FAQ
A marriage celebrant is the ultimate wing-woman (or man) in the lead up to, and on the day of your wedding.
They organise all the official paperwork to be completed and lodged through Births Deaths & Marriages.
The celebrant will write your ceremony. They can also assist with poem, reading or music selections as well as writing your personalised vows.
For a wedding to be legally binding in Australia two elements need to be said during the ceremony.
The Monitum - celebrant
“I am duly authorized by law to solemnize marriages according to law.
Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.
Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life”
Legal vows
“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, person 1 (full name), take thee, person 2 (full name), to be my lawful wedded wife / husband / spouse”
Wedding, Legals Only, Vow Renewal and Naming Days.
Before the wedding:
Completion of NOIM. Must be completed 1 month before your wedding date.
Celebrant sighting of original ID documents-
Birth certificate or passport and ID (passport, license, ID card etc)
Divorce or Death Certificate (if you have been married previously)
Interpreters declaration (if translator is used)
On the day:
Celebrant reciting the Monitum
The couple reciting of the official vows
Signing of Marriage Certificate x 2
Signing of Form 15
Interpreters declaration (if translator is used)
Celebrants in Sydney can vary greatly in price. Similarly, no two celebrants or ceremonies are quite the same.
Services from at $477 -$1,299 for a registry wedding, to thousands of dollars for recognisable (think MAFS) or career celebrants
Yes! You don’t have to be an Australian citizen to be married in Australia.
The NOIM needs to be completed one month before your wedding and original ID documents sighted before you say “I do”.
You can be married in Australian one month after the completion of the NOIM.
In extenuating circumstances this may be fast tracked, this is referred to as a “shortening of time”. Each case is individually assessed by a magistrate or registrar, however there is no guarantee this will be granted.
Before you get married a celebrant needs to sight some original ID documents. They need to be satisfied that you are, who you say you are, and will be over 18 when you get married.
Official documents include:
- Birth certificate and/ or passport
- Other support documents: drivers license, government issued ID.
If you've been married before the below will need to be sighted:
- Divorce or death certificate
You sure can!
Your ceremony can be as unique as your relationship.
Check out my article on how to best involve friends and family in your special day here.