- Requirements to get you married -

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding – I’m so excited to be part of your journey as your celebrant!

While saying “I do” is the fun part, there are a few legal requirements that need to be sorted out first to make your marriage official in Australia. Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through it all, step by step. If anything is unclear or if you have any questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make sure everything is set for your big day! ❤️

5 Essential Legal Requirements to Get Married in Tasmania

INITIAL CONTACT
Please fill out the “contact me” section on this website! This includes details like the date, time, and location of your wedding. I will then make contact to confirm availability and answer any questions you may have.
We will arrange a time for a meet and greet either via Zoom or at an agreed location.

FIRST MEETING
Prior to our first meeting, I will send you a questionnaire to help me write your ceremony. During our first meeting, we will get to know one another. We’ll have a chat, and you can tell me all about your love story! We will also go through the legal requirements to get married.

I will also ask you to bring along some documentation to confirm your identity, including:
– An original Birth Certificate, or an official extract of an entry in an official register (*preferably if born in Australia). Or an Australian or overseas Passport, showing your date and place of birth.
– If providing a Birth Certificate, a driver’s licence or a Passport with photo ID.
– Evidence of any name changes (if applicable).
– Evidence of any divorce or death of a former spouse (if applicable).

I will explain all the legal documentation, including the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form.
I will also explain the Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage (the Declaration).
It is important to know that the NOIM can’t be completed more than 18 months prior to the wedding and no later than one month before the date. We can either sign the Declaration at this meeting or closer to the date.

I will advise you on the availability of relationship education services. While this is not compulsory to getting married, it is highly recommended. There are various courses available to help you develop and maintain strong and healthy relationships. I will provide you with a brochure titled ‘Happily Ever…Before and After’, which contains important information for couples planning to marry.

We can discuss my fees, including how to make your deposit and final payment, as well as my refund/cancellation policy.
I will ask you to sign a Service Agreement and pay the non-refundable deposit to secure the date.
I will have you sign your NOIM also in the case that your wedding date falls within the 18-month timeframe.

That’s the legal requirements to get married done. 😉

YOUR CEREMONY: Legal Requirements and Personal Touch

I will reach out to you around 3 months prior to your ceremony in order to send you a draft of the ceremony. I write the script based on your questionnaire.

Basically, much of your ceremony is very flexible. There are however, passages and vow’s outlined in The Marriage Act 1966, which for legal reasons, must be said during your ceremony. This includes the Monitum. The Monitum must be read by your appointed Commonwealth-registered celebrant. It is a statement of the celebrants authority to solemnise your marriage & essentially it explains or defines marriage, under Australian law.

The words are as follows:

“I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law.

Before you are married in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

LEGAL VOWS: Essential Requirements for Your Ceremony

Making vows or promises, is usually at the heart of your ceremony. However, you are only obliged to say your LEGAL vows, to ensure your marriage is valid according to The Marriage Act.

Each party must state the following to the other party:

“I call upon the persons here present, to witness that I

(FULL LEGAL NAME OF PARTY 1)

take you (FULL LEGAL NAME OF PARTY 2)

to be my lawful wedded wife (OR husband / wife / spouse / partner in marriage.)”

Should you wish to write your own vows in addition to the legal vows, I can provide you with sample and help you along the way. It is very important that your personal vows do not contradict the legal vows.

You will have the opportunity to provide feedback and/or amend any details you wish to change until we have your perfect ceremony.

YOUR REHEARSAL: Final Requirements Before the Big Day

If requested we can organise a rehearsal a few days prior. A rehearsal is a great opportunity for us to have a final briefing before your big day, calm any nerves and leave you feeling confident and excited for your wedding ceremony!

I recommend that you bring along your bridal party and anyone else included in the ceremony if you would like to.

LET'S GET MARRIED: Finalizing All Requirements for Your Big Day

The big day is finally here! I will ensure I arrive at your wedding location at least 30 minutes before the ceremony to set up and make sure everything is in order.

On the day of your wedding, I will deliver a professional, yet relaxed and personalised ceremony that will be memorable and, most of all, reflect your unique love story!

Whether it’s a small, intimate gathering or a large celebration, I’ll be there to guide you through every step, making your ceremony as special and heartfelt as the love you share.

The Legal Requirements

ABN 75371350672Q