Legal Requirements
Requirements Of Getting Married.
In Australia, there are several legal requirements that couples must meet before getting married.
Here’s a summary of the key steps:
1. Eligibility: - Both parties must be at least 16 years old, but those under 18 need parental consent and court approval. - Both individuals must not be currently married to someone else (bigamy is illegal). - The couple must not be closely related (e.g., siblings, parents).
2. Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM): - Couples must complete a NOIM form, which must be lodged with an authorized officiant (like a registered celebrant or religious minister) at least one month before the wedding. - The NOIM can be submitted up to 18 months in advance.
3. Identification: - Couples must provide proof of identity and citizenship, such as a birth certificate, passport, or statutory declaration if a birth certificate is not available. - If either party has been previously married, they must provide evidence of the dissolution of the previous marriage (e.g., divorce decree absolute).
4. Marriage Ceremony: - The marriage must be conducted by a registered celebrant or religious official. - The ceremony must include the exchange of vows and the signing of the marriage register.
5. Witnesses: - At least two witnesses must be present during the ceremony. They must be over 18 years old.
6. Marriage Certificate: - After the marriage, the celebrant will provide a marriage certificate, which is an official document confirming the marriage. It's important for couples to check any specific state or territory requirements, as there might be additional regulations or variations in procedures. Planning ahead and ensuring all documentation is in order will help make the wedding process smoother.