What are the legal requirements? What documents will I need?
Before you marry, Australian law requires that you complete a Notice of Intention of Marriage.

• The NIM must be lodged with me no less than one month and one day and no more than eighteen months prior to your marriage ceremony.
• You are required to produce your original Birth Certificate or authorised extract. If you were born overseas your Birth Certificate is preferred but if you can't produce it then your overseas passport will be accepted.

Note: An Australian passport cannot be accepted and statutory declarations can only be used if you have been born overseas and cannot produce a Birth Certificate or overseas passport.

• You must be at least 18 years of age to marry in Australia

What if I've been previously married?

• If you have been previously married, you must show your Divorce Decree Absolute or a Death Certificate of a previous spouse.

What if we are from overseas?

• If you are from overseas and want to marry in Australia, I will require you to complete the NOIM and have it witnessed by an authorised person in your country and have it to me no later than one day and one month prior to your marriage ceremony.

What if my partner is from overseas on a prospective spouse visa?

• If you are bringing your partner into Australia on a prospective spouse visa I can provide you with a letter stating that you have lodge your NIM with me for submission to the Immigration Department.

Am I required to have witnesses present?

• Yes, you are required to have two witnesses to the ceremony who are over the age of 18 - I can organise this for you, if you do not have friends or family in Sydney.