For a marriage to be valid in Australia, specific legal requirements are involved. It is a legal obligation to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage form and lodge it with your Celebrant one month prior to your wedding day. It is valid for 18 months.
The Notice of Intended Marriage form is from the Attorney-General’s website. Please do not sign the Notice of Intended Marriage form as the signing must be witnessed by the Celebrant or other authorised person.
Certain documentation must be produced and sighted by the celebrant before the marriage is solemnized. These include Birth certificates for Australian citizens; Overseas passports; and in the case of a previous marriage a Decree Absolute or Death Certificate must be produced.
You must also both sign the ‘ Declaration of no legal impediment to marriage’.
Exchanging vows is also required for a wedding to be legal
On your wedding day, you and your witnesses will be asked to sign up to three marriage certificates.
After you sign the papers required by the Act at your ceremony the marriage celebrant is responsible for registering the marriage within 14 days.
There are also non legal aspects to your wedding . This is where where your personal values and style are respected . Cultural customs and symbolism are readily incorporated into your ceremony. One of my roles is to ensure they reflect your love and commitment. This is where you can also add some fun!
I hope you find helpful this information on your legal obligations for a valid wedding ceremony in Australia
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