Glenda Prideaux
Civil Celebrant
Overseas visitors
Australia welcomes all nationalities to marry here. You don't need to be a resident. You must satisfy the same legal requirements as a person living in Australia — that you are old enough and free to marry being of primary importance. You will be required to prove this when you lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with me.
I have internet facilities and Skype, which makes organising weddings from the other side of the world much easier.
Contact me by email or phone to check my availability and to discuss lodgment of the Notice of Intent to Marry (NOIM). A NOIM form must be completed and lodged with me at least one month and one day (one clear month) prior to the wedding. Once lodged with me the certificate is valid for a maximum period of 18 months.
The front of the form must be completed carefully then taken to an appropriate officer to witness your signatures. An appropriate officer who can sign this form outside of Australia is one of the following:
- An Australian Diplomatic Officer.
- An Australian Consular Officer.
- A Notary Public — A person in any country publicly authorised to attest contracts and perform other formalities. Someone authorised to witness legal documents.
- An employee of the Commonwealth authorised under para 3(c) of the Consular Fees Act (1955).
- An Employee of the Australian Trade Commission authorised under para 3(d) of the Consular Fees Act (1955).
The easiest of all of these is usually the Notary Public. (see the website of the national Directory of Public Notaries in that country).
Once this has been done the form should be forwarded to me via fax or email, and the original sent to me by registered mail.
Then, when a booking is made and the deposit paid, I can send my resources folder by airmail to you. Previous clients have always valued this. Alternatively, we can interact easily via Skype, fax, phone or email.
When you arrive in the country I can then view your identification. If born in Australia an Australian Birth Certificate is required. If born overseas, a valid overseas passport is acceptable, or an original Birth Certificate, providing it is in English.
Any documents regarding a previous marriage must be presented to me prior to the wedding, e.g. a Divorce Certificate or a Death Certificate. All documents must be translated into English.
There is no apparent reason why your marriage in Australia cannot be recognised within your own country, however, it is advisable to check with your own local authorities to confirm this before making arrangements. Some countries require an Apostille stamp.
It is important to remember that there can only be one legal marriage ceremony (civil or religious). Any further ceremony has to be a 'Renewal of Vows' ceremony.
Immigration requirements for those wishing to marry in Australia
For immigration requirements, fiancé visa enquiries or relationship visas (for spouse, de facto, prospective, interdependent or same sex couples), it is advised that you seek reliable legal advice. Please consult your Migration Agent or visit the Immigration Department website for further details.