If you live locally then we can meet in person and I can sight the original documents necessary to begin the legal process of Marriage. BUT if you cannot meet with me you will need to follow the instructions listed below.
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If you cannot meet me in person follow these steps: |
You need to download and print a copy of the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) . The NOIM is a document which is necessary to begin the process of marriage.
The Notice of Intended Marriage must be signed in the presence of one of the following:
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If a party signs the notice in Australia |
• an authorised marriage celebrant; or
• a Commissioner for Declarations under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959; or
• a Justice of the Peace; or
• a Barrister or Solicitor; or
• a legally qualified medical practitioner; or
• a member of the Australian Federal Police of the police force of a State or Territory.
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If a party signs the notice outside Australia |
• an Australian Diplomatic Officer; or
• an Australian Consular Officer; or
• an employee of the Commonwealth authorised under paragraph 3(c) of the Consular Fees Act 1955; or
• an employee of the Australian Trade Commission authorised under paragraph 3(d) of the Consular Fees Act 1955; or
• a Notary public
Fax or post (keep a photocopy for yourself) the form to me as soon as it has been witnessed by one of the officiates listed above. I need to have received the NOIM (Notice of Intended Marriage) at least 32 days before your wedding date, but no more than eighteen months.
If faxed, please send the NOIM form to me by Registered mail together with your certified copies of your identity papers. (see below)
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Proof of Identity |
If born in Australia , I must sight the original Birth Certificate. Passports are not accepted for Australian citizens.
Original birth certificates for all Australians are obtained from Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the State or Territory in which you were born (not where you live now) . Contact details may be found at http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au
If you have married before, I will also need certified copies of the Decree Nisi / Absolute, Death Certificate or Divorce Certificate.
A person born overseas must also show a birth certificate (or extract). If they do not have one in their possession they must make every effort to obtain one from their country of birth . (If this is not possible, I must sight a Passport of an overseas country (not Australian), provided it shows both date and place of birth. In some cases, I may also request additional proof of identity.)
In extreme circumstances in which it is impossible to obtain these necessary documents outlined above, I will require a Statutory Declaration. This is a written legal Statement witnessed by me as an Officer of the Commonwealth of Australia, or another authorised official.
By Australian Law, I cannot conduct the marriage unless I see your original documents.
Any documents in a foreign language require official translation into English. The National Accreditation Authority for Translators contact information; Tel: 1300 557 470 , email: info@naati.com.au , website: www.naati.com.au
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Shortening of Time |
Can ' t wait a full calendar month to marry?
It is possible to shorten the minimum notice time for a marriage to less than a month in special circumstances.
You need to approach a Prescribed Authority for approval. ( contact your Local Court or Registry office )
Prescribed authorities can shorten the required period of notice if they are satisfied that circumstances prescribed in the regulations listed below are met.
These are:
• Employment related or other travel commitments,
• Wedding or celebrant arrangements, or religious considerations,
• Medical reasons,
• Legal proceedings,
• Er ror in giving notice .
The reason for seeking a shortening of time for notice must fall within one of these categories before an application can be considered. There is no capacity to grant shortening of time outside these circumstances. Shortening of time is not automatic. When making a decision the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) or prescribed authority will weigh up the information provided in support of the application and may seek additional information as outlined in the regulations.
Click here for a list of Prescribed Authorities.
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Now for the fun part! Design your Ceremony |
After receipt of the NOIM, certified identity papers / documents, and booking fee, we will now begin to create your wedding ceremony and this is a lot of fun! I will provide you with various styles and samples of Ceremonies to choose, or you can write your own! Its all up to you. You have the final say of the content of the Ceremony.(however, there are a few legal requirements of literary text also, but they will not intrude on your overall style.)
You will also need to sign a Declaration stating that you believe there is no legal impediment to the marriage between yourself and your partner. I will supply and witness this document.
At your ceremony, there must be two official witnesses who are over the age of 18 years.
