What you legally need to get married in Australia

Getting married comes with a few legal steps, but the good news is, it’s actually very straightforward. This is the part I guide couples through, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything or getting it wrong.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. Lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

This is the main legal document required to get married in Australia.

You’ll need to complete and submit it at least one month before your wedding date.

It can be lodged (up to 18 months in advance):

• In person

• Or online (with a follow-up to sight your documents)

Once that’s done, you’re officially on your way.

Most couples find this is the biggest step, and once it’s sorted, everything else feels easy.

2. Provide proof of identity

You’ll need to show:

• Passport (easiest option), or

• Birth certificate + photo ID (like a driver’s licence)

If you’ve been married before, you’ll also need to provide:

• Divorce certificate, or

• Death certificate (if widowed)

I’ll guide you through exactly what’s needed here, it’s very manageable.

3. Confirm you're both entering the marriage willing & Sign the Declaration of No Legal Impediment /

Before the ceremony can take place, there’s an important step where I check in with each of you separately to confirm that you’re both entering into the marriage freely and willingly.

At this point, you’ll also sign the Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage (DONLI), a formal statement confirming:

• You’re both legally free to marry

• You understand what marriage means under Australian law

It’s quick, straightforward, and we usually take care of it together before the ceremony.

4. Have two witnesses on the day

You’ll need:

• Two witnesses

• Both over 18

They’ll be there to witness the legal side of the ceremony and sign the paperwork.

If you’re planning something small or an elopement, don’t worry, we can easily make this work.

5. Say the legal wording during your ceremony

There are a couple of legal sentences that must be included in every ceremony.

Don’t worry, I take care of this and weave it in naturally so it still feels like your ceremony, not something overly formal or scripted.

6. Sign the marriage documents

On the day, you’ll sign:

• The official marriage certificates

• Along with your witnesses

After that, I register everything for you, so there’s nothing you need to follow up.

It’s simpler than it sounds

On paper, it can feel like a few steps.

In reality, it’s very doable, and I’ll walk you through it all so you can focus on the fun parts, not the admin.

If you’re not sure where to start

If you’re feeling unsure about any part of the process, I’m always happy to talk it through.

No pressure, just a simple chat to help you get clear on what’s next.

Mandy x

🤍