How Complicated Is the Marriage Legal Paperwork?
This is a question I am often asked, and many couples do not realise that a degree of verification is required by your chosen Celebrant to complete your Marriage paperwork.
However, with a professional, experienced Marriage Celebrant the task is easy and seamless for you.
I am also asked if is it easier to have a Registry Office Marriage Ceremony. The answer is, “It depends on what you want for your Marriage Ceremony”. Whether you chose to get married in a Registry Office or by a Celebrant, the legal paperwork does not change. And because of this, no matter your decision, there is often a base cost to ensure all administration time and procedures are covered.
However, the type of Marriage Ceremony could be vastly different, depending on what you want. For many a 10-minute, quick and simple ceremony with very limited personal interaction is just the ticket. While for others it is important to have personal vows, taking time to explain the backstory of the couple and much more.
With the right celebrant, you can tailor your ceremony to meet your idea of a dream wedding.
All Marriage Documents come under the Marriage Act 1961. Your Celebrant is obliged to follow the process and use the forms (There are several forms) and processes set out in the ACT.
The very first is the NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE: NOIM.
A Notice of Intended Marriage [NOIM] must be lodged with your chosen Celebrant at least ONE CALENDAR MONTH PRIOR to the Marriage Date. This can be lodged a year in advance if it is easier for the couple.
Your chosen Celebrant will require copies of various documents, Birth Certificates, divorce paperwork (if applicable), photo identification etc. to complete the NOIM.
Once again with an experienced Celebrant, this becomes, stress-free and seamless for the couple. I love the feedback from my couples when they remark how easy it was, with no stress and professionally done.
As your Marriage Ceremony progresses, and is finalised, various other information is required. For example, the full names of your two witnesses to the Marriage on the day. Your witnesses must be known to you and be over 18 years of age at the time of your Marriage. No Las Vegas weddings in Australia where you rent a crowd and witnesses! Most of the LEGAL paperwork is simple [for you] as you provide information along the way, with verifiable documents to prove who you are, you are over the age of 18 and various other criteria to marry in Australia.
Your Registered, Authorised Celebrant is your best source of information and factual advice. Choose wisely and ask for them for advice and guidance as you source information or documents.
A side note — during COVID lockdowns, Celebrants were able to witness the signing of the NOIM on Zoom. However, this will most likely cease in December 2023 - but watch this space.
So, my advice as always is, to seek out a professional, registered Celebrant for your Marriage Ceremony. And start the discussion early to lodge your NOIM.
Let me help you and guide you through this process seamlessly, stress-free and professionally!
Let us take care of your legal documentation.
I am a Registered and Authorised Celebrant. Your best source of information and factual advice and guidance. Let us create a stress-free legal process for your wedding.