Complete a Notice of Intended Marriage form

There are rules you need to follow before you can be legally married in Australia. You'll need complete a Notice of Intended Marriage form, have it witnessed and give it to your authorised celebrant. Learn more about the process,

Introduction

The Australian Government sets the rules for getting married in Australia. 

Before a marriage ceremony can take place, you must complete a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form, have it witnessed and give it to your authorised marriage celebrant.

Note: 

  • Give the form and required document to your marriage celebrant at least 1 month (but not more than 18 months) before the wedding.
  • The form is valid for up to 18 months.
  • If you need help completing the form, contact your celebrant.

Eligibility

You must:

  • be aged 18 years or older, unless a court has approved a marriage where one person is 16 to 18 years old
  • not already be married.

You do not have to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to get married in Australia.

Check the legal requirements for getting married in Australia

What you need

  • date and place of birth for both parties
  • personal details of parents.

Information for celebrant

You will need to provide the celebrant with the following information for them to complete the form:

  • proof of date and place of birth:
    • a full Australian birth certificate (not a commemorative certificate) or foreign birth certificate
    • an official extract from a birth register
    • an Australian or foreign passport
  • proof of identity with a photo, such as a driver licence, passport or official identity card
  • proof that a previous marriage has ended (if applicable) –  either a divorce certificate or a full death certificate (if widowed).

Authorised witnesses

An authorised person needs to witness your signature and sign the form. This can be a:

  • Justice of the Peace
  • medical practitioner
  • barrister
  • solicitor
  • member of the Australian Federal Police or the police force of a state or territory. 

If you’re outside Australia, see the form for a list of authorised witnesses you can use.

How to apply

  • Download the relevant form Notice of Intended Marriage
  • Complete the form and sign it in front of an authorised witness.
  • Give the completed form to your authorised celebrant at least one month before your wedding ceremony.
  • After the ceremony, the celebrant will send the form to the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.
Last published: 1 June 2026