Marriage licence rules in Australia

To marry in Australia, you lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage with your celebrant at least 1 month before the wedding. The state pages we read do not describe a marriage licence. The facts here come from New South Wales and Queensland government pages.

The notice

NSW says you must lodge the notice at least 1 month before the date you plan to marry. The notice is valid for 18 months from the date your celebrant receives it. Queensland says the same: at least 1 month, and no more than 18 months, before the wedding.

If you need to marry sooner than 1 month, you can apply to a prescribed authority for a shorter time. NSW lists reasons such as work travel, medical reasons or religious reasons. You must give proof.

Who can marry

You must be at least 18. NSW says people aged 16 to 18 may marry only with court approval and parental consent.

NSW says you do not have to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to get married in Australia.

Documents

Bring a passport or an official birth certificate that shows your full name and place of birth. If you were married before, bring the divorce papers or a death certificate. Documents in another language need a translation by a NAATI-accredited translator.

The ceremony

A registered celebrant or minister of religion must perform the marriage. You need two witnesses who are 18 or older. NSW also says the witnesses must speak and understand English.

In NSW, the Registry runs ceremonies at four places, including Pyrmont and the Sydney Opera House. You must book. In Queensland, you can marry at the Brisbane registry, at a Magistrates Court in some places, or with a registered celebrant at a place you choose.

Before you book

Fees, booking steps and registry services can differ by state and territory. Confirm the current details with your celebrant or the registry in the state where you will marry.