What Are the Important Documents for Marriage Registration in Australia?

If you're planning to get married in Australia, one of the most important parts of the process is making sure the right documents are prepared, signed, and submitted on time.

As a Commonwealth-registered celebrant, part of my role is to guide you through each step—so nothing is missed, and your marriage is registered smoothly and legally.

Here are the key documents you’ll need for your marriage registration:

1. Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

This is the first document you must complete to start the legal process.

• It must be submitted to your celebrant at least one month before your wedding day
• It is valid for up to 18 months from the date of signing
• Both parties must sign it in front of an authorised witness (such as your celebrant)

You’ll also need to provide original identity documents when submitting your NOIM—more on that below.

2. Proof of Identity and Eligibility Documents

To complete the NOIM and finalise your marriage registration, you’ll need to provide:

• Proof of birth – You must supply either your birth certificate or your passport

📌 You only need one of these documents—not both. If you do not have either, please speak with me directly so we can discuss alternative options and ensure everything is in order.

• Photo ID – Such as a driver’s licence or passport (if not already used as proof of birth)
• Evidence of how any previous marriages ended – Such as a divorce certificate or death certificate, if applicable

All documents must be original or certified copies. If any documents are in a language other than English, a NAATI-certified English translation must also be provided.

3. Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage

This is a statutory declaration that you both must sign, usually close to your wedding day—often at the rehearsal or just before the ceremony.

By signing it, you’re declaring that:

• You are of legal marriageable age (18+ in most cases)
• You are not already married
• There is no legal reason stopping the marriage from going ahead

I will witness this declaration and keep it as part of your official marriage documents.

4. Marriage Certificates

On your wedding day, three marriage certificates are signed:

1. The Official Certificate of Marriage – This is lodged with Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM)
2. The Celebrant’s Copy – For my records as your celebrant
3. The Commonwealth Marriage Certificate – You take this one home as a keepsake!

✨ Please note: The Commonwealth Marriage Certificate you receive on the day is not valid for legal purposes like changing your name.
You’ll need to apply for a registered marriage certificate from the state’s BDM after the wedding.
Read more about the difference between the certificates ➝ https://justauspicious.com.au/blogs/weddings/ceremonial-vs-official-understanding-your-australian-marriage-certificate

5. Registered Marriage Certificate (Optional but Often Needed)

After your wedding, I will lodge all your documents with the relevant state registry—usually within 1–2 business days.

If you need to:

• Change your name
• Apply for a visa
• Prove your marital status for legal or financial reasons

You’ll need to order the official registered marriage certificate from your state’s Births, Deaths and Marriages office. This is usually a small additional fee, and I can guide you through the process if needed.

Final Thoughts

Getting legally married isn’t complicated when you have the right celebrant to guide you. I’ll help ensure every form is completed correctly, all timelines are met, and your marriage is properly registered.

If you’re feeling unsure about the paperwork or what to bring to our first meeting, I’m always happy to walk you through it step by step.

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