So you’re planning to get married in Australia — cue the didgeridoos and dreamy drone shots! Whether it’s a barefoot beach elopement or a luxury vineyard wedding, Australia offers some of the most unforgettable backdrops on Earth. But before you start planning eucalyptus bouquets and that breezy seaside dress, let’s make sure the legal side of your love story is just as solid.
Yes, paperwork isn’t sexy — but your marriage certificate? Kinda important.
Can Foreigners Get Married in Australia?
Yes, yes, and YES! You don’t have to be an Aussie citizen or even a resident to legally marry in Australia. That’s what makes it such a popular destination for couples from the UK, US, Europe, and beyond.
There’s just a short to-do list, and I’ve got it all here in one place, with no lawyer-speak and a bit of good old-fashioned fun.
Legal Requirements to Get Married in Australia
✅ Quick Checklist
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✔️ Submit your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form at least 1 month in advance
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✔️ Choose an authorized marriage celebrant
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✔️ Have valid passports or birth certificates
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✔️ If previously married, provide divorce/death certificate
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✔️ Two witnesses over 18 must attend your ceremony
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✔️ Be at least 18 years old
Now, let’s break that down (gently, I promise).
The NOIM Form — The Big One
You’ll need to fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form and send it to your celebrant at least one month before your wedding day.
You can download the form directly from the Australian Government website, fill it in, and email or mail it to your celebrant. You don’t need to be in Australia to submit it!
📝 Pro Tip: Most celebrants will happily help you through the form — they’ve seen it all, including typos, passport mix-ups, and nervous handwriting.
Documents You’ll Need
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Passport or birth certificate for both of you
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Proof of divorce or death certificate if you’ve been married before
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Any documents in another language must be translated by a certified translator
If you’re coming from abroad, make copies and carry originals in your hand luggage (yes, seriously — your wedding outfit can go in the suitcase!).
Choosing a Celebrant
You’ll need an authorized celebrant — they’re the folks who’ll officiate your wedding and make it legal. They’ll also handle submitting your documents and registering your marriage with the government.
Find one on the Attorney-General’s celebrant register, or work with someone recommended by your planner or photographer (waves from behind the lens).
Witnesses
Two people over the age of 18 must witness your wedding. They don’t have to be Australian citizens — your besties, siblings, or even new friends from your Airbnb will do just fine.
Age Requirement
Both parties must be 18 or older. No exceptions for destination weddings — sorry, Romeo and Juliet vibes are not legally binding here.
Best Wedding Locations in Australia (Because Why Stop at Legal?)
Australia isn’t just a country. It’s a mood. A coastline. A whole vibe.
Here are a few jaw-dropping spots where the legal becomes magical:
🌆 Sydney
Marry with the Sydney Opera House in view or on a rooftop with harbour lights behind you. Check out Gunners’ Barracks for cliffside elegance or Doltone House for waterfront charm.
🌴 Whitsundays
Tropical heaven on the Great Barrier Reef. Say “I do” on Whitehaven Beach or take a boat to a private island. Villa Botanica is an all-time favourite for barefoot luxury.
☕ Melbourne
Chic city vibes, old-world charm, and quirky warehouses for artsy couples. Don’t miss The George Ballroom or Half Acre.
🌊 Gold Coast
Surf meets style. Perfect for beach weddings with golden light and boho vibes. The Island Gold Coast offers a trendy space in the heart of it all.
Fun Extras You Might Not Know
🦘 Did you know? Your marriage will be legally recognized in most countries, including the UK, EU, and US. Just check if you need to register it back home!
🕒 Time zones matter. If you’re planning from Europe or the US, keep the 10–16 hour difference in mind when booking vendors.
🐦 Watch for swooping magpies in spring — they’re the unofficial wedding crashers of Australia (especially if your hairstyle is… elaborate).
Symbolic Ceremonies vs Legal Ceremonies
If the paperwork feels overwhelming, you can always do the legal bit at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Australia. It’s all the romance with none of the stress.
Many couples go this route and still have the full dress, vows, and photos — and no one needs to know which ceremony is the “official” one 😉
Final Thoughts (with Camera in Hand)
Marriage in Australia is more than just saying “I do.” It’s a love story set against landscapes that make you feel small and grateful and alive all at once.
Whether you’re eloping on a cliffside at sunset or dancing barefoot under the stars on a tropical island, Australia makes every moment feel cinematic.
And capturing that? Well — that’s where I come in.
Let’s Make Some Magic Together
As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve traveled the world to document couples at their most radiant and real. Australia is one of my favorite places to photograph love — it has the light, the colors, the energy, and that wide-open sense of freedom.
If you’re dreaming up your wedding in Oz, take a look at: ✨ My blog for destination wedding inspiration
💍 Photography packages tailored for elopements and intimate weddings
📩 Or contact me directly — I’d love to hear about your plans
Let’s turn your Australian “I do” into memories that feel like movie scenes.
See you (and your vows) under the Southern Cross. 🌌
