Planning Your Wedding – The 7 Legal Steps to Getting Married in Australia

A simple, stress‑free guide by Sydney Marriage Celebrant Michael Janz
Getting married in Australia involves seven legal steps: choosing a celebrant, completing the NOIM, providing ID, planning your ceremony, attending separate consent meetings, holding your ceremony, and having your marriage registered. This guide explains each step clearly so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1 — Book a Marriage Celebrant

Your celebrant is the first piece of the puzzle. Finding someone who can guide you through the legal process with clarity and calm makes everything easier. From the moment couples reach out, I offer warm support, practical explanations, and examples to help you feel confident about the journey ahead.

Step 2 — Complete the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

The NOIM is the legal form you must lodge at least one month before your wedding date (and up to 18 months prior).
Your celebrant will:
• Provide the NOIM
• Help you complete it
• Explain what each section means
• Ensure it is witnessed correctly
Who can witness the NOIM?
A Marriage Celebrant is an authorised witness. If you cannot meet your celebrant in person, other authorised witnesses include a Justice of the Peace, Doctor, Police Officer, or Lawyer. The situation is different if you need to sign the NOIM while overseas. I can guide with this.

Step 3 — Provide Your Proof of Birth, Identity & End of Previous Marriages

Before your wedding, you must show your celebrant original documents to verify your identity.
Accepted documents include:
• Passport (covers both birth and identity), or
• Birth Certificate + Driver’s Licence / Proof of Age Card
If you have been married before, you must also provide:
• Divorce Certificate, or
• Death Certificate (if applicable)
These can be shown anytime before the wedding — so don’t worry if you don’t have them ready when lodging your NOIM.

Step 4 — Discuss Your Wedding Ceremony

This is where your ceremony begins to take shape. Together, we explore the style, tone and elements that feel right for you — whether warm and relaxed, modern and simple, or something more traditional.
We can look at:
• Personal story elements
• Readings or rituals
• Cultural inclusions
• Music and structure
• Legal and personal vows
If you’re unsure where to start, I provide examples and ideas to help you create a ceremony that feels genuinely yours.

Step 5 — Separate Meetings & the Declaration of No Impediment

Since 12 June 2024, celebrants must meet with each partner separately and in person before the wedding to ensure real consent. These meetings are usually brief but important.
Afterwards, you will sign the Declaration of No Impediment to Marriage, confirming:
• Your name and occupation
• Where you live
• That you are of marriageable age
• That there is no legal reason preventing your marriage
Your celebrant prepares this form for you and will advise the timing of signing it.

Step 6 — Your Wedding Ceremony

On the day, your celebrant will deliver the ceremony you’ve planned together and ensure all legal wording is included.
You will need:
• Two witnesses over 18
• To sign three marriage certificates during the ceremony
Your celebrant will guide you through every step so you can relax and enjoy the moment.

Step 7 — Registration of Your Marriage

After your ceremony, your celebrant will lodge all legal documents with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state where you were married.
In most states, your celebrant can also help you apply for the official Marriage Certificate, which you’ll need for:
• Name changes
• Updating records
• Proof of marriage
A state‑based fee applies for this certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in Australia

How early should we lodge the NOIM?
At least one month before your wedding date.
What ID do we need to show our celebrant?
A passport, or a birth certificate plus photo ID.
Do we need to meet separately with the celebrant?
Yes — this is now a legal requirement to ensure real consent.
How long does marriage registration take?
Processing times vary by state, but your celebrant will lodge everything promptly.

Planning Your Wedding in Sydney

I work across Sydney, the Eastern Suburbs, Randwick, Coogee, Vaucluse, Mosman, Kirribilli, Taronga Zoo, Gunners Barracks, Sergeants’ Mess, Curzon Hall and beyond — crafting warm, personal ceremonies that feel truly yours.

Ready to Begin Your Wedding Journey?

If you’d like a ceremony that’s warm, personal and beautifully organised, I’d love to help you create something memorable.
Contact Michael Janz – Sydney Marriage Celebrant
Warm, authentic ceremonies. Clear guidance. Stress‑free planning.