I've put together the list of documents we sign together, what they mean, what you need to do and then how they all go together to make it official!
| Legal Document |
Timing of doc |
Celebrant responsibilities |
Couples responsibilities |
| Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) |
At least one month before Ceremony Date |
Check and witness upon completion Send to BDM after ceremony completed |
Complete and lodge (with correct documents – see below) to Celebrant at least one month before Ceremony Date
|
| Happily Ever Before and After |
At lodgement of NOIM |
Provide to Couple at lodgement of NOIM |
Couple to review brochure outlining the obligation and consequences of marriage |
| Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage |
Pre Ceremony |
Provide to Couple at Rehearsal (or close to Ceremony Date) Send to BDM after ceremony completed |
Both Parties to complete prior to Ceremony commencing to declare they can marry |
| Marriage Certificate |
Week of Ceremony | Provide to Couple at Rehearsal (or close to Ceremony Date) to confirm correct details |
Check and confirm details before Ceremony Date |
| Marriage Certificate |
Day of Ceremony |
Signed after the marriage ceremony and forwarded to Births, Deaths & Marriages within 2 weeks of ceremony for official registration of your marriage |
Presentation Certificate of Marriage provided to couple on the day of their marriage |
Documents required when lodging your NOIM:
• Australian Citizen's - Original Birth Certificate and/or Australian Passport + photo identification
• Non-Australian Citizen's - Overseas Passport (if you're a citizen of a country other than Australia)
Also needed if the following applies:
• A Divorce Certificate or a Decree Absolute if you've been previously married
• Death Certificate (if you are widowed)
• All documents in a foreign language must be translated into English by an approved translator, with a statutory declaration from the translator. You can find a translator here; www.naati.com.au
But never fear – my ongoing training makes sure I’m up with all the requirements – and attention to detail will make sure it all gets done correctly and on time.
Any questions? Drop me a line and we can talk.
Kelly Rossi - Melbourne Marriage Celebrant