Do I still need to submit marriage paperwork to the government after choosing a Celebrant?

Planning a wedding can feel like juggling romance and red tape—but when it comes to the legal side of things, the process is simpler than you might think. One of the most common questions I get from couples is:

“Once we’ve chosen a celebrant, do we still need to submit paperwork to the government ourselves?”

The short answer is: No—you don’t.

Your Celebrant Takes Care of the Legal Lodgement

As an authorised celebrant in Australia, it’s my legal responsibility to manage and lodge all your marriage documentation with the relevant state registry. That includes:

• The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM): This must be completed and submitted at least one month before your wedding day.
• The Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage: Signed close to your wedding day to confirm you’re both legally free to marry.
• The Official Marriage Documents: These are signed on your wedding day and I will lodge them with the registry within 1–2 business days after the ceremony.

So once you've chosen your celebrant and completed the necessary forms, you can focus on the fun part—planning your ceremony and celebrating your love.

What You Do Need to Prepare

While your celebrant handles the legal lodgement, you still have an important role in the process. Here’s what you’ll need to provide:

• Valid ID and documents (like birth certificates or passports)
• Details for your NOIM, including your parents’ names and birthplaces
• Signatures on the day—your own and two witnesses over 18

Your celebrant will guide you through each step and make sure everything is completed correctly and on time.

What Certificate Do We Take Home?

On the day, you’ll be given a beautifully printed Commonwealth Marriage Certificate—the one you sign during your ceremony. This is your first official memento as a married couple, and you get to take it home straight away.

However, this certificate isn’t valid for legal purposes such as changing your name or updating your marital status with government departments.

To do that, you’ll need to apply separately for the Registry-issued Marriage Certificate from your state’s Births, Deaths and Marriages office.

Want to understand the difference between the Commonwealth certificate and the registry-issued certificate? Read this blog post to find out more ➝ Understanding the difference between Commonwealth Marriage Certificate and Registry Style Marriage Certificate 

Final Thoughts

Choosing a celebrant means choosing someone who not only tells your love story but also ensures your marriage is legally recognised. With the paperwork in safe hands, you’re free to focus on what matters most—celebrating the start of your new chapter, together.

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