Marriage Act 1961
This page is a guide to the main law and guidance behind marriage in Australia.
For the official text, always use the government sources below.
The main official sources
- Marriage Act 1961
- Marriage Regulations 2017
- Marriage celebrant Code of Practice
- Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for authorised celebrants
- Attorney-General’s Department guide to getting married
The key rules most couples need to know
- you cannot already be married
- you cannot marry a close relative
- you must usually give at least one month notice
- you must use the required legal wording
- the couple, celebrant, and two witnesses must be physically present at the ceremony
- the celebrant must physically meet each party separately before the marriage is solemnised
Why this matters on this website
Everything on this website is written to line up with those official sources.
This site is not legal advice. It is practical guidance for couples booking a simple paperwork-only marriage.
Helpful next steps
Ready to get married?
Fill out the booking form, pay the fee, prepare your NOIM on NOIM Easy, then we confirm the date, time, and place once the paperwork is in and we know availability. You can also browse our local wedding directory, compare marriage celebrants in Newcastle, read the blog, or contact us if you are unsure which option fits.