Wedding Paperwork — What Forms You Actually Need
Planning a wedding is exciting, but let’s be honest—few couples put “paperwork” at the top of their list of fun tasks. Still, if you want your marriage to be legal in Australia, there are a few essential forms you’ll need to complete.
As a Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrant, it’s my role to guide couples through the process. Here’s what you need to know about the paperwork in New South Wales—plus an important note on how it works across the rest of Australia.
1. Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
This is the big one. The NOIM must be lodged with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding date (and no earlier than 18 months before).
You’ll need to sign it in front of an authorised witness (your celebrant, a JP, police officer, or certain other officials).
Once lodged, your celebrant keeps it on file until the wedding day.
2. Supporting Documents
Along with the NOIM, you must provide original identification documents. For most couples in NSW, that means:
Birth Certificate (plus photo ID like a driver’s licence) or
Passport (current or expired, but not cancelled).
If either of you has been married before, you’ll also need:
A Divorce Order (if previously divorced), or
A Death Certificate (if widowed).
3. Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage
Just before the wedding (usually at the rehearsal or on the day), you’ll both sign this form. It’s a legal declaration that there’s no reason you can’t be married—essentially confirming you’re free and eligible to marry.
4. Marriage Certificates
On the big day, you’ll sign three marriage certificates:
One for you as a couple (the keepsake).
One for your celebrant’s records.
One sent by your celebrant to NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages to officially register your marriage.
You’ll also want to order your official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages NSW after the wedding. This is the document you’ll need for changing your name or updating legal records.
Is It Different in Other States?
Here’s the simple answer: no. The legal requirements for marriage in Australia are set out in the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth), which is Commonwealth law. That means the forms, timing, and wording are the same no matter whether you marry in Sydney, Perth, Darwin, or anywhere in between.
The only difference is which state registry office your celebrant lodges your paperwork with. For example, in NSW it’s Births, Deaths and Marriages NSW, while in Victoria it’s BDM Victoria, and so on. The legal steps are identical—just the office name on the paperwork changes.
What Your Celebrant Does
The good news? You don’t have to navigate this alone. Your celebrant will:
Supply and lodge the NOIM.
Guide you on which documents you need.
Prepare the legal certificates.
Register your marriage with the correct state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages office.
So while paperwork might not be glamorous, it’s straightforward with the right guidance. And once it’s all signed, sealed, and lodged—you can get on with the champagne and confetti.
Want More Than Just Ceremony Tips?
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re planning a wedding (or you just really enjoy reading about them—no judgement). Either way, my wedding celebrant services might be what you’re looking for. From writing vows that sound like you to making sure the ceremony runs smoother than your uncle-in-law’s dance moves, I’ve got you covered.