Its no secret that the paperwork side of things can stress couples out..... Dont stress, this is what im here for and why I trained for nearly a year to be a celebrant!
In terms of the Legal Requirements, Legal Paperwork & Identification required to make your marriage legit:
1. The first thing we have to do is fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage Form (NOIM) which we can do during or after our first catchup. The NOIM must be officially lodged with me no earlier than 18 months and no later than one month before the date of the marriage. You also need to provide proof of identification, address and eligibility to marry during this time.
2. Prior to your wedding, both marrying parties must sign a Statutory Declaration confirming that there is no legal impediment to your marriage. This can be done the day of your wedding, during the rehearsal if you opt for one or simply on a date prior (and close to) your proposed wedding date.
3. In accordance to Australian Law, during the ceremony I must do the following:
a) Introduce myself and make it known that, "I am an authorised Civil Celebrant that is registered to perform marriages in Australia".
b) State the words from Section 46 of the Marriage Act 1961 referred to as The Monitum:“I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence & in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn & 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.”
c) Use your full names at least once during the ceremony.
4. In accordance to Australian Law, during the ceremony you and your partner must state the words from Section 45 of the Marriage Act 1961 as your marriage vows “I call upon the persons here present to witness that I (Bride/Groom/Spouce's Full Name) take you (Bride/Groom/Spouse's Full Name) to be my lawful wedded (Wife/Husband/Spouse)”. This must be done in the presence of your witnesses.
5. In accordance to Australian Law, during the ceremony there are a series of three forms that must be signed by the two marrying parties, two witnesses that are over the age of 18 and myself as the celebrant. They are:
a) Form 15, this is the Marriage Certificate that you take home with you.
b) Combined Declaration of no legal impediment to marriage and Official certificate of marriage which is taken away by me and lodged with the registry office in the state of which you have married.
c) Official Certificate Of Marriage (2/2) which is to be safely and securly kept by me as a record of your marriage.