What Is the First Step in Getting Married in Australia?
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting chapters in a couple’s journey, but many people are surprised to learn that the very first step isn’t about venues, flowers, or even choosing a celebrant.
It all begins with one essential legal requirement:
Step 1: Lodge Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
The very first step to getting married in Australia is completing and lodging a Notice of Intended Marriage, commonly called the NOIM. This is a legal document that notifies the Australian Government of your intention to marry.
When should you lodge it?
The NOIM must be lodged at least one month before your wedding date, and it remains valid for 18 months.
This means you can plan ahead with plenty of time and flexibility—but you cannot legally marry until a month has passed from the date your celebrant receives your NOIM.
Who do you lodge it with?
You lodge the NOIM with an authorised celebrant—someone like me.
Once it’s been lodged, I’ll take care of the rest of the legal processes required before, during, and after your ceremony.
What documents do you need?
To complete the NOIM, you’ll need to provide:
Your original birth certificate or passport (Australian or foreign)
Photo identification (driver’s licence, proof of age, passport, etc.)
Proof of the end of any previous marriage (divorce order, death certificate, or annulment), if applicable
If you’re overseas, interstate, or unable to meet in person, the NOIM can also be witnessed by certain professionals such as a JP, notary public, or consular official.
Why is the NOIM important?
The NOIM is the legal foundation of your marriage.
It ensures all the correct details are recorded—your names, dates of birth, addresses, previous marital status, and your intended wedding date and location.
As your celebrant, once I have your NOIM:
I prepare all your legal paperwork
Confirm your identity
Ensure all details meet the requirements set by the Attorney-General’s Department
Guide you step-by-step right through to the signing of your marriage certificates
So you never need to worry about the legal side—that’s my job.
So, what should you do first?
Contact me.
That’s truly the first actionable step.
Because once you choose your celebrant, they’ll help you complete your NOIM, check your documents, guide you through the legalities, and support you through the entire journey.
If you’d like a calm, organised, joyful celebrant who takes care of all the fine details, I’d love to help make your ceremony unforgettable.
