Required Documents
Legal Documents Required for Marriage
Before you can be married in Australia there are a few important documents required by law to be completed. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through each step and help ensure everything is completed correctly and on time.
Click on the links to download the forms and information.
1 )Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
This is the first and most important form. It must be lodged with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding date, and can be completed up to 18 months in advance.
Proof of Identity & Birth You’ll need to provide one of the following:
An Australian or overseas passport (preferred, as it confirms photo, date and place of birth), or your original birth certificate (Australian or translated foreign) plus a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s licence, learner’s permit or WA Photo Card.
Proof of Marriage Termination (if applicable).
If you’ve been previously married, you’ll need to provide a divorce certificate or decree absolute. A death certificate of your former spouse.
2) Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage(DONLITM)
Before the marriage can take place, you will also sign a DONLITM, confirming you are legally free to marry. This can take place at an rehearsal, an agreed place before the day of the marriage, or on the day of the marriage.
3) Official Certificate of Marriage
On the day of your marriage, two Official Certificates of Marriage must be signed by you, your chosen witnesses and your celebrant. These forms make up part of the documents used to register your marriage.
Witnesses must be an adult over 18 to serve as a witness. They can be anyone you choose, as long as they can understand, speak and write English.
4) Marriage Certificate (Form 15)
The ceremonial certificate (Form15), a keepsake record of your marriage, is also signed on the day of your wedding by you, your witnesses and your celebrant. This is not the official State Government Issued certificate. It can’t be used to change your name.
Official State Government Issued Certificate of Marriage (OCM)
The Official State Marriage Certificate is the government-issued document provided by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in each state.
Upon receiving the legal marriage documents from your celebrant, Births Deaths & Marriages registers the marriage. Couples may apply for the OCM certificate once the marriage has been registered.This usually takes about 2 weeks.
This document is legal proof of your marriage and is required for any official name changes or legal purposes.
The certificate can be applied for on the Births Deaths & Marriages website.
A Few Important Things to Know
Original documents must be sighted by your celebrant — photocopies alone aren’t sufficient.
Foreign language documents must be accompanied by an official English translation.
Statutory Declaration (If You Don’t Have ID)
If you’re unable to provide the required identity documents, a statutory declaration may be used. This must explain who you are and why your documents aren’t available. It must be witnessed by one of the registered professionals found on the form. Acceptance is subject to approval. Please speak with me as early as possible if this applies to you.
If you are unsure about your paperwork please reach out.
I am here to make the process as easy as possible for you.
