FAQ

Frequently asked Questions:

What are the legal parts of the marriage?
Who can be the official witnesses on the wedding day?
How many times do we meet before the ceremony?
What happens after the ceremony?
Do you travel?
Do you know of any popular places to be married?

What are the legal parts of the marriage?

It is my responsibility to manage the legal aspects of the marriage. For those who want the full details, the key requirements are:

  • You must both be over 18 years of age.
  • The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged with me at least one month prior to the date of your marriage. It can be lodged up to but no more than 18 months before the marriage. I will provide this form at our first meeting or it can be downloaded from the Attorney-General's Department website: www.ag.gov.au
  • You will need to provide me with evidence of the date and place of birth of you and your partner. This means original birth certificates or official extracts of an entry in an official register or a passport. Birth certificates can be applied for at the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the State or Territory in which you were born. For Victoria visit: www.bdm.vic.gov.au
  • You and your partner will also need to provide me with at least one document with photo identification as evidence of identity. This includes a driver’s licence, a proof of age/photo card or an Australian or overseas passport.
  • Both of you must make a declaration before me as to your conjugal status and belief that there is no legal impediment to the marriage. If either of you has previously been married, I will need proof that you are no longer legally married.
  • Two witnesses that understand English and are over the age of 18 are required to attend the ceremony.
  • The Marriage Act sets out the minimum vows which you must use for your marriage to be considered legally valid.

Who can be the official witnesses on the wedding day?

  • For me to solemnise your marriage, at least two witnesses that understand English and are over the age of 18 must be present at the ceremony to sign the legal documents.

How many times do we meet before the ceremony?

  • This is entirely up to you. Generally, we would meet on at least three occasions prior to your wedding ceremony. The first meeting will be to discuss your ceremony and complete the NOIM. The second will be to review and refine the ceremony draft and the third will be at the rehearsal prior to your wedding. While that option suits many couples I am happy to meet as often as you like, but at least once prior to your marriage.

What happens after the ceremony?

  • Three official marriage certificates will be signed as part of the marriage ceremony:
    1. Within 14 days of the marriage occurring I will forward the first official certificate of marriage with all other relevant documents to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the State or Territory in which the marriage was solemnised. This will ensure your marriage is registered.
    2. I will keep the second official marriage certificate securely in accordance with the Privacy Act and the Marriage Act for a period of 6 years.
    3. The third commemorative certificate of marriage will be given to you as evidence that you are legally married and hence that your legal status has changed. It is an important document and should be kept in a safe place, as it cannot be replaced if lost. It is important to note that this certificate will not replace the need to obtain an official marriage certificate from the relevant Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for the purpose of applying for an Australian Passport or in some States or Territories a driver's licence.
  • If you intend changing your name refer to the Births, Deaths and Marriages website in your State or Territory for guidance. There are helpful Change of Name Kits available that cost around $20 and provide checklists of things to consider and relevant documentation required.

Do you travel?

  • Yes, I am happy to solemnise your marriage anywhere in Australia. While reasonable travel within the Melbourne region is included in my fee, locations that are further away or interstate will require additional fees to cover travel costs.

Do you know of any popular places to be married?

  • Certainly! With the growing trend for marriage ceremonies to take place at wineries I can recommend any one of a wonderful selection of favourites in both the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula regions. Boutique vineyards are popping up all over Victoria and they love hosting weddings.
  • The Dandenong ranges offer a selection of beautiful venues, as do the beaches of the Mornington Peninsula. These are perfect for a fresh, unique style of wedding on a quiet beach or in the middle of a field or forest.
  • I am happy to provide you with many more ideas during one of our conversations.

If you have any other questions feel free to get in touch using the Contact form found on the Contact page or one of the other contact options listed below.