In Australia, any two people can legally marry as long as they are both at least 18 years old and neither is already married.

In cases where one person is under 18, special permission from the Court is required — and I can guide you through that process.

All couples must complete a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form at least one month before the wedding, but no more than 18 months in advance. You can download the form here

To complete the NOIM, I will need to sight original proof of identity and marital status documents (copies are not accepted) such as:

• Birth certificate or passport

• Driver’s licence or photo ID

• Statutory declaration if you do not have the above documents

• Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married

Once the NOIM is lodged and the one-month waiting period has passed, you can marry any time within the following 18 months.

In the lead-up to your wedding, you’ll each be asked to complete and sign a declaration confirming there are no legal reasons why your marriage cannot take place.

Yes. Two witnesses aged 18 or older must be present at your ceremony. They can be family, friends, or anyone you choose - except your celebrant.

Both witnesses must be able to speak and understand English. If this isn’t possible, an accredited interpreter will be required. Visit www.naati.com.au for more information on how to find an accredited translator.

All authorised marriage celebrants are legally required under the Marriage Act 1961 to meet with each person getting married separately and in person before the ceremony can take place.

As your authorised Commonwealth-registered civil celebrant, it’s my legal duty to make sure that both parties are entering into marriage freely, willingly, and with full understanding. Prior agreement isn’t enough, I must confirm that each person gives their clear, present-day consent to marry.

Before you say “I do”, it’s important to understand the lifelong commitment you’re about to make - and what it means both legally and emotionally.

As your authorised Commonwealth-registered civil celebrant, I’m required to provide you with an official resource titled: Happily Ever… Before and After. Click here to view.

This brochure outlines the legal process of getting married in Australia, some key legal implications, and where to access relationship support services such as pre-marriage education, counselling, and dispute resolution.

While it’s not a legal requirement, I genuinely encourage couples to explore a pre-marriage relationship course - a chance to learn more about yourselves and each other before stepping into married life together.

Absolutely! Personal vows are a beautiful way to make your ceremony unique, and I’m here to help you craft them if you’d like some guidance.

If you’d prefer not to read them aloud on the day, I can happily read them on your behalf.

On your wedding day, you’ll receive a commemorative marriage certificate, signed by you both, your witnesses, and me as your celebrant.

If you need the official legal marriage certificate, for example, to change your name, this is issued by the Births, Deaths and Marriages office in the state where your ceremony takes place. Click here for more information.

I’m happy to arrange this for you so it’s one less thing on your to-do list.

Absolutely. Many couples from around the world choose to marry in Sydney. I can assist international couples with the legal paperwork as well as creating a personalised ceremony, just complete the following steps:

1. Book your wedding date

Secure your date with me as early as possible.

2. Complete the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

• Download the form here

• Have your signatures witnessed by an Australian Consulate Official (list available here) or a Public Notary (see page 4 of the NOIM)

• This must be done at least 1 month before your wedding and no more than 18 months in advance

• Once signed and witnessed, email me a copy and send the original by registered post

3. Provide your original documents

Before your wedding, I’ll need to sight your original documents (copies are not accepted):

• Birth certificate or passport

• Driver’s licence or photo ID

• Statutory declaration if you do not have the above

• Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable)

If your documents are in a language other than English, they will need to be translated by a translator accredited by NAATI. You can search for accredited translators at www.naati.com.au.

We can connect in whatever way suits you best - whether that’s a WhatsApp Video, Zoom or Teams to chat through your wedding details, or simply coordinating everything by email.

Most ceremonies last between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the style and any personalised elements you choose to include. Whether you prefer something short and sweet or a more detailed celebration, I’ll work with you to create a ceremony length that feels just right for you.

As your celebrant, I’m here to support you in creating a ceremony that reflects your vision for the day. Whether you prefer a simple ceremony or want help with every detail, my support is tailored to suit your needs. On the day, I will officiate with warmth and professionalism, ensuring your ceremony runs smoothly and feels heartfelt. Afterwards, I’ll take care of the legal paperwork to make your marriage official. My aim is to make your experience meaningful and as stress-free as possible, tailored to the level of support you prefer.

Attorney-Generals Department - Links:

Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants

Make a complaint about a Marriage Celebrant