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title: "How to Get Legally Married by a Celebrant in Australia"
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Legal marriage

Getting married

# How to Get Legally Married by a Celebrant in Australia

August 16, 2026

5 min read

TOC

Getting married by a celebrant in Australia is straightforward when you start early. The legal process sits underneath the wedding you design, whether that is a simple signing with a few people or a full celebration.

## 1. Choose an authorised marriage celebrant

Your marriage must be solemnised by an authorised celebrant. Start with someone whose approach suits you, then ask about their availability, fees, planning process and the documents they need. An authorised celebrant can explain the requirements that apply to your circumstances.

## 2. Give your Notice of Intended Marriage

You need to give a completed Notice of Intended Marriage (often called a NOIM) to your celebrant at least one month before the wedding and no more than 18 months beforehand. Booking a celebrant is not the same thing as giving the notice, so make this a priority once you have chosen your date.

## 3. Provide documents and meet with your celebrant

Your celebrant needs evidence of your date and place of birth, identity and, if relevant, proof that a previous marriage has ended. They must also meet separately and in person with each person before the marriage is solemnised. Raise anything unusual early: overseas documents, a previous marriage, a name difference or a very short timeline are all easier to handle with time.

## 4. Have the legal ceremony

On the day, you, your celebrant and two witnesses who are over 18 must be physically present. The ceremony includes required legal words and your legal vows, with any personal promises, music or rituals built around them. Everyone then signs the marriage certificates.

## 5. Let the registration process finish

Your celebrant gives you a certificate on the day and must send the registration paperwork to the registry in the state or territory where you married. If you need formal proof of your marriage, including for a name change, apply for the official certificate from that registry once the marriage has been registered.

This overview is general information. Read the current [Australian Government guide to getting married](https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/marriage/get-married) and get individual advice from your authorised celebrant.