Marriage Act 1961 and Related Marriage Law
This page is a plain-English guide to the main Australian marriage law sources relevant to our service.
For the official text, always use the government sources below.
Official sources
- Marriage Act 1961
- Marriage Regulations 2017
- Marriage Celebrant Code of Conduct
- Marriage Celebrant Guidelines
The parts most couples need to understand
In plain language, the law requires that:
- the marriage must be solemnised by an authorised celebrant
- both people must be there in person
- two witnesses aged 18 or older must be there
- the NOIM must be given at least one month before the marriage, unless shortening of time is properly approved
- both people must be free to marry and give real consent
- the required legal words and signatures must be completed
How this affects our service
It is why our service is:
- paperwork focused
- clear about identity and document requirements
- careful about notice periods
- honest about what can and cannot be done
Important reminder
We are a private celebrant service, not a government registry. We follow the law and the celebrant standards that apply to authorised celebrants.
Related pages
Get married with the Sunshine Coast Marriage Office
Cheap, easy, paperwork-only marriages across the Sunshine Coast, including Noosa