Everything You Need to Know

A Full Ceremony is generally more appropriate for couples who have a booked venue, many guests, a traditional set up such as chairs/aisle/arbour/flowers includes a longer personalised ceremony.

A Legals Only ceremony focuses only on the legal components and is much shorter.

Yes! In my Legals Only package I do offer you the opportunity to include a ring exchange and say your own words/vows if you’d like.

Typically between 5–10 minutes depending on what you would like to include in addition to the legal components. The legally required parts only take approximately 3 minutes.

There is a short legal script including the Monitum and legal vows (these are the legally required parts). It’s brief but still meaningful.

The Monitum and your legal vows must be said aloud during the ceremony.

The Monitum is a short, three-line statement that your celebrant must say word-for-word.

The legal vows are the only part the couple is legally required to say. They are:

“I call upon all persons here present
to witness that I, [Name],
take you, [Partner’s Name],
to be my lawful wedded husband/wife/spouse.”

In addition to the NOIM, you must provide evidence of photographic ID and your place and date of birth. Usually, a passport covers all of these requirements. Alternatively, a birth certificate and driver’s licence combination is also accepted.

If either of you has previously been married, I must also be shown evidence of divorce. These requirements are the same regardless of your citizenship.

The NOIM stands for Notice of Intended Marriage. It is a legal form that must be completed and lodged with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding day. It remains valid for up to 18 months.

This form notifies your celebrant (and the government) of your intention to marry. It includes your full names, birth details, marital status, and signatures, and must be witnessed by an authorised person.

At least one month before your ceremony. It remains valid for 18 months.

For example, if your ceremony is planned for October 12th, the latest date your celebrant can receive your signed NOIM is September 12th.

Yes. You can book a video-signing appointment with me. During the call I will witness you sign the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) in real time.
To proceed, please:

• Have a printed copy of the completed NOIM ready to sign.
• Ensure the signing parties are physically located within Australia at the time of the call.

I’m unable to witness NOIMs via video if you are outside Australia.

Usually no, before your ceremony I will have completed all the required document checks so you should not need to bring them with you on the day.

No, a legal ceremony must still take place with a registered celebrant and two witnesses.

Some couples prefer for it not to feel like a traditional wedding ceremony – especially if they are planning a larger celebration overseas (without legal registration). In these cases, they may choose to keep things very simple: sitting casually and only saying the legally required words in a straightforward, non-emotional way.

However, that’s not always the case. Many of my Legals Only ceremonies still feel meaningful and special, even with just the essentials. How formal or informal the moment feels is entirely up to you, I’m here to tailor the experience to your preferences.

If either of you has been previously married, you must provide evidence that the marriage has legally ended.

If divorced: You must provide an original or official divorce order (such as a certificate issued by the court).

If widowed: You must provide the original or official death certificate of your former spouse.

This evidence must be sighted by your celebrant before the ceremony can legally take place, even if it is not available at the time you first lodge your NOIM.

You are permitted to lodge the NOIM while awaiting this documentation, but it must be provided and verified before your wedding day.

Yes, two people over 18 years old are legally required. They can be anybody so long as they understand advanced English.

Yes, any adult who understands the ceremony can witness.

Yes, if you are unable to provide your own witnesses – for example, if you are eloping in secret, travelling to Sydney briefly, or simply don’t know anyone available – your celebrant (me) can arrange witnesses for you.

There is an additional fee of $100 per witness, which is provided to compensate them for their time and travel. Please note, this service is only available for ceremony locations in Sydney CBD/Harbour, North Shore and the Northern Beaches.

Anywhere! You can hold your ceremony at your home, in public gardens, on beaches, headlands, in restaurants, cafés – the choice is truly endless.

You’re free to choose a location that suits your vision, whether it’s something private and simple or scenic and memorable. The setting can be as casual or as formal as you’d like.

Unfortunately, I don’t have an office space available for ceremonies. However, you can absolutely have your ceremony in your own home.

I perform home ceremonies frequently, and the location within the home can vary, from backyards and balconies to living rooms, whatever space suits you best.

Not necessarily. For most public areas, I don’t usually recommend booking, as the ceremony is very quick and there’s typically no equipment set up – such as tables, chairs, or decorations.

If you’re planning to stay in the area afterward or bring a larger setup, it’s entirely up to you whether you’d like to look into booking the space, depending on local council or venue requirements.

Yes, but my availability can book quickly. Secure it early to avoid disappointment.

The earliest is one month after submitting your NOIM to your celebrant (me).

My Legals Only Ceremony package costs:

$550 (including GST) Monday to Friday.
$660 (including GST) Saturday and Sunday.

There are no hidden extras – the price includes everything needed to make your marriage legal, from the paperwork to the ceremony itself and the final legal marriage certificate.

Legals Only Ceremony:

My Legals Only Ceremony package is a simple, affordable, and personal alternative to a registry office wedding – but usually in much nicer settings.

What’s included:
• You, me & two witnesses to make it official (more guests can be present)
• All legal paperwork handled
• Unlimited phone calls, emails & texts
• A 5–10 minute ceremony including the legally required words & certificate signing
• Completion and lodgement of all legally required paperwork with the NSW BDM
• Commemorative marriage certificate (you receive on the day)
• Legal marriage certificate (sent to you after the ceremony directly from the BDM Registry)
• No hidden extras – everything you need for a legal marriage, no fuss

Perfect for couples who want to get legally married without the big production.

I will register your marriage within 24 hours of your ceremony. I’ll also pay for and request your official marriage certificate on your behalf – this is included in your package fee.

The certificate is sent directly to you from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages via Australia Post using tracked mail.

You’ll typically receive it within 4–5 working days after your ceremony. A signature is required on delivery, and if no one is home at the time, it will be taken to your local post office for collection.

Yes! Your official marriage certificate allows you to update your surnames if you choose to do so.

Yes! You can have a non-legal celebration or vow renewal anytime afterward.

While I’m not qualified to provide advice on immigration or visa-related matters, a Legals Only Wedding Ceremony is a valid and legally recognised marriage in Australia.

Many couples choose to use their legal marriage certificate as part of their supporting evidence for visa or immigration applications. For personalised advice, I recommend speaking with a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer.