FAQ’s

To be legally married in Australia, a person must:

• Not be married to someone else
• Not be marrying a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or sister
• Be at least 18 years old, unless a court has approved a marriage where one party is aged between 16 and 18 years old
• Understand what marriage means and freely consent to marrying
• Use specific words during the ceremony (That’s were I come in!)
• Give written notice of their intention to marry to their authorised celebrant, within the required time frame. (Me again!)

You don’t have to be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia to legally marry here. You can find marriage visa information on the Department of Home Affairs website, if you hope to live in Australia after your marriage.

 

Marriage equality

On 9 December 2017, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 commenced. The Act changed the definition of marriage and provides for marriage equality in Australia. The right to marry in Australia is no longer determined by sex or gender. More information is available on the Marriage equality in Australia page.

 

Where can I get more information about marriage?

If you would like to find out more about marriage and marriage law, you might like to visit:

• The NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages website (or your state/territory equivalient)
• Marriage section of the Attorney General’s Department website 

Changing your name after marriage

If you were married in Australia a formal Change of Name is not required if you wish to take your spouse’s name. Usually  personal documentation, such as your driver’s licence and passport, can be changed to your married surname when you provide a Standard Marriage Certificate.