for your big day. Happy wedding planning!
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