Getting your paperwork together is pretty easy.
We have put together automated forms, videos and notes to make it as simple as possible for you. But if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. We pride ourselves on, ensuring all your documentation is correct and to avoid any stress, for you.
Important Message
Your Notice of Intended Marriage must be completed, signed (by at least one of the parties), then witnessed (by an Authorised Person) and emailed back to Simple Ceremonies at LEAST 1 (one) calendar month prior to your ceremony date.Quick Outline
A) Complete a Notice of Intended Marriage and lodge it with your Celebrant - at least 1 calendar month prior to your ceremony. * All Notices must be completed online to avoid a $50 admin fee each - hand written or not completed online) see link below.
The online form will guide you, to ensure all your details are correct.
B) Provide Passport OR original Birth certificate and Government Photo ID (eg drivers license). NB. If you are providing your passport (this can be expired) and you don't need to provide Birth Certificate Or Photo ID.
C) If you have previously been married you will also need to provide original divorce order or if applicable, a death certificate.
D) If either of the parties getting married do not speak/ understand English they will need an Interpreter. The interpreter is required to complete a Statutory Declaration to be signed by the Marriage Celebrant on the day.
NB. Check out the video
If you'd like some more details in relation to the Notice of Intended Marriage form - see below
A) Notice of Intended Marriage
i) All couples must complete a Notice of Intended Marriage and have their signatures witnessed by an authorised person and then "lodged" with their Celebrant (via Simple ceremonies) , at least 1 calendar month prior to their ceremony date. * Your Notice of Intended Marriage form must be completed online to avoid a $50 admin fee each - hand written or not completed online.
You will need to make a booking prior to completing your Notice.
ii) Only one of you (but both can) need to sign the Notice at this stage (either party to the marriage) before having it witnessed by an Authorised Person. (the other can sign on the day of your wedding ceremony and your Celebrant will witness their signature)
Click here for a list of Authorised Persons to witness your signature
iii) Once you have completed the NoIM, signed it and had your signature witnessed, it needs to be emailed back to Simple Ceremonies wedo@simpleceremonies.com.au.
iv) The Notice of Intended Marriage must then be returned to us at least one calendar month prior to your ceremony.
NB. Once you have emailed your Notice of Intended Marriage you will need to bring the original with you (along with your other documentation, such as Passports OR Birth Certificates & Drivers Licence and Divorce Order /Death Certificate if applicable) on your wedding day.
v) Once received we will respond (within 24 hours) and confirm that your Notice of Intended Marriage has been received.
If we don't respond, within this time, we may not have received it so please follow up - by law it is your responsibility to ensure your Notice of Intended Marriage is received by your Celebrant at least one calendar month prior to your ceremony date.
What documents will you be required to provide on the day of your ceremony (if not before)
A) The original Notice of Intended Marriage form, which was signed by at least one of the parties getting married and witnessed by an Authorised Person.
B) There are two forms of ID you can provide on the day;
Option 1. Your Passport
OR
Option 2. Original birth certificates AND Australian government issued photo ID (eg Drivers Licence, or photo ID card). NB. If you are providing your passport (this can be expired) and you don't need to provide Birth Certificate or Photo ID.
C) If either party has previously been married they will need to provide (the latest) original Divorce Order or Death Certificate.
D) If either of the parties getting married do not speak/ understand English they will need an Interpreter. The Interpreter can be anyone, over 18 years old, fluent in both languages.
The interpreter is required to complete a Statutory Declaration to be signed by the Marriage Celebrant on the day.
Click here to complete the form, print it off and then bring it with you on the day.
The person elected to interpret will need to complete a Statutory Declaration before they arrive - a copy can be completed here NB. The Celebrant will witness the translator's signature on the day of the ceremony.
* All documents need to be in English or accompanied by an original, authorised English translation (NAATI).
NB. Without the above we will not be able to marry you on the day.
Other helpful information to assist you getting married
A. Customisable Wedding Ceremony
I have put together a simple ceremony you may like to use. Included in the ceremony are certain legal requirements that you must include in your ceremony. We have highlighted these sections in blue. Feel free to customise all other areas of your ceremony.
If you would like to make any changes, just bring a copy of the updated ceremony with you on the day.
Click here to see Sample Ceremony you can download and customise
B. Document outlining the obligations and consequences of marriage and stating the availability of marriage education and counselling.
The Commonwealth Government of Australia has put together useful information for those about to get married. You will be emailed a copy of this when you make your booking.
Outline of the obligations and consequences of marriage
C. Pre Marriage Counselling
The Commonwealth Government of Australia recommends all couples receive pre-marriage counselling. It is not compulsory but it is recommended. Please feel free to talk to me about service providers or check out the list below: