Legalities & Documentation:
"Section 42 of the Marriage Act 1961 defines a Marriage to be "The union between a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life"
Notice of Intent to Marry - (Form 13)
Is the government form must be completed and lodged with your celebrant no more than 18 months before and no less than 1 month and 1 day before your wedding date. I will assist you to complete the NOIM at our Initial Meeting.
The information needed to complete the NOIM can be found by the celebrant on the following documents:
- Birth Certificate - Showing Mothers maiden names
If born outside of Australia:
- Birth Certificate - From country of Birth
- Statutory Declaration showing correct birth details
- Passport
- Naturalisation / Citizenship Certificates
If either party had been married before, show proof of how this marriage ended:
- Divorce Papers such as Decree Nisi or Decree Absolute
- Death Certificate
- Evidence of Nullity from Court
- You will be asked the year of birth for each child born in this previous marriage.
Be over the age of 18 years. If not, you are required to obtain:
- Consent from your parents
- Court Approval
What if NOIM is not complete within the required period:
- Court approval for shortening of time.
Finally, the parties must not be related to each other.
Happily Ever....Before and After - (Form 14A)
is a Government Printed Brochure outlining the obligations and consequences of marriage and stating the availability of marriage education and counselling.
Information is also given re change of name, taxation after marriage, Making a will, Joint ownership of property, health and welfare benefits and legal obligations. My clients are issued with this brochure when completing the NOIM.
Declaration by Party to Proposed Marriage (Form 14)
Previously when we married in churches the minister or priest would ask the guests "if anyone had any reason why these two people should not wed". In the movies this was the part for the exboyfriend or the nosey mother in law to interfer. This does not happen.
The official certificate of marriage has a declaration on the rear to certify there is no legal reason why the two of you can not marry.
My clients sign this form at the Rehearsal.
Official Certificate of Marriage
After the marriage is solemised the official certificate of marriage is signed and sent in to the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages. (also called Form 14)
Another signed and witnessed certificate is kept by the celebrant for his or her record (Recorded on Form 15) and a third certificate is given to the couple for their records. The certificate given to the couple has a number recorded on the back which can be cross referenced to the Registry copy. (Form 16)
The certificate retained by the couple is decorative only and can not be used to change names etc. An official certificate, listing a registration number will be forwarded to you 6 to 8 weeks after the wedding for this purpose.
I complete all documents on a computer program called Celebrant Assist and I register each marriage electrinically on the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages online within 48 hours of the marriage being solemised.
