Choose an 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.
As a Registered (with the Australian Attorney General) Marriage Celebrant, I conduct civil wedding ceremonies according to law in Australia. This means that I officiate legal marriage ceremonies for any two people who meet the Marriage Act 1961 requirements.
An Australian Wedding Ceremony at any location within Australia on land, sea and air, at any time, and on any day of the year. See Marriage Celebrant definition for more information about what a Registered Marriage Celebrant does.
Contact Glenda for help with your wedding.
Get the Right Information for Wedding Ceremonies in Australia
Here are some questions about an Australian wedding ceremony that people often ask.
Who can marry in Australia?
Two people from anywhere in the world, who meet the Australian legal requirements can marry in Australia.
What are the residency requirements to marry in Australia?
There are no residency requirements to marry in Australia. You and your partner can marry on the day you arrive in Australia. If you wish to remain in Australia as a resident following your marriage, then you must have the relevant visa.
Do we need a marriage licence?
There is no licence to marry in Australia. You lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage with me as your authorised Celebrant at least one month before the intended date of the wedding ceremony. 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?
You receive a ‘ceremonial/presentation’ marriage certificate on the day you marry. This is a legal document that is proof of your marriage. This certificate is not an ID or personal identification document however, as it does not include your date of birth. 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?
You are already married if you marry legally in another country! You cannot marry again in Australia. 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?
This is your choice! As a Commonwealth-registered Marriage Celebrant, I can conduct wedding ceremonies in any part of Australia. My home base is Brisbane and the Bayside areas. Furthermore, I can conduct wedding ceremonies on any date and at any time of the day that is mutually convenient.
Must we have pre-marriage counselling before we marry?
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. As your authorised Commonwealth-registered Marriage Celebrant, however, I must give you certain information regarding relationship education agencies when you book me as your Celebrant.
Do we have to say certain words?
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/Spouse) 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”.
Are our full names in all parts of our Australian wedding ceremony?
This is your choice. You choose whether or not to use only your given names when you make your lawful marriage vows. For example, a person whose full name is ‘Marion Aly Rose Wickham’, the given names are ‘Marion Aly Rose‘. You may even add a nickname, eg ‘Marion Aly Rose (Max).‘
Where the surname or family name eg ‘Wickham‘ is not included in the lawful marriage vows, it is mandatory (compulsory) that it is included 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?
This is your choice. You choose whether or not you give a ring, or exchange rings. There is no legal requirement to give or receive anything in an Australian wedding ceremony. The two parties make the contract of marriage when they say the legal marriage vows.
Who gives who away?
This is your choice. You choose what customs or traditions that you wish to include in your Australian wedding ceremony.
What does a wedding ceremony cost?
This is your choice. You choose the level of service that you want for your wedding ceremony. Costs vary across Australian regions and Celebrants. Check out my Wedding ceremony fees that are fair, reasonable and affordable.