Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Married in Australia

How do I legally get married in Australia?

Getting married in Australia is actually quite straightforward. The first step is completing a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), which must be lodged with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding date.

Do not worry though. I guide all of my couples through the entire legal process, explain exactly what is required, check all documentation, and ensure everything is completed correctly so you can focus on enjoying your engagement.

What is a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)?

The Notice of Intended Marriage, or NOIM, is the legal document required before any marriage can take place in Australia.

It must be lodged at least one month before your wedding date and can be submitted up to 18 months in advance. I will help you complete the form, witness signatures where required, and make sure everything is in order.

What documents do we need to get married?

Most couples will need to provide:

• Photo identification
• A birth certificate or passport
• Evidence of any name changes
• Divorce or death certificates if previously married

I will let you know exactly what documents apply to your individual circumstances.

How much notice do we need before getting married?

Australian law requires a minimum of one month's notice. If you are newly engaged, I always recommend lodging your NOIM as soon as possible, even if your wedding is many months away.

Can we get married in less than one month?

In certain exceptional circumstances, a shortening of time may be approved. These situations are limited and specific, but I am happy to discuss your circumstances and advise whether you may qualify.

Do we need a celebrant?

If you are not getting married at a Registry Office, yes.

As an authorised marriage celebrant, I not only perform your ceremony but also manage all legal paperwork, guide you through the marriage process, and help create a ceremony that genuinely reflects you as a couple.

What exactly does a marriage celebrant do?

A lot more than most people realise.

As your celebrant, I:

• Guide you through all legal requirements
• Complete and lodge your marriage paperwork
• Help craft and personalise your ceremony
• Assist with vows
• Provide ceremony resources and inspiration
• Coordinate music cues and ceremony logistics
• Conduct your ceremony
• Ensure everything runs smoothly on the day

Think of me as part legal professional, part ceremony designer, part storyteller, and part calming presence.

How much does it cost to hire you as our celebrant?

I offer a range of ceremony options, from my Spruced Up Legals Only Ceremony through to fully personalised bespoke ceremonies.

My fees reflect more than 18 years of experience, personalised service, professional equipment, legal expertise, and the time invested in creating a meaningful ceremony that feels authentically yours.

I believe in complete transparency, so there are no hidden surprises. You can view my current packages and pricing on my website or contact me for a copy of my information guide.

Which ceremony package is right for us?

That depends on the wedding experience you are looking for.

If you simply want to be legally married, my Legals Only option may be perfect.

If you would like a personalised ceremony that shares your story and creates a memorable experience for your guests, one of my personalised ceremony packages will likely be the better fit.

I am always happy to chat through your vision and help you choose the option that suits you best.

How far in advance should we book?

The sooner the better.

Many of my couples book between 12 and 24 months before their wedding day, particularly for popular dates during spring and autumn.

Once you have chosen your date and venue, booking your celebrant should be high on your priority list.

Can we personalise our ceremony?

Absolutely. In fact, that is my favourite part.

I believe your ceremony should be one of the most meaningful parts of your wedding day, not just something to get through before the party starts.

Together we can incorporate your story, values, family traditions, culture, humour, favourite memories, meaningful readings, special rituals, children, pets, and anything else that represents who you are as a couple.

Can we write our own vows?

Of course.

Some couples write their vows entirely from scratch, while others prefer a little guidance. I provide vow resources, examples, prompts, and plenty of support to help you create something meaningful without feeling overwhelmed.

What if we are nervous about speaking in front of people?

You are not alone.

Many couples feel nervous before their ceremony. One of my roles is helping you feel comfortable, prepared, and relaxed. With more than 18 years of experience, I have guided hundreds of couples through those pre ceremony butterflies.

Most couples tell me afterwards that they worried far more than they needed to.

How long does a wedding ceremony usually last?

Most personalised ceremonies are around 20 to 30 minutes.

Legals Only ceremonies are much shorter, while ceremonies including family involvement, readings, rituals, or cultural traditions may be a little longer.

Can we include our children, pets, or family members?

Absolutely.

Some of the most beautiful moments in a ceremony come from involving the people, and furry family members, who matter most.

Whether it is children participating in a ritual, grandparents sharing a reading, or your dog proudly walking down the aisle, I love helping couples find meaningful ways to include loved ones.

Can we get married anywhere?

One of the wonderful things about using a celebrant is flexibility.

I can marry you almost anywhere, including:

• Beaches
• Parks and gardens
• Private properties
• Wineries
• Resorts
• Family homes
• Mountain lookouts
• Rainforest venues
• My beautifully decorated deck in Ferny Hills

If it is legal and safe, there is a good chance we can make it happen.

Do we need a rehearsal?

While not essential, rehearsals can be incredibly helpful, particularly if you have a larger wedding party or a more detailed ceremony.

A rehearsal gives everyone confidence and helps ensure the ceremony feels natural and seamless on the day.

What happens after the ceremony?

Once you are married, I complete and lodge all required legal paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages.

You will receive your commemorative marriage certificate on the day, and I will explain how to apply for your official government marriage certificate if required.

How do we choose the right celebrant?

Find someone you genuinely connect with.

Your celebrant will be standing beside you during one of the most important moments of your life. You want someone who makes you feel comfortable, understood, supported, and excited about your wedding day.

My advice is simple. Meet with a few celebrants and trust your instincts. If you leave feeling relaxed, understood, and confident, you have probably found the right person.

Do you marry all couples?

Without hesitation, yes.

I wholeheartedly celebrate and embrace the uniqueness of every couple and every love story. I believe love is love, and every relationship deserves to be honoured with warmth, dignity, respect, and joy.

Regardless of your background, culture, faith, identity, age, gender, or journey together, you will always be welcomed, celebrated, and supported.

Why do couples choose Christina Towler?

Couples often tell me it is because I bring the perfect balance of professionalism, warmth, organisation, creativity, and calm.

With more than 18 years of experience, hundreds of five star reviews, and recognition as one of Australia's Top 10 Wedding Suppliers, I am passionate about creating ceremonies that are personal, authentic, joy filled, and completely reflective of the couple standing in front of me.

Most importantly, I genuinely care. Your wedding is never "just another ceremony" to me. It is your story, your moment, and your day.

Still Have Questions?

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming at times, but it does not have to be.

Whether you are newly engaged, wondering where to start, or simply looking for the celebrant who feels like the right fit, I would love to chat. Pop the kettle on, grab a coffee, and let's talk about bringing your dream ceremony to life. ❤️