Exploring the Differences: Registry-Style Wedding vs. Legals Only Celebrant Ceremony

If you are looking to tie the knot without the pressure, inconvenience, or grandeur, you might be contemplating a Registry Office wedding. Just so you know, there is currently a waiting period of several months starting as of February 2024.

Did you know you have another option? I've got you! A celebrant can perform a registry-style wedding for you, anywhere you like. Read on to find out how.

What is it?

It is called a Legals Only ceremony. I call it my Short & Sweet Ceremony. The marriage ceremony itself includes only the legally required words for a marriage to be solemnised in Australia.

How long does it take?

Around 10 minutes. It is similar to what you would have at a registry wedding, in that the celebrant will cover the legally required wording for a marriage to be valid in Australia. The paperwork is included, and if you choose me to be your celebrant, I offer you the opportunity to personalise things with a ring exchange, personal vows and music. Bonus!

What does it include?

A registry-style wedding or Legals Only marriage ceremony includes the legally required wording for marriage according to law in Australia. As a registered civil marriage celebrant, I am legally able to solemnise your nuptials on the day (that is my job), wherever you choose to have the ceremony. So the celebrant does all the bits required to legally marry you in Australia, and you get the freedom to choose where it happens.

In sentences it is approx. 8 sentences (most of which I say) and 3 pieces of paperwork at the ceremony. Prior to the ceremony, you will do your Notice of Intended Marriage, usually together with your celebrant at least 1 month prior to the ceremony. We usually do this on a video call if at least one of your is physically in Australia.

If you are arriving from abroad, there's no issue. You can fill out your NOIM with a Notary Public or Consular representative before forwarding it to your celebrant for submission, we call it lodgement. The key requirement is that the form needs to be lodged (meaning sent and received by your celebrant) at least 1 calendar month before the ceremony date.

To learn more about the available options for completing this initial legal paperwork known as the NOIM, click HERE. You can also find out more and download the paperwork from the Australian Attorney Generals Office HERE.

Once you have completed the NOIM everything else happens on the day. When you arrive your celebrant will ask to see each of you separately to check you are both willinging consenting to marry. Your celebrant will be your witness as you sign the Declaration of No Impediment or DNI. This has to happen before the ceremony can start. It is law for the celebrant to witness you both sign the DNI SEPARATELY in Australia. This is important as it is how we determine if each party to the marriage is truly consenting to get married. So don't be surprised when I ask you to step aside one at a time and answer a few questions before signing the DNI paperwork.

Then, at the end of the ceremony you will both sign 2 marriage certificates (the celebrant keeps one, and one goes to Births, Deaths & Marriages to register the nuptials) plus you will both sign the commemorative certificate (this is the pretty one you get to keep). I include the commemorative certificate in the Short & Sweet package - not all celebrants do so be sure to ask!

This pamphlet from the Australian Attorney Generals Office is a great summary and overview of all the legal steps required to marry in Australia, you can download it HERE and your celebrant will also provide you with a copy (it is a legal requirement).

Who is it for?

A registry-style or Legals Only marriage ceremony is perfect for couples in Australia who wish to marry quickly and without hassle. Why? Some couples have already planned a cultural ceremony or family celebration, while others might be heading overseas for a destination wedding that isn't legally recognized in Australia. Additionally, some just want to be married without the fuss or expense, so they can move forward with their lives together. A Legals Only or registry-style wedding ceremony conducted by a celebrant is a great option for all these scenarios and more.

Where can we hold a registry-style wedding?

I perform ceremonies everywhere, it is one of the beauties of working in Australia as a wedding celebrant. I charge a nominal fee for travel beyond my inclusive 50km radius to cover tolls, and fuel. So we can do it anywhere you like. I have done Legals Only ceremonies in hotel rooms overlooking the beach, in the park, on a golf course, in a back garden, in a chapel and even over a couples kitchen table. The list goes on, in short, a civil marriage celebrant can perform the marriage ceremony wherever you like.

What does it cost?

Prices vary per celebrant. My pricing as at Sept 2024 is from $500* depending on travel requirements and if it is a weekday or weekend. If it is a public holiday there may be a surcharge. We can discuss all of the details on a free planning call which you can book by clicking on the button in the top right hand corner of this website.

Can we personalise it?

With me as your celebrant, absolutely! You can add personal vows, a ring exchange or music - all three things if you like. Let me know what you have in mind and I will guide you on how we can make it happen. Generally my couples choose to include a ring exchange or personal vows which add a personalised element to the short ceremony, get in touch and we can work out something just for you.

Why choose a Legals Only v Registry Wedding?

Good question. Well, firstly we can do the ceremony wherever suits you. I travel to you rather than you to the Registry. Secondly, I am flexible and happy to create something that suits you. Thirdly, I will meet you in advance either in person or via a video call. This way, we get to know each other a bit, so you aren't fronting up to a stranger on the day. Plus, I can answer any questions you have and talk you through the whole process so you are comfortable in knowning what to expect. Thirdly, I help make it simple and straightforward. I will guide you through the paperwork, I take care of the registration formalities and I can even play music for you if you choose. Finally, I often have availability mid-week and offer flexibility to!

So, if you are looking for a short, simple ceremony to get married to the one you love, give me a call. I would love to help make it happen!

*My prices are plus GST.

Broadwater Chapel Registry-Style Ceremony with Gold Coast Celebrant Sacha Clark