The legalities - what you need to know
The Celebrant
The only vendour required for you to be legally married!
Celebrant's Role - Your celebrant will handle the legal paperwork, including registering your marriage and providing you with the necessary certificates.
The Pre-Ceremony Paperwork
Before you are legally married there is an important ‘piece of paper’ you need to fill out.
Notice of Intended Marriage - You must submit a Notice of Intended Marriage form at least one month and one day before your wedding. This form can be lodged with your celebrant and is required to legally marry.
The Ceremony
For a marriage to be legal, you need.
The Monitum - Read by your celebrant in the ceremony.
2 Legal Witnesses - You need at least two legal witnesses present at your ceremony who are over 18 years old. They will sign your marriage certificate and confirm the ceremony took place.
Legal Vows - You must exchange vows in front of your celebrant and witnesses. The vows must include specific legal wording to ensure the marriage is valid. Your celebrant will include this in your script.
Marriage Certificate - During the ceremony you will sign your certificate and some other forms. After the ceremony, you can apply for your official Marriage Certificate (usually through your celebrant). This is the legal proof of your marriage.
