How to Apply for a Shortening of Time for Marriage Registration in Australia

In Australia, all couples planning to marry must give at least one month’s notice before their wedding date. This legal requirement starts from the day a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) is completed and lodged with an Authorised Marriage Celebrant. But what if you need to get married sooner?

It is possible to shorten this minimum notice period—but only in exceptional circumstances and with the approval of a Prescribed Authority.

Who Can Approve a Shortening?

The decision to shorten the required notice period can only be made by a Prescribed Authority, which is typically the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or a Local Court. Celebrants cannot approve the shortening themselves—but we can help guide you through the process.

Acceptable Reasons for Shortening the Notice Period

To apply for a shortening, your situation must meet one of the following criteria set out in the Marriage Regulations 2017:

• Employment-related or other travel commitments

• Wedding or celebration arrangements, including religious considerations

• Medical reasons

• Legal proceedings

• Error in giving notice (e.g. celebrant oversight or misunderstanding)

Applications outside these categories are seldom approved. For instance, visa expiry is generally not regarded as a valid reason. As a celebrant, I’ve successfully assisted couples through this process—particularly when travel plans couldn’t be altered or urgent family medical situations required the ceremony to occur sooner than intended.

 Supporting documentation is essential—like flight itineraries, medical certificates, or invoices for non-refundable wedding fees.

How Do I Apply for a Shortening of Time in Perth, WA?

If you're based in Perth, Western Australia, and think you might qualify, here’s how the process works:

1. Contact Me

Get in touch to explain your circumstances. I’ll help determine whether your reason aligns with the accepted grounds for shortening.

2. Book a Meeting

We’ll arrange an in-person meeting to complete and sign the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM). I’ll let you know exactly what documents to bring.

3. Nominate a Ceremony Date

Choose a preferred date and time for your ceremony. This can be adjusted later if needed.

4. Receive Supporting Documents

After your NOIM is lodged with me, I’ll issue an official support letter, along with your signed NOIM. This is the onlytime a celebrant can legally release a signed NOIM—for the purpose of presenting it to the Prescribed Authority.

5. Present Your Application in Person to the Prescribed Authority

Please bring the signed NOIM, my support letter, and all necessary supporting evidence (e.g., medical reports, employer letters, wedding receipts) to the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or your local court. You will need to present your application in person.

What Happens Next?

If your application is successful, the Prescribed Authority will stamp the NOIM, officially approving your shortened notice period. You’ll then return the stamped NOIM to me, and your wedding can legally proceed on your nominated date. It’s important to note that approval is not guaranteed, and decisions are made solely at the discretion of the Prescribed Authority.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you're uncertain whether your situation qualifies, or you’d like help navigating the process, I’m here to assist. Don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions—I’d be honoured to support you through this important step in your journey to marriage.

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