Getting Married in Australia: Legal Requirements and How Mobile Marriage Registry Can Help

Jay Allen • June 17, 2025

Planning to tie the knot in Australia? Understanding the legal requirements is crucial to ensure your marriage is valid and recognized. In Australia, the Marriage Act 1961 and the Marriage Regulations 2017 govern the process of getting married . Here's a breakdown of what's required and how Mobile Marriage Registry can assist you every step of the way.

Legal Requirements for Marriage in Australia


To legally marry in Australia, you must:


  1. Not be married to someone else.
  2. Not be marrying a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, or half-sibling.
  3. Be at least 18 years old. If one party is aged 16 or 17, a court order granting permission to marry is required .
  4. Understand the nature of marriage and freely consent to it.
  5. Provide a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) to an authorized celebrant at least one month (and no more than 18 months) before the wedding.
  6. Be married by an authorized marriage celebrant.
  7. Have two witnesses over the age of 18 present at the ceremony.
  8. Use specific wording during the ceremony as prescribed by law.


It's important to note that you don't need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to marry in Australia.


The Role of the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)


The NOIM is a critical document that must be lodged with your chosen authorized celebrant at least one month before your intended wedding date. This form remains valid for up to 18 months. In exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies or travel commitments, you may apply for a shortening of the notice period.


How Mobile Marriage Registry Can Assist


Mobile Marriage Registry offers a streamlined and flexible approach to getting married in Victoria.


Here's how they can help:

  • Authorized Celebrants: Their team comprises authorized marriage celebrants who can legally officiate your wedding.
  • Flexible Locations: Choose a location that suits you—be it your home, a park, or any other meaningful place.
  • Assistance with NOIM: They guide you through completing and lodging the NOIM, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
  • Short Notice Weddings: In cases requiring urgency, they can assist with applications to shorten the notice period.
  • Witness Provision: If needed, they can help arrange the two required witnesses for your ceremony.
  • Post-Ceremony Documentation: After the ceremony, they handle the submission of all necessary documents to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (BDM) to register your marriage.


Additional Resources


For more detailed information on marriage laws and requirements:


Ready to Say "I Do"?

If you're looking for a hassle-free, legally recognized marriage ceremony in Victoria, Mobile Marriage Registry offers professional services tailored to your needs. Their experienced celebrants ensure that all legal aspects are covered, allowing you to focus on your special day.



Contact them today to start planning your wedding with confidence and ease.

How Australia’s Legal Marriage Requirements Compare to the Rest of the World

By Jay Allen • June 17, 2025
If you're planning to get married in Australia, you may be surprised to learn that the legal process here is different from many other countries. While the goal is the same—creating a legally valid and recognised marriage—the steps, timelines, and requirements can vary significantly across the globe.  At Get Married Victoria, we specialise in making the Australian legal marriage process easy, especially for couples who are used to international procedures. Whether you’re from overseas, recently migrated, or planning a destination wedding in Australia, here’s what you need to know.
A man is putting a wedding ring on a woman 's finger.

How a Legal Marriage Can Support Your Australian Visa Application

By Jay Allen • June 17, 2025
If you’re planning to apply for a partner or spouse visa in Australia, getting legally married can be a powerful step in strengthening your application. Australian immigration law recognises both de facto relationships and legally valid marriages—but being married can simplify the process and help demonstrate your genuine commitment.  At Get Married Victoria , we regularly assist couples with legal marriage ceremonies that support their visa requirements—whether you're applying for a Partner Visa (subclass 820/801), Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300), or another migration pathway involving a relationship.