Legals, legals, legals
So you are unsure about the legal requirements for your wedding?
Don’t worry at all that is my job … I will guide you through the requirements and ensure that each step is fully completed at the right time. (I will just nudge you when need be.)
BUT just in case you want an overview (under the Marriage Act 1961) … the main steps and when they occur are summarised for you. Further detail? Just ask.
1. Getting started
THE NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE (the NOIM)
First things first, we need to complete the NOIM. This starts the legal work rolling.
(I prefer to complete this early in the planning when you are making your booking and securing your wedding date. That way it is done and we can focus on other elements of planning your ceremony.)
What is the NOIM?
The Notice of Intended Marriage must be completed at least one month (and no earlier than 18 months) prior to your wedding date. We can complete the NOIM at our first meeting or at another time as agreed.
What documents do you need?
There are some documents that I will need to sight in order to get the legal work started. If possible, please bring the relevant documents to the first meeting. If not, we can organise a time for me to sight them.
You will need to bring your: passport OR official birth certificate (no certified copies) and your driver's license.
(Note that if your birth certificate is not in English, it must be translated by an accredited translator. I need to sight this document before the wedding.)
I have been married before, what else do I need?
If you have been married previously, you need to bring your divorce papers (from the most recent marriage if there is more than one) or your spouse’s death certificate.
I am happy to advise you about how to obtain the relevant documents if you are not sure how to do so. Please contact me as early as possible to ensure that all is in order for your special day.
2. The lead up to your day (rehearsal or final planning meeting)
Just before your wedding day, we will meet to go through your ceremony at a rehearsal or a simple meeting at which we will complete the second legal document – the ‘No legal impediment to marriage’ form. Don’t worry – just turn up and I will have everything ready for you to check and sign.
3. Your wedding day
On your day, the last thing you want to be worried about is paperwork. So don’t! Leave it to me. There are 3 documents to complete when we do the signing:
The official marriage certificate (2 copies)
Commonwealth Marriage Certificate (party certificate)
4. After your wedding day
After your wedding day, I will submit all of the relevant documents to the relevant Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). I do this as soon as possible after your wedding day so that your documents can be processed in a timely manner.
Later when you are ready, you can apply to your BDM for your ‘legal’ (or registered) marriage certificate. The certificate used for legal purposes, such as changing of names, opening bank accounts, wills and so on.
(If you were married outside Victoria, you will need to contact the registry of the state, territory or country where the marriage took place.)
