How soon can we get married in Australia?
In Australia, most couples need to allow at least one month before they can legally marry. This applies to all weddings, including elopements and legals-only ceremonies.
The one month notice rule
Before you can get married, you must complete and lodge a legal form called the Notice of Intended Marriage, often shortened to NOIM.
This form must be given to your celebrant no less than one month before the wedding date. The one month countdown starts when your completed and correctly witnessed NOIM is received by your celebrant, not when you enquire, book, or pay a deposit.
This requirement comes from the Marriage Act and applies Australia-wide. Celebrants cannot waive or bend this rule.
Why does the one month wait exist?
The notice period exists to protect the legal integrity of marriage.
It allows time for your celebrant to confirm that both people are legally able to marry and that all required documents are in order. It also helps prevent rushed, pressured, or unlawful marriages by ensuring there is a clear pause between giving notice and the wedding itself.
Marriage is a significant legal commitment. The notice period is designed to make sure it is entered into freely, knowingly, and with the right checks in place.
In very limited circumstances, a Shortening of Time may be applied for through a Prescribed Entity - but this is only applicable in rare cases.
Other things that can affect timing
The notice period is not the only factor that affects how quickly a marriage can happen. You also need to be able to provide the correct original documents.
For couples who want me to assist them in ordering an RBDM marriage certificate, I require all documents to be sighted at a Planning and Paperwork Meeting, held at least one month before the wedding.
This includes:
Original birth certificates or passports
Driver’s licences or proof of age cards
A recent rates, energy, or rego bill showing your current address
If previously married, proof of how that marriage ended, such as a divorce order or death certificate
*If you do not have these documents there may be other ways to meet the requirements which we can discuss.
What this means for fast weddings
If you’re hoping to get married very quickly, it’s important to know that:
Most marriages cannot happen immediately
A minimum one month notice is required by law
Shortening of time approvals are rare
Having the right documents ready matters
If timing is important for you, the best step is to get in touch as early as possible so we can talk through what’s realistic and plan your ceremony within the legal framework.
