FAQ - Simple Ceremonies

Prior to your ceremony

1. Can I get married in Australia?

Anyone from any country around the world can get married in Australia. It makes no difference if you are a resident or citizen of Australia or just visiting for the day. The only criteria you need to fulfil is; you must be 18 years old. In some cases, if one of the parties is 17, it may be possible - talk to your celebrant about this. not already legally married in Australia or any other country around the world. the couple are not in a 'Prohibited Relationship". This generally refers to a close family relationship. both parties are freely choosing to get married.

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*In 30 seconds find out if and what you need to get married

2. What are the steps to getting married in Australia?

Getting married, through Simple Ceremonies, is the simplest way to get married in Australia. There are just 3 steps.

Step 1 - Make your Booking

Just click on the link above to see pricing, availability and to book.

Step 2 - Complete NoIM

Once you have made your booking, you will have access to the Simple Ceremonies portal. Complete your NoIM in the portal.

Step 3 - Love Your Ceremony.

Firstly, relax we are going to take care of all of this - if you would like. Including:

i) on arrival we will finalise the paperwork with you. We can do this with each of you separately. (we will have already prepared all the documents just waiting for you to sign)

ii) We will organising your guests and the two of you ready to start the ceremony

iii) We will deliver a beautiful ceremony with fun and sincerity, including vows and ring exchange. Or you are welcome to customise your whole ceremony or just your vows

iv) We will facilitate the signing of your Marriage Certificates by the two of you and your two witnesses

v) If you would like, we can become your photographer and grab a group shot for you

vi) Then immediately following we will register your marriage with BDM

vii) You two then celebrate with memories of you amazing ceremony ;-)

3. What is the Notice of Intended Marriage form or NoIM?

The Notice of Intended Marriage form (NoIM) is a form that is required to be completed, signed, witnessed and provided to your marriage celebrant, at least one calendar month prior to your ceremony date.

CRITICAL. This form must be completed, signed, witnessed and lodged with you marriage celebrant at least one calendar month prior to your ceremony date.

You will need to complete this form on your Simple Ceremonies portal, once you have made your booking.

4. Who needs to sign and witness your NoIM?

Each party to the marriage needs to sign the NoIM. However, if both parties cannot conveniently have their signature witnessed by the Authorised Person, at this stage (Example. one party is outside of Australia or interstate) - one party will suffice. Then on the day of your ceremony the other party will sign and have their signature witnessed by their marriage celebrant. The NoIM needs to be signed, witnessed and given to the marriage celebrant at least one calendar month prior to the ceremony date.

The NoIM need to be witness by an Authorised Person. Click here to see who can sign.

5. How much notice do you need to give to get married?

By law in Australia, everyone getting married needs to give at least ONE CALENDAR MONTH notice. This must be done by providing your marriage celebrant with a completed, signed and witnessed NoIM.

6. Can the notice period be shortened?

Find out how to marry in less than a month

7. I have booked to get married at the Marriage Registry Office (BDM) but now want to get married with Simple Ceremonies.

This is not a problem at all - we would love to marry you in a beautiful location. When are you planning on getting marrried?

If your ceremony date is more than one calendar month from today, even if you have already lodged your NoIM with BDM, it is simplier and cheaper just to start from scratch. Just click here and make your booking and then you will be directed to complete your NoIM online, with us.

In general, you will have needed to have lodged your Notice of Intended Marriage form with a celebrant at least one calendar month prior to your ceremony date. This is a legal requirement to getting married.

In some circumstance, you can apply for a "shortening of Time" to reduce this period. It is a process to do this and will cost additional fees, so best to avoid, if possible.

However, if you feel this is the best alternative, please click below to see why a Prescribed Authority would consider shortening your notice period.

Reasons considered for a Shortening of Time

Details to get a “Shortening of Time”

8. I have previously been married, how do I get my divorce papers?

Divorce papers are issued by the court - either the Federal or Family Court. For more information click on this link

http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fccweb/how-do-i/divorce/proof-of-divorce/fcc-proof-divorce

9. Is pre-marriage counselling compulsory?

The short answer is No. The Commonwealth Government of Australia recommends all couples receive pre-marriage counselling. However, it is not compulsory, but it is recommended. Please feel free to talk to us about service providers or check out the list below

Couples Counselling The Heart Centre Affinity Counselling Equilibrium Psychology

10. How to get married at the Marriage Registry Office ?

If you are considering getting married at the Marriage Registry Office

Find out more about the Registry Office.

About your ceremony

1. Checklist FOR YOUR BIG DAY

Ensure you have check your portal to ensure you have completed everything you need to for your big day.

In general:

1. You have received confirmation your NoIM has been lodged, at least one calendar month prior to your ceremony date.

2. You are clear on:
i) exactly location of your ceremony
ii) you have planned to arrive 15 minutes prior to your start time, ready to start
iii) you have passed the above information onto your guests ;-)

3. You have booked any Add-Ons you may want to include (see your portal)

In addition, you may want to remember:
i) your vows
ii) your rings
iii) ensure you have left plenty of time for your hair and make up (if applicable) to ensure you are not stressed

https://https://app.simpleceremonies.com.au/login

2. Do I need an Interpreter?

If you or your partner do not confidently speak and understand English you will need an Interpreter for the ceremony.

The interpreter can be anyone (over 18 years old) who is fluent in your language and English.

They will need to sign a Statutory Declaration confirming their ability and also accuracy of their translation. They will need to complete the Statutory Declaration prior to the ceremony, so please complete this prior to arriving.Click here - then print off and bring with you to the ceremony.

3. How will your wedding day flow?

Firstly, relax we are going to take care of all of this - if you would like. Including:

i) On arrival we will finalise the paperwork with you. We can do this with each of you separately. (we will have already prepared all the documents just waiting for you to sign)

ii) We will organising your guests and the two of you ready to start the ceremony

iii) We will deliver a beautiful ceremony with fun and sincerity, including vows and ring exchange. Or you are welcome to customise your whole ceremony or just your vows

iv) We will facilitate the signing of your Marriage Certificates by the two of you and your two witnesses

v) If you would like, we can become your photographer and grab a group shot for you

vi) Then immediately following we will register your marriage with BDM

vii) You two then celebrate with memories of you amazing ceremony ;-)

After you are married

1. What do I have to do after my ceremony?

Nothing ;-)

Immediately following your ceremony you will sign your marriage certificates and you will get to keep the Certificate of Marriage (issued by the Commonwealth Government)

We will then immediately register your marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages (the government body responsible for recording such details).

If you require the Registered Certificate of Marriage (not all couples will need this) you have two options to order it:
i) though Simple Ceremonies portal (with just a few clicks). This is only available within one month after your ceremony, or

ii) you can complete the application form and order it direct though BDM. You can do this anytime after your ceremony

2. How do I get my Registered Certificate of Marriage?

You will require a registered Certificate of Marriage if you are making a visa application or if you would like to change your name though marriage.

The are two ways to order it:
i) though Simple Ceremonies portal (with just a few clicks). This is only available within one month after your ceremony, or

ii) you can complete the application form and order it direct though BDM. You can do this anytime after your ceremony

Application to BDM for a register Marriage Certificate

3. How do I Change my Name after marriage?

It is not a requirement to change your name but if you would like to the easiest method is to use the registered Certificate of Marriage.

The steps;

i) following your ceremony order your registered Certificate of Marriage though your Simple Ceremonies portal OR direct through BDM

ii) once you have the registered Certificate of Marriage take this to your State Services (eg Services NSW) along with your State issued photo ID (eg Driver's License). They will then update your ID to reflect your married name

iii) use your registered Certificate of Marriage along with your updated photo ID to update your banking, telco, utilities etc

Note. The is not a single register you can update, unfortunately

https://simpleceremonies.com.au/changingyournameaftermarriage/

4. How to correct details on the Certificate of Marriage?

If, after your marriage ceremony, you discover there are errors this will need to be corrected by you direct though BDM

Click on the link below

As you will become aware, we go to extraordinary lengths to ensure all your details are correct. On numerous occasion you will be asked to check and double check your details. Please take this opportunity to do this prior to your ceremony. This will save you a lot of effort after your ceremony ;-)

Correct and Entry Application

We go to every effort to ensure your details are recorded correctly prior to your ceremony (requesting your ID and also asking for you to double/ triple/ quadruple check all details - prior to your ceremony and also on the day of your ceremony.

Prior to your ceremony we are able to make corrections for you, however, once your marriage has been registered, it is then your responsibility.

You will need to contact Births, Deaths and Marriages to make these changes. Click here for more information.

https://simpleceremonies.com.au/correct-entry-marriage-certificate/

Other FAQs

1. Check out our Terms

With the aim of ensuring everyone is left smiling and your ceremony is perfect please read our Terms by clicking on the link

https://simpleceremonies.com.au/Terms/

2. Can I make a booking over the phone?

You can, however there is an additional fee of $50. Simple Ceremonies has been designed to keep things simple and the costs low. To achieve this, we have set up the on-line booking system (showing available dates and times). You just need to go to Step 1 - Make a booking; select your location, date and time.

3. Does payment need to be made at time of booking?

Yes. Full payment needs to be made at the time of your booking. This is done online by credit card. This payment is non refundable, however you can change your ceremony date, once you have made your booking, as long as you give more than one calendar month & two day's notice.

4. How do I make additional payments?

You may want to make additional payments in relation to; re-scheduling you ceremony, increasing the number of guests or arranging witnesses. Just click here

https://simpleceremonies.com.au/add-ons/

5. Marriage Celebrants - Code of Conduct & Complaints

All celebrants should operate in accordance with a Code of Conduct as issued by the Australian Attorney General. To see the code click on this link.

https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/publications/code-practice-marriage-celebrants

If you would like to make a complaint about the service you have received please contact Simple Ceremonies on (02) 80033919 or send an email to michael@simpleceremonies.com.au. We will endeavour to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible.

6. How to make a Complaint

If you feel your concerns have not been answered by contacting Simple Ceremonies, you can make a formal complaint by clicking on the link

https://simpleceremonies.com.au/code-of-conduct-and-making-a-complaint/