Overseas Marriages and Australia
If you were legally married overseas, that marriage is often recognised in Australia.
Usually, you do not need to register it again
Australia does not have a normal process where you re-register a valid overseas marriage just because you have returned here.
Important exceptions
Recognition can be more complicated if:
- the overseas marriage was not valid where it happened
- one person was already married
- there is a prohibited family relationship
- there are other legal problems with the marriage
If you are not married yet
Some couples choose to do the legal marriage here first, then have the celebration overseas.
That can be a good fit if you want the paperwork handled under Australian law before travelling.
Related pages
Get married with the Sunshine Coast Marriage Office
Cheap, easy, paperwork-only marriages across the Sunshine Coast, including Noosa