Legal Requirements for a Wedding
Prior to the Ceremony
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NOIM - Notice of Intended Marriage
The notice of intended marriage must be completed one month prior to the ceremony and lasts for 18mths. Identification needs to be verified. Proof of identity and date and place of birth.
Declaration of no legal impediment
Completed one week prior to the ceremony, usually at the rehearsal.
During the Ceremony
Compulsory components within the ceremony
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I must introduce myself as the celebrant.
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The couple’s full name (as per the name used on the notice) must be said by the celebrant, or the couple at least once. This can occur at any time leading up to, or in the vows. This ensures the couple is identified.
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The Monitum must be said by the celebrant
“ I am duly authorised by law to solemnize marriages according to law, Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.
Marriage according to law in Australia, is the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life
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An exchange of marriage vowels that each partner takes the other to be husband/wife/spouse or partner in marriage. The couple must say this to each other and can also add other wording to make it meaningful to them.
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Vows from the Marriage Act
“ I can upon the people here present that I John Henry Smith take you Sarah Louise Mason to be my lawful wedded wife”
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Signatures on all documents.
Official Certificate of Marriage, The Declaration of marriage, The Couples Certificate and the Marriage Register.
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Witnesses to the wedding
2 witnesses are required and must be over the age of 18. The witnesses sign the Official Certificate of marriage, The Declaration of Marriage
After the Ceremony
The celebrant sends the appropriate paperwork to the registering authority (Birth’s, Death’s and Marriages) within 14 days of the wedding.
The couple can then apply for the official marriage certificate.