You do not need a marriage license to get married in Australia. There is, however, paperwork, like the Notice of Intended Marriage, that must be completed and lodged with a celebrant or Registry Office outside a 1 month period before the marriage date.
What is a marriage license?
A marriage license is a legal document obtained by a couple prior to marriage. A marriage license is NOT required in Australia to get married. In other countries, like the United States of America, a marriage license is obtained before the marriage ceremony, signed during the ceremony by the celebrant and returned to the office that issued the license in order for a marriage certificate to be issued to the couple.
What do we have instead of a marriage license in Australia?
In Australia, part of the requirements to get married is to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage, have it witnessed and lodge it with your celebrant or the Registry Office. The Notice records the personal details of the couple and confirms their eligibility to marry. The Notice of Intended Marriage must be received by the celebrant, (completed and witnessed) no less than 1 month prior to the ceremony date. After the marriage, the Notice is provided to relevant state authority and the details on the Notice are used by The Registrar to register the marriage.
Can I get married with lodging a Notice Of Intended Marriage?
There are special and specific circumstances which allow for a couple to get married in less than 1 month’s time, however a Notice is always required to get legally married within Australia.
Where can I find the Notice Of Intended Marriage?
The Attorney General’s website will have a copy, as well the relevant authority for marriages in your state (Like Births, Deaths and Marriages in NSW). The Notice can be downloaded and printed at home, using your home printer.
What is a marriage certificate?
A Marriage Certificate is a legal document, applied for after the ceremony, from the state’s Registry (Like Births, Deaths and Marriages). This document, which displays a registration number is proof of your marriage and can be used to change your name, or in other circumstances where proof of marriage is required.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
In Australia, there is no such thing as a marriage license. However, in other countries a marriage license may be required as proof that the marriage ceremony can go ahead. In Australia and other countries, a marriage certificate is a Government document that shows proof of marriage between two people.
