A Wedding Checklist
Preparing for your wedding day …
- make the commitment to each other
- understand the importance of marriage
- choose a Marriage Celebrant
- attend to the legal requirements in accordance with the Marriage Act 1961
- undertake pre-marital relationship education
Taking the next step …
- Both the Bride and Groom must be over 18 years of age; otherwise a Court Order and/or parental consent is required depending on age of Bride or Groom.
- A Notice of Intended Marriage (Form 13) is completed by you (the couple) and given to the Celebrant at least one month and one day prior to the marriage. Your Celebrant will provide you with this document. Note: The time can be reduced by Prescribed Authorities under special circumstances.
- Evidence of birth must be shown to the Celebrant - certified Birth Certificate for those born in
- Evidence of termination of previous marriage (if applicable) - Divorce Certificate, Decree Absolute, or Death Certificate. (Copy of divorce statements can be obtained through the
- Two witnesses, both over the age of 18 years to attend the ceremony, who can vouch for the identity of the bride and groom and witness the vows. Witnesses can be of the same sex and relatives.
Time and Place to be married …
A marriage may be solemnized on any day, at any time and at any place. The marriage must be solemnized in
Creating your Ceremony …
- Set the date
- Type of ceremony (traditional, non-traditional, customary, symbolic)
- Book a suitable venue to suit your ceremony
- Time of ceremony (morning/afternoon/evening)
- Design your own special words to be part of the mandatory requirements within the ceremony and within the vows
- Exchanging of rings/gifts
- Music (before, during, after the ceremony)
- Acknowledgements (of present, absent or deceased family members and friends, or any other acknowledgements)
- Involvement of family members or friends (readings, candle lighting, dances, songs)
- Customs/rituals/symbols to be performed
- Other special and personal needs and requirements