To marry in Australia a couple must do the following:

1. Lodge a notice of intended marriage (no later than 1 month and one day before the wedding*);
2. Provide birth certificate and evidence of marital status; and
3. Complete a statutory declaration.

1.     Notice of Intended Marriage (the NOIM)

You need to complete a 'Notice of Intended Marriage' form at least one month and one day and not more than eighteen months prior to your wedding. The NOIM is valid only from when I receive it (that is the date I get it or sign it). I will provide you with a NOIM which can also be viewed here.

If you are overseas and so not intend to arrive in Australia until less than a month prior to the wedding date the NOIM may be signed outside Australia and witnessed in the presence of other officials. These include but are not limited to:

• an Australian Diplomatic Officer;
• an Australian Consular Officer;
• a notary public;

Please contact me for further details.

2.     Birth certificate and evidence of marital status

The following documents must be sighted by me (originals not photocopies) and in English or have an official translation of the document into English attached. I can assist with registered translators.

Situation

Born In Australia

Born Outside of Australia

Original Birth Certificate

OR
Valid (Non Australian) Passport

Original Birth certificate AND
Certificate of Divorce / Decree Absolute

Original Birth Certificate OR
Valid (Non Australian) Passport  AND
Certificate of Divorce

Original Birth Certificate AND
Death Certificate

Original Birth Certificate OR
Valid (Non Australian) Passport  AND
Death Certificate

3.     Statutory Declaration

You need to complete a Statutory Declaration in my presence prior to your wedding, declaring there is no legal impediment to your marriage.

In addition:

• You must be at least 18 years of age to marry in Australia

• You are required to have two witnesses to the ceremony – I can organize this for you, if you do not have friends or family in Perth.

• If you are bringing your partner into Australia on a prospective spouse visa I can provide you with the necessary letter for the Immigration Department.

* Shortening of time

The following circumstances are the only means that you may get married sooner than 1 month and 1 day:

• Employment related or other travel commitments
• Wedding celebrations arrangements, or religious considerations
• Medical reasons
• Legal proceedings
• Error in giving Notice

Only a prescribed authority has the power to shorten this time and he or she must be satisfied that the particular circumstances justify doing so.

Generally this is the Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages and  I can assist you in applying to have a shortening of time for the Notice of Intended Marriage. Shortening of time is not commonly or lightly granted, and must be supported by appropriate evidence or reasons. For example, if one party to the marriage has a member of the family become seriously or terminally ill a doctor's note may be sufficient to request this reduction in wait time.