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Home > Marriages> Registry Office Marriages
Registry Office Marriages

With all the costs of getting married, it's good to know there's an affordable option that maintains the elegance of the occasion. Registry Office Marriages are ideal for couples who seek a simple and intimate wedding ceremony. We provide the marriage vows and the ceremony takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

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Bookings are available Monday to Friday in Sydney, Parramatta, Newcastle and Wollongong. In Sydney and Parramatta; marriages are held on Friday evening, all day Saturday and most Sundays (by special arrangement in Parramatta).

  • Chippendale Registry

    Our elegant custom built Marriage Room accommodates up to 12 guests. In Summer during daylight savings, marriages are conducted each Saturday until 7:30pm.

Sydney Marriage Room

  Monday to Friday         Friday evening              Saturday                Most Sundays
  (9am - 4:30pm)             (6pm - 8pm)             (9am - 5pm)           (9:30am - 5pm)


 

  • Parramatta Registry

    Exchange your wedding vows in the peaceful surrounds of our garden
    with the reassurance of an adjoining indoor setting, with seating for 24 people.

Parramatta Marriage Room

  Monday to Friday        Friday evening          Saturday                     Sundays
   (9am - 4:30pm)          (6pm - 8pm)          (9am - 5pm)      (by special arrangement)

* To lodge Notice of Intended Marriage at Newcastle or Wollongong, phone for an appointment on 1300 655 236.

  • Local Courthouses
    Enquiries may be made at the local courthouse as at many locations, the local court registrar can also perform marriage ceremonies.

Fees & Charges (incl GST)

 Registry Marrriages

Lodge NOIM

Ceremony Fee

 Certificate Fee
TOTAL
Monday to Friday
$151.00
$199.00
$48.00
$398.00
Friday evening; weekends; public holidays
$151.00
$294.00
$48.00
$493.00

Cancellations — for a refund of ceremony fee, 14 days notice is required.
Note that "Lodge NOIM Fee" is non-refundable.


Interpreters

If either partner has difficulty speaking or understanding English, please ensure you have an interpreter present during the ceremony.

Lodge Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

  1. Both bride and groom must visit the Registry in person to lodge NOIM at least 1 month before the ceremony. The NOIM is valid for up to 18 months. No appointment required at Chippendale or Parramatta. By appointment only at Newcastle or Wollongong — phone 1300 655 236.
  2. In some cases the NOIM may be lodged with the Registry and the marriage date can be set at a later date.
  3. If you can't attend an interview to lodge your NOIM, you may be able to mail it in (phone: 1300 655 236). To finalise the process and confirm your marriage booking, an interview in person will still be required as follows:
  • couples in Australia must attend an interview at least 10 working days before the ceremony.
  • couples overseas must attend an interview at least 5 working days before the ceremony.

Provide your Birth Certificates

  1. You must both bring your full original Birth Certificates.
  2. Apply for a NSW Birth Certificate if you were born in NSW, or if elsewhere in Australia apply to the Registry where your birth is registered.
  3. If you were born overseas, a birth certificate or a valid overseas passport is required. Australian passport cannot be accepted.

If previously married

If you have been previously married, you must provide evidence of the termination of the marriage in the form of an original of your final divorce papers or a Death Certificate (if you have been widowed).


Original documents with English translations

All documents provided to the Registry must include the originals, and if not in English then a qualified interpreter must have translated them.

At the time of your interview, if all the necessary documentation has been provided, a Customer Service Representative will arrange a date and time for your wedding ceremony.

The Marriage Ceremony

  1. The bride and groom sign declarations that they are over the age of 18 years, not legally married to someone else and are not directly related to each other.
  2. They then exchange marriage vows, for example, do you take this man/woman to be your lawful husband/wife? They may also exchange wedding rings, if desired.
  3. The Certificate of Marriage is signed by the bride, groom and 2 witnesses; and then presented to the husband and wife.

Day of Ceremony

  • Dress — It is suggested the bride and groom and their guests observe a standard of dress appropriate to the occasion.
  • Witnesses — Bride and groom must arrange for two witnesses who can speak and understand English, and are at least 18 years of age, to be present at the ceremony.
    The Registry does not supply witnesses — also, if there are any interpreters present, they must be independent of the witnesses. Ensure two witnesses are arranged as the marriage cannot take place without them.
  • The Registry does not supply interpreters. If agreed at your initial interview that an interpreter is required for the bride and/or groom, then the parties must arrange for this, otherwise the ceremony cannot take place.
  • Please be punctual — it is essential the wedding party arrive 15 minutes before the appointed time for the ceremony and advise Reception of their arrival.
  • No confetti or rice is allowed within the building. Consumption of alcohol on the Registry's premises is also prohibited.

Penalties

A person guilty of an offence against the Commonwealth Marriage Act, 1961, is liable to a heavy penalty. Penalties include imprisonment and/or fines of up to $500 and $1,000 for such offences as:

  • A person who is married shall not go through a form of ceremony of marriage with any person, section 94(1).
  • A person shall not go through a form of marriage ceremony with a person who is not of marriageable age, section 95(1).
  • A person shall not wilfully make a false statement in a declaration under the Commonwealth Marriage Act, 1961, section 96(1).