Destination Weddings: Australia

Although Australia has six states, two territories and several island protectorates the marriage law is the same nationwide.

The couple must fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage form. This can be obtained from an Authorised Celebrant (Civil or Religious) or from a Births, Deaths & Marriages Registry Office in a State or Territory's capital city. (A Civil Celebrant can fax a copy to you). It can be filled out and witnessed outside of Australia. It may be filled in by only one of the parties to be valid. The other partner can sign later. It must be filled in and given to the celebrant at least a month before the ceremony unless a shortening of time is obtained. The celebrant can tell you how to get a shortening if required.

There is no blood test in Australia and cousins can marry each other. There is a nominal lodgement fee and the celebrant will tell you how much they charge for the ceremony and travel. Most Civil Marriage Celebrants charge about $200. Original Birth Certificates or Passports must be sighted and if you have been married before, then an original death certificate or a final divorce paper must be seen to show how last marriage ended.

A Civil Marriage Celebrant can marry couples anywhere, anytime. Civil ceremonies are mostly outdoors. Hot air balloons, the bush, on a beach or a boat, anywhere you can imagine is possible! Two witnesses over 18 are also required but there is no time limit on how long they have known you. It could be just the two witnesses, the couple and the celebrant. Immediatly at the end of the ceremony you get a beautiful Marriage Certificate with the Australian official seal at the top. (yes there's a kangaroo and an Emu on it!)

You can create your own ceremony and it can be as short as several sentences or as long and elaborate as you require. Most Civil Marriage Celebrants will help you create your own ceremony with beautiful vows and romantic readings. CD's or taped music can be played or live musicians are available. Some Civil Celebrants even have wedding gowns available (something borrowed...). Rings are not legally required.