
So here's what you need to know ...
To be legally married in Australia, a person must:
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not be married to someone else
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not be marrying a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or sister
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be at least 18 years old, unless a court has approved a marriage where one party is aged between 16 and 18 years old
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understand what marriage means and freely consent to marrying
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use specific words during the ceremony
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give written notice of their intention to marry to their authorised celebrant, within the required time frame.
Important paperwork - Notice of Intended Marriage
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I must receive a completed Notice of Intended Marriage from from you at least one month before your wedding but you can give it to me to 18 months beforehand. I can help you complete the form. The notice may be completed and witnessed outside Australia, if required.
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We need to talk, if there is less than one month before your wedding. A prescribed authority may approve a shorter notice time in some circumstances.
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I will need to sight evidence of date and place of birth, identity and the end of any previous marriages for each party. In some instances, I may also need to ask you to complete a Statutory Declaration to support your evidence.
Other things to know
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Shortly before your wedding, I'll require you both to sign a Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage
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Two witnesses (both over 18 years of age) will be required to sign the legal paperwork on the day of the wedding
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You will receive a Commemorative Marriage Certificate at your ceremony (not official Marriage Certificate)
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Application will need to be made for an official Marriage Certificate through the relevant Dept of Births, Deaths & Marriage. I can apply for the certificate on your behalf when I register your marriage electronically. Cost of certificate is payable by you and the certificate will be posted to you.