Your Australian Wedding Ceremony
Congratulations! I would love to conduct your Australian wedding ceremony. You choose where and when you wish to marry. Rules and regulations for civil or secular wedding ceremonies are the same in all Australian States and Territories.
An Australian Wedding Ceremony can be conducted at any location within Australia on land, sea and air, at any time, and on any day of the year. You choose where and when you wish to marry.
Ask Glenda for your easy Australian Wedding Ceremony!
Get the Right Information for Easy Wedding Ceremonies in Australia
Get the right information! These questions and answers about Australian wedding ceremonies make your Australian wedding ceremony easy!
Who can marry in Australia?
Two people from anywhere in the world, who meet the Australian legal marriage requirements.
Do we need to live in Australia before we marry?
No. You and your partner can marry on the day you arrive in Australia. You must have the relevant visa to remain in Australia as a resident following your marriage.
Why book a Registered Marriage Celebrant in Australia?
A Registered (with the Australian Attorney General) Marriage Celebrant, conducts legal wedding ceremonies according to law in Australia. See Marriage Celebrant definition for more information about the services that a Registered Marriage Celebrant offers. This means that I officiate legal marriage ceremonies for any two people who meet the Marriage Act 1961 requirements.
When can we marry in Australia?
Marry on any date and at any time that is mutually convenient. Contact me and we will make the process smooth and fuss-free! I will help you to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before the intended wedding date. Are you in a hurry to get married and you have a valid reason? A prescribed authority can shorten this one-month waiting time period under certain circumstances. This ‘shortening of time’ process starts when you book me as your Celebrant.
Do we get a Marriage Certificate?
Yes. You receive a ‘ceremonial/presentation’ marriage certificate on your wedding day. This is a legal document that is proof of your marriage. However, this certificate is not an ID or personal identification document. The Registry in the State or Territory in which you marry issues a copy of the Official Marriage Certificate for a fee. I help you to obtain your copy easily and without any fuss!
Can we marry a second time in Australia?
No. If you marry legally in another country your marriage is registered in that country. You are already married. However, you may choose a Renewal of Vows, Affirmation or Commitment ceremony. Celebrate as newly-weds with your family and friends in Australia! Although these ceremonies have no legal status, they are great occasions for another celebration.
Where can we marry in Australia?
This is your choice. As a Commonwealth-registered Marriage Celebrant, I conduct wedding ceremonies in any part of Australia. My home base is Brisbane and the Bayside areas.
Do we have pre-marriage counselling before we marry in Australia?
This is your choice. Relationship education is available in Australia, through both government and non-government agencies. This information is free and is easy to find. Check out these Resources for helpful links.
Do we have to say specific words in an Australian wedding ceremony?
Yes. The law requires that both parties say some specific words in a civil, or secular wedding ceremony. These words are as follows:
“I, (name of Bride/Groom/Partner) call upon all persons here present to witness that I take you, (name of Bride/Groom/Partner) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse.”
There are however, some legally acceptable minor variations to this wording. For example, “call upon” to “ask”; “persons” to “people”; “thee” to “you”.
Do we use our full names in all parts of our Australian wedding ceremony?
There is some flexibility when using names in an Australian wedding ceremony. You may like to use only your given name when you make your lawful marriage vows. For example, for the full name, ‘Marion Rose Wickham’, the given names are ‘Marion’ and ‘Rose‘. This means that you may choose to use either ‘Marion’ or ‘Marion Rose.‘ You may add a nickname, eg ‘Marion Rose (Max).‘
Where the surname or family name eg ‘Wickham‘ is not included in the lawful marriage vows, it is mandatory (compulsory) to include it somewhere else in the ceremony. This usually happens early in the ceremony. This establishes the legal, personal identity of the individuals who make the contract of marriage.
Do we need wedding rings in an Australian wedding ceremony?
No. This is your choice. It is not a legal requirement for an Australian wedding ceremony. The two parties make the contract of marriage when they say the legal marriage vows.
Who ‘gives who away’ in an Australian wedding ceremony?
This is your choice. It is not a legal requirement in an Australian wedding ceremony. You decide what traditions you wish to follow in your Australian wedding ceremony.
What does an Australian wedding ceremony cost?
There is no set fee for an Australian wedding ceremony. You choose the level of service that you want for your wedding. Check out my Wedding ceremony fees that are fair, reasonable and affordable.