NOIM - Notice of Intended Marriage

Once you decide to marry, you are required to give a marriage celebrant at least one month (not more than 18 months notice) of an intended date of marriage.

Once you choose a marriage celebrant, they will ask you to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage form which they will provide or you can download.

Marriagable Age

From 1 August 1991, the marriageable age is 18 years. If a person, not yet 18, wishes to marry prior to their 18th birthday, only a court empowered to give a 'Section 12' order can give authority for this marriage to be solemnised.

A NOIM may be lodged prior to the 18th birthday, as long as the marriage occurs after the birthday.

Evidence of Age

Both the bride and groom are required to provide the marriage celebrant with proof of age.

• If born in Australia, a full Australian Birth Certificate must be provided.
• If born overseas, a foreign birth certificate or a valid overseas passport will be accepted. If these are in another language, they must be officially translated into English.

If you are unable to comply, please contact your marriage celebrant.

Previous Marriages

If either party has been previously married, you must provide the marriage celebrant with evidence of the termination with either a Divorce Certificate (if divorced) or a full Death Certificate (if widowed). Certificates in a foreign language must be translated into English by an authorised interpreter/translator service.

Photocopies are not accepted.

Overseas Marriages

Contact the Embassy, Consulate or local representative of the country concerned to find out their legal requirements. Your travel agent may also be able to supply details if you book a wedding/honeymoon package.

• Single Status Certificate - certifies whether you have been married in NSW within a specified period and some countries may require it.
  
  
• Some countries may require a solicitor's declaration that you are both free to marry. To marry in USA, you may need a blood test.

Registering your Marriage

• Australian citizens marrying overseas cannot have their marriage registered in NSW.
• To obtain evidence of your overseas marriage, make sure you obtain a Marriage Certificate or any other supporting documentation before you leave the country.

Immigration

• If your fiance is not Australian, and you wish to live in Australia, you will need to lodge official copies of your overseas marriage certificate with DIMIA.

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