ALL THE LEGAL MUMBO-JUMBO EXPLAINED

BEFORE YOU MARRY.

Before you can marry, you will need to officially give one month’s notice, by using the legal Notice of Intended Marriage form, which must be signed in front an authorised witness. In Australia, this form is usually signed before a Justice of the Peace or Police Officer. If you are located overseas, this can be signed at the Australian consulate/embassy or Public Notary. Once the form is complete, you will need to scan and email the form to our team no later than one month before the wedding takes place for checking and uploading to Births, Deaths and Marriages. If for example, you would like to marry on the 29th April, it must be completed, signed and received by email or by post no later than 29th March.

FORMAL IDENTIFICATION.

Before the wedding ceremony begins, you will also need to be identified formally. You may scan and email documents ahead of your wedding day, or you may choose to bring the original birth certificates or passports on your wedding day. If you choose to present a birth certificate, another form of photo ID, such as a driver’s licence (or another form of formal photo ID) is required.

EVIDENCE OF SINGLE STATUS.

If either of you have been married before, evidence of your single status with either a divorce certificate (if divorced) or a full death certificate (if widowed). Certificates in a language other than English must be translated into English using the government approved translator service, NAATI – www.naati.com.au

All forms must be completed, and all identification and evidence of single status must be satisfied before the marriage can go ahead. Should you forget to bring your official documents on the day, unfortunately we will not be legally able to proceed with the wedding.

ON THE WEDDING DAY.

On the big day, you will need to provide two witnesses to sign your marriage certificates. Witnesses can be anyone over the age of 18 that can understand the English language. If English is not their native language, then a translator must be present. If you are unable to provide 2 witnesses, they can be arranged for you for an additional fee. You must also bring your formal identification if not provided beforehand, as well as any evidence of single status needed.

AFTER THE CEREMONY.

Once your wedding has taken place, your marriage will be registered by your celebrant online as soon as possible (usually the same day) and you will be notified a confirmation by email. You are then able to apply for the official standard marriage certificate online (currently $65 and paid direct to Births, Deaths and Marriages) and it will be posted to your Australian address (or overseas address for an additional charge). If you would like us to take care of this on your behalf, we charge $80, including delivery within Australia. Posting overseas can be arranged for an additional charge.
If urgent, an express fee in addition to the standard fees will be charged.

If you are from overseas, you may also need to get an apostille stamp on the back of the certificate before you return home. This is something you should check with the relevant authorities, to make sure that your Australian marriage is recognised when you return home. More information can be found here: https://www.dfat.gov.au/

THAT’S IT! Ready to choose your dream wedding? Let’s get you married!

If you need further clarification about the process or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly dream team!

YOUR BITE SIZE WEDDING TIMELINE

MINIMUM 1 MONTH BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

  • Lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage and send to our team
  • Scan and send your formal identification to our team
  • Collect any evidence of single status (if needed) and organise translation if necessary
  • Book your Bite Size Wedding and pay your deposit
  • Settle all the details with our team via phone or zoom
  • Receive our exclusive guide to create your perfect wedding ceremony

2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

  • Make sure you’ve sent your vow selection, reading selection, and ring exchanges to our team
  • Finalise your cake, flower, and witness arrangements

1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

  • Final phone/Zoom consult with the team to confirm all the details

YOUR WEDDING DAY

  • Get married!
  • Our celebrant will officially register your marriage and apply for your marriage certificate if ordered

3 DAYS AFTER YOUR WEDDING

  • Receive your gorgeous photographic collection via a beautiful online gallery, as well as instructions and advice for printing and storage

3-5 WEEKS AFTER YOUR WEDDING

  • If you have applied for your marriage certificate, it should arrive about now (subject to their processing time)