So, you are getting married? Congratulations! Wondering what are the next steps to make sure you can make it down the aisle? Well, aside for colours, themes and venues there is some legal paperwork that needs to be taken care of to ensure your ceremony is recognised by Births, Deaths & Marriages in your state. As a civil celebrant practicing in Queensland and New South Wales, I can help you with all of this, but before we chat here is an overview of what is required (as at 31st Jul 2024).
Note: as of the 12th June 2024 celebrants are now able to remotely witness the signing of your NOIM. What does this mean for you? We can do all the pieces of the first legal paperwork remotely via a video call, including witnessing your signatures! This flexibility is available when at least one person is in Australia. If you are both overseas and unlikely to return within one month and one day of your ceremony you also have remote witnessing options - get in touch and I can talk you through your options.
Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
The first and most important legal document is the Notice of Intended Marriage or NOIM.
The form can either be completed with your celebrant or by downloading the forms from the Attorney General’s Department Website and having it witnessed by an authorised witness.
If you are in Australia and completing the forms yourself, you can have your NOIM witnessed by one of the following authorised witnesses:
an authorised Marriage Celebrant (like ME!)
a justice of the peace
a Commissioner for Declarations under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959
a barrister or solicitor
a legally qualified medical practitioner
a member of the Australian Federal Police or the police force of a State or Territory.
If you're overseas and unable to be in Australia before the NOIM is due, you will need one of the following authorities to witness:
an Australian Diplomatic Officer
an Australian Consular Officer
a Notary public
an employee of the Commonwealth authorised under paragraph 3(c) of the Consular Fees Act 1955
an employee of the Australian Trade Commission authorised under paragraph 3(d) of the Consular Fees Act 1955.
Please note, if you are filling the forms without your celebrant, it is best to fill it out BLOCK letters using BLACK pen or by using the dynamic PDF version to ensure everything is legible.
The NOIM must be completed, signed and witnessed at least one calendar month and no earlier than 18 months prior to your wedding day.
There are several things required for this form to be completed correctly.
Details of the Couple: full name, address, place of birth, conjugal status
Details of the Parents: full name and name at birth, place of birth
Identification You Need to Present to Your Celebrant or Witness:
Your original birth certificate and drivers' licence
If you don't have a passport or drivers licence there are other types of photo identification you can use, get in touch to talk through your options
OR your original current or expired (but not cancelled) passport
And if you’ve been married before, they'll need to sight:
Your original divorce paper from the court
OR a death certificate if you are a widow or widower
How do you 'lodge' it?
Simple, the lodgement of your NOIM is when you send the completed forms to your celebrant. If you choose to work with me, we will do this piece of paperwork together at our first official meeting so all you need to organise is your pieces of identification.
If you have questions get in touch. I am always happy to help.
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