As experienced and dedicated Queensland Wedding Celebrants, we’ve assisted many overseas based couples with eloping in Australia. Whether you are planning a small intimate elopement or getting married in Brisbane surrounded by loved ones.
How overseas couples can get married in Australia
First and foremost, it’s important to note:
In Australia, a marriage can only take place if the official marriage form known as the NOIM form (Notice of Intended Marriage) is received by us, the Celebrant no less than 1 calendar month before the date of the marriage.
This however doesn’t stop couples based overseas from planning a wedding in Australia, even if they are only arriving in Australia a day or two before the marriage is planned to take place, as the completing, signing and witnessing of your NOIM form can take place remotely with scanned signed paperwork and ID emailed to us.
QUESTION 1: Does one or both of us need to be a resident or citizen of Australia to get married in Australia?
There are no requirements to be an Australia resident or citizen to get married in Australia, so anyone whether living here or simply planning a visit to Australia that has completed the following paperwork process within the required time frame can marry in beautiful Australia.
Question2: What is the NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE Form (NOIM Form) and process?
To get married in Australia, you must complete a form, known as the NOIM form. Your signed and witnessed NOIM form must be received by us, your Celebrant no less than 1 month before the date of your marriage.
For your convenience, we use an online program, which allows our couples to complete their details via an online form. All details then get pre-populated into the NOIM form, which we carefully check has been completely correctly, before returning to you as a PDF document to print.
Once printed, the NOIM form must be signed by the marrying person/s, in the presence of an authorised person as listed below in the country you are based in.
If you are both based outside Australia, at the time of getting your NOIM form witnessed:
The Attorney General advises that you require one of the following to witness you signing the NOIM form:
A Notice of Intended Marriage form signed outside Australia must be signed in the presence of either:
– an Australian Diplomatic Officer;
– an Australian Consular Officer;
– a notary public;
– an employee of the Commonwealth authorised under para 3(c) of the Consular Fees Act 1955;
– an employee of the Australian Trade Commission authorised under para 3(d) of the Consular Fees Act 1955.
Question 3: We’re based overseas, can you witness us signing the NOIM form via video call.
Unfortunately, not. These aren’t our rules, they’re the Attorney-General’s, we MUST follow them, so your marriage is valid, and so we don’t get in legal trouble. Refer to question 2 above for a list of authorised persons that can witness your physical (paper printed) NOIM form in the country you are currently in.
Question 4: I am based in Brisbane, and my fiancé is overseas, how do we both sign the NOIM form? & can you accept the NOIM form with my signature only?
If one of the marrying persons is not reasonably able to have their signature witnessed by one of the above, (e.g. because they are based overseas) as your Celebrant we’re permitted to accept the NOIM form with just one of the parties’ signatures (ideally the person based in Australia, as the signing and witnessing process is easier, however it can be the overseas based person following the process outlined on question 2 above if you wish).
The second signature on the official NOIM form, can then be witnessed by the Celebrant on the other persons arrival in the country.
So yes, we can accept the form with the Australia based partners signature, however the second person must sign the NOIM form in our presence (with one of us, your Celebrant as your witness) before your marriage can take place.
To ensure correct spelling of names and accurate details on the NOIM form, and subsequent marriage certificates and documents, we will request that the overseas based persons ID (biographic page of passport) is emailed to us.
If one of you is based in Australia, we can simply meet with them (in person or via video call), to lodge the NOIM form with us. The overseas based person’s signature will follow at a later date, after they’ve arrived in Australia.
Your signed and witnessed NOIM form can be accepted by the Celebrant electronically (by email).
The date your Celebrant receives the signed and witnessed NOIM form, either electronically or by mail, is the date your NOIM form is officially lodged with us, and your marriage can take place from 1 calendar month after that date.
You can get married from 1 month after the date your NOIM form was received and lodged by us.
Question 5: Am I required to speak English to get married in Australia?
As your Celebrant, it is a requirement that we are satisfied that both persons planning to marry, are completely aware that they are getting married, and that they understand the marriage paperwork. Therefore, they must be able to either speak and understand English or engage a translator to attend the paperwork signing and translate the documents and the ceremony.
Witnesses can be citizens of overseas countries and are not required to be Australian citizens or residents; however, to ensure they understand their role, witnesses are required to speak and understand English.
Question 6: Our NOIM is lodged, what’s next?
Designing your ceremony
Now for the fun stuff! we can make an online appointment, either by via What’s app, Zoom, or Facetime Video to discuss the kind of ceremony you would like and anything you would like to include (or exclude) in your ceremony.
We will talk you through ideas, ask questions and make suggestions to ensure we are on the same page when it comes to creating the kind of ceremony you have in mind.
It is so important to us that you enjoy your ceremony, so we design and create the ceremony you envisage for you.
Once your date has been secured with your payment, and your NOIM form received, and details of your ceremony have been confirmed (via a video call meeting), we will provide you with a draft of your ceremony wording, giving you ample time to review this and make any edit you wish so you know exactly what to expect on the day.
If you are opting for a very simple elopement or legals only style marriage, this meeting isn’t essential, instead we can send you questions via email to prepare your simple ceremony. Noting with the reduced rate for these types of ceremonies the provided ceremony isn’t editable.
Some couples, particularly those applying for a fiancé visa require a letter from us, their Celebrant for immigration purposes to confirm the NOIM form has been lodged, and the date has been booked.
We are more than happy to provide this letter for your visa application once the NOIM form and booking fee have been received.
When you arrive in Australia
We can make a time to meet in person, if the other marrying person still needs to sign their side of the NOIM form and other marriage documents and for ID to be sighted. t
You will also be given the option to complete your marriage certificate application form, which we can lodge at BDM QLD (the department that officially registers your marriage), on your behalf, along with your marriage documents, so they can send you your official registry issued marriage certificate.
This is usually required for the purpose of changing your last name or as proof of marriage for visa applications.
Enjoy your amazing wedding day!
If this hasn’t already been actioned, on the day you will be required to sign a form called ‘The Declaration’ prior to your marriage taking place. This form declares there is no legal reason preventing you from being able to marry each other. We will have this form printed and pre-completed with all your details ready for you to sign.
Once the above marriage paperwork has been attended to, and your ceremony design and wording finalised, you can relax and enjoy the amazing experience of eloping in Australia!
See more of this UK couple’s Brisbane wedding
For more information view the legal requirements to get married in Australia.
Queensland Celebrants Jamie and Cara would love to assist you in planning your Australian wedding from overseas. Let’s get the ball the rolling!
Images of our gorgeous overseas based couple who married in Brisbane kindly provided by We Are Twine. See more of this destination wedding in Brisbane here.