Here is the Process:
Step 1:
You will need to arrange a meeting with me to submit your Notice of Intended Marriage Form at least 30 days before the wedding in order to meet the legal requirements set out by the Attorney General’s Department, we can complete the form online or over the phone, then have it signed soon after.
Step 2:
Attend that meeting. Ideally, it is helpful if you have ID documents ready for yourself and your
partner including:
- Your Birth Certificates if born in Australia, or your passport if either of you are of international birth.
Some Photo ID such as a Driver’s License or Passport,
- If previously married I will need to sight the divorce papers, or death certificate if widowed, and
- We will also need to know the year of birth of any children born to a previous marriage.
Note: If you are unable to supply all of these documents, that is ok, but I will need to sight the original documents prior to the marriage ceremony.
At this meeting a deposit of $85.00 is required to secure your wedding day in my diary.
Step 3:
At this meeting we will complete the Notice of Intended Marriage Form as much as is possible, and when you are happy that the content is accurate after proof reading, we will arrange a date and time for all to sign it. This Form will remain with me until after the marriage is complete. I will provide you with a pamphlet put out by the Justice Department with useful information about marriage in Australia and where to find support services if needed.
Step 4:
Once step 3 is complete, we will discuss the wedding script. I can provide you with several drafts to work from in hard copy or digital form by email. We will determine the date, time and location for your wedding and discuss your desired dress code. It is beneficial if you choose an outdoor wedding, to have an alternative backup venue in case of rough weather.
Step 5:
We will communicate with each other in finalizing the script and any other issues that may arise, by phone or email until you are happy with the process. Once this phase is complete, I will prepare all of your required legal documents to be signed at your marriage, and your decorative marriage certificate.
Step 6:
Attend your wedding venue at the decided time, prepared to be married with two witnesses who are prepared to sign your legal papers. Witnesses cam be anyone, friends, family, or people you have arranged, the only legal requirement is that they are over 18 years old and speak the language spoken at the ceremony or have an interpreter present if not.
Step 7:
We will conduct the marriage ceremony in regard to your wishes and in a professional manner. After the ceremony we will proceed to a table where we can all sign and witness the legal documents. At this point, congratulations are in order accompanied by much cheering.
Step 8:
Traditionally a wedding feast is held somewhere after the wedding, and this is your personal choice. The celebrant does not attend the feast unless requested to do so.
Step 9:
I will deliver your signed legal documents to the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, usually on the next Monday after the wedding, but definitely within 14 days of the wedding as is required by law.
Once those papers are delivered, or submitted online, you can apply online or in person to the registrar General, for your “Official Marriage Certificate.” You will need this Official Certificate to conduct name changes in Passports, Drivers Licenses, and many other business registrations and such.
I can apply for your Official Certificate of Marriage on your behalf when submitting your documents online, the cost of the certificate, delivered to you by Registered Post, is $55.62.