Do I need to register my wedding if I got married in a church?

This might seem like a dumb question but we were married in a church last year and got our marriage certificate from the priest - do I need to register this or is it automatically registered? Thanks

Question Asked: 19/05/2020

Wedding Date: 9/08/2018

Most Helpful Response

Heritage Celebrancy Services

(10) · Melbourne & Surrounds - Happy to travel

Posted: 25/08/2022

It does not matter where you get married in Australia but all marriages must be registered by the celebrant only in the state that it was performed, not by the couple.

Answered by: 8 Experts

Sort by:

Bruce Kilpatrick Celebrant Services

(30) · Wodonga / Bright / Echuca. VIC.

Posted: 17/02/2021

It doesn't matter where you get married in AUstralia, all marriages must be registered.  Also, the 'registration' of the Marriage is done by the celebrant (within 14 working days after the ceremony) and not the couple, so you have no say in the matter.

Beswick Life Celebrations - Lesley Beswick

(4) · Ballarat, Daylesford, Ballan, Warrnambool, Bacchus Marsh, Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula

Posted: 23/06/2020

No. The minister should submit your paprwork to the state Registry. However, to receive your Official Marriage Certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages, if the minister has not asked for this on your behalf, then you need to do so yourselves.

Treasured Ceremonies

(16) · Byron Bay to Ballina , North Coast NSW and Gold Coast QLD

Posted: 21/06/2020

The person who marries you at church will register your wedding as would a celebrant 

Ahmet Aydogan Marriage Celebrant

(6) · Sydney / Wollongong / South West / South Coast & Surrounds

Posted: 12/06/2020

As with all Civil Celebrants, the officiating priest has the responsibility to register your marriage with the correct authority. 

Susan Rose Civil Marriage Celebrant

(4) · Sydney & Surrounds

Posted: 26/05/2020

NO question is dumb. :) The officiating priest has the responsibility to register your marriage, as do celebrants.

Fiona Winwood Marriage Celebrant

(42) · Adelaide metro, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Kuitpo, Barossa Valley

Posted: 20/05/2020

Your priest would have submitted all the legal documentation to BDM in your state within 14 days of your wedding ceremony. 

Andy Kidd - Civil Celebrant

(24) · Tweed Coast/ Gold Coast / Byron Bay/Brisbane

Posted: 20/05/2020

No - The priest should have sumitted your official marriage certificate to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages where it is lodged.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask your own question and we'll have our experts answer it.

Ask a question

Hi! I'm Chelsea and I can help you find suppliers for your wedding. Would you like some help today?

1 Chelseabot