Marriage Licence Checklist Australia: NOIM, Documents + Witnesses

Both must be 18 or over (or 16-17 with court approval), not currently married, not closely related, and able to consent. Same-sex couples have full marriage rights.

For both partners. If the original is unavailable, a certified passport copy is acceptable. Foreign birth certificates may need official translation.

Driver licence, passport, or government-issued photo ID.

Divorce certificate (decree absolute), nullity decree, or death certificate of former spouse. Originals or certified copies only.

Civil celebrants are most common (around 80% of AU weddings). Religious celebrants for faith ceremonies. Registry office for the simplest courthouse-style ceremony.

Only a registered celebrant or minister of religion can marry you legally. Ask for their registration number if unsure — verify on the federal celebrant register.

Form 13 from the Attorney-General's Department. Both partners sign in front of a witness — usually the celebrant signs as the witness.

Hand to your celebrant in person or via the process they specify. Some celebrants accept signed scans + posted originals. Lodgement date triggers the 1-month minimum waiting period.

Civil celebrants usually charge $700-$1,400 AUD covering paperwork lodgement, ceremony preparation, ceremony itself, and document submission afterwards.

Form 14 — signed shortly before the ceremony, declaring both partners are free to marry. Most celebrants handle this on the day or in the week before.

Witnesses must be 18+, understand English, and be present for the entire ceremony. Family is technically allowed but check with your celebrant — best practice is independent witnesses to avoid future legal questions.

Form 15 (presentation certificate — your decorative copy), Form 14A (registration certificate — sent to BDM), and the official register. Both partners + both witnesses + celebrant sign all three.

Your celebrant submits Form 14A to the relevant state/territory Births, Deaths and Marriages registry within 14 days of the ceremony. After this, you are legally registered as married.

Form 15 (the certificate the celebrant gives you on the day) is NOT accepted as legal proof of marriage by Centrelink, Medicare, banks, or passport offices. Order an official certificate from BDM ($50-$80 AUD depending on state) — required for name changes and benefit applications.

Driver licence, passport, Medicare, bank accounts, super, employer, electoral roll, utilities. Most providers accept the official marriage certificate as evidence.