Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to all of your frequently asked questions about getting married in Queensland.
Why do I need a civil marriage celebrant?
You will need a celebrant to ensure that your celebrations and union is a legally binding marriage. Your Celebrant will assist you to complete and lodge all paperwork to register your marriage Births Deaths and Marriages in the relevant in which your wedding is solemnised.
Where are you located?
I am located on the Gold Coast in Queensland. I will travel as far as Brisbane and Northern South Wales NB: there are additional travel fees for ceremonies located outside the Gold Coast
Where do I start?
First of all, I will need to know the date, time and location of the wedding ceremony so that I can confirm that I am available for you. Once this is established, we will then need to arrange our first meeting.
Is our first meeting obligation free?
Absolutely!! Our first meeting is completely obligation and fee free. This is simply a chance for us to get to know each other. It's an opportunity for you to share your vision for the ceremony, ask any questions, and see if we're the right fit to bring your special day to life.
What paperwork do I need to do?
As your celebrant I will complete all the obligatory paperwork required to legally register your wedding with Births Deaths and Marriages. The first form that needs to be completed is the NOIM (Notice Of Intended Marriage) form.
What documentation do I need to complete the paperwork?
You will need to provide two forms of ID each, one has to have photographic evidence and the other has to indicate place of birth. These documents must both display the same legal name. For example Drivers License and Passport and/or Birth Certificate. If you have been married previously you will need to provide evidence of dissolution in the form of divorce paperwork or death certificate where required.
How do we lodge our NOIM and how long do we have to register our ceremony date?
The NOIM needs to lodged with your Civil Marriage Celebrant who will be solemnising your marriage. This will offically register your ceremony date. A non refundable deposit will be required to secure the lodgement of the NOIM. The NOIM will be valid for 18 months.
How to complete a NOIM (Notice Of Intended Marriage)
We will need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage form (NOIM) at least ONE calendar month prior to your wedding date. The NOIM must be completed, signed and witnessed. The most straightforward way to complete the NOIM is in consultation with your celebrant. This can be arranged either in person or via a video conference, depending on your preference. Did you know that the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) can be completed and lodged by just one party? This can be particularly helpful if one of you is travelling for work or relocating from overseas. Your celebrant will finalise the remaining details, including verifying identification, before the ceremony. This can be done remotely or the day prior to the wedding.
When do I get my marriage certificate?
Your Celebrant must resgister your wedding within 14 days of the Ceremony taking place. Once your Celebrant receives notification that your marriage is officially register your Certificate will be posted by Births Deaths and Marriages and will take approximately 5-10 business days to arrive.
Do we offer payment plans?
Depending on the package you choose you can pay in full or choose to pay off the amount periodically as long as the final payment is made at least 14 days before your ceremony.
What if it rains on our wedding day?
A lot of people believe that rain on your wedding day is good luck, plus it makes for amazing photographs. Should your event be taking place outside it is advisable that you have a plan B that is undercover. You will need to inform your Celebrant if there is to be a change of venue as minor alterations to the paperwork will be required.
If I decide to get married overseas will it be recognised in Australia?
Smartraveller has information on getting married overseas. An overseas marriage is generally recognised in Australia if it was a valid marriage in the overseas country and would have been a valid marriage here.
Ready to talk?
Contact me for a free, no obligation meeting to determine if I am the right fit.