It may be our perfect beaches, the stunning weather or a thousand other reasons why an Australian wedding appeals to overseas couples.
You need to know a few things before putting down your deposits and buying those plane tickets.
Anyone can get married in Australia if they meet the legal requirements. You do not have to be an Australian citizen or even a resident to marry here, but you must meet the following criteria:
- Be over the age of 18.
- Provide evidence of your date and place of birth (birth certificate or passport) and your identity (driver’s licence or passport).
- Not be married to each other or anyone else in any other country.
- If previously married, provide proof that the previous marriage has ended.
If your identifying documents are in a language other than English, translation by a member of the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) is required. A translator from NAATI provides a certified document translation. This translation is acceptable for your celebrant.
If any party to the marriage, or the witnesses, requires interpretation of an English ceremony to understand the ceremony, an interpreter will be required. This interpreter will need to sign certain documents before and after the ceremony and confirm their true and accurate interpretation of the ceremony.
Will my Australian marriage be recognised in my country of origin/citizenship?
The answer is maybe.
Your marriage status will, most likely, be recognised. It is unlikely you will be able to use your Australian marriage documents to change your name in your country of citizenship.
The same applies to Australian couples who marry overseas. The Australian government recognises the marriage but cannot register the marriage.
Overseas marriages will generally be recognised in Australia, as long as the marriage:
- is recognised under the law of the country where it took place.
- Both parties are at least 18 years of age.
- Neither party is married to another person at the time of marriage.
- Recognised marriages include overseas same-sex marriages that occurred before December 2017.
If you were born or married overseas, you can’t take your spouse’s family name automatically and need to change your name (legally).
Can I get married in Australia on a tourist visa?
Absolutely. Getting married in Australia on a working visa, tourist visa, or prospective marriage visa is acceptable. Upon getting married, the conditions do not change. When your tourist or working visa runs out, you will have to leave Australia. You could make the appropriate Visa applications to extend or change before it expires.
Couples who marry in Australia and wish to become residents should seek legal advice and research what is required. Your celebrant cannot provide advice on becoming a citizen or resident of Australia.
How do I get proof of my Australian marriage?
You can apply for your Registered Marriage Certificate through the register of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the State in which you were married.
New South Wales: NSW Services or Births, Deaths and Marriage
Victoria: Births, Deaths and Marriages
Western Australia: Births, Deaths and Marriages
Tasmania: Births, Deaths and Marriages
Queensland: Births, Deaths and Marriages
Northern Territory: Births, Deaths and Marriages
South Australia: Family and Community > BDM
Australian Capital Territory: Access Canberra
