Unravelling the Legal Side of Being a Marriage Celebrant

Unravelling the Legal Side of Being a Marriage Celebrant

Hello there lovebirds and commitment enthusiasts! Today, we're diving headfirst into the riveting world of the legal side of what marriage celebrants do. Wait, don't run away - I promise to sprinkle a little humour into the legal jargon to keep your attention!

So you've found the perfect partner, you've decided to take the plunge, and now you're thinking about who's going to officiate your dream wedding. Enter the marriage celebrant, the unsung hero of your love story.

The Marvelous Marriage Celebrant

Before we get into the legal nitty-gritty, let's give a round of applause to these unsung heroes. Marriage celebrants are like Wedding Wizards, weaving their magic to make your big day extraordinary. They're the ones who transform, 'Ido' into 'I dooooooo!' with flair and finesse.

But, Let's Make Sure It's All Legal!

Now onto the less glamorous but oh-so-important - the legal stuff. You see, it's not all fairy dust and romantic vows. Marriage celebrants play a crucial role that ensures your union is recognised as legally binding. Without them your 'Ido's' would be more like 'I don't know.'

Notice of Intended Marriage 

First things first, you need a Notice of Intended Marriage - the NOIM for future reference. This isn't something you can't pick up at your local grocery shop. No, no, it's a legal document, not a packet of biscuits! Your friendly and fully trained marriage celebrant will guide you through the process of obtaining this ticket to wedded bliss. Your celebrant will need to check your ID against a drivers licence or a passport for example, and may need to sight other documentation too, if either of you have been married before. And there are time limits! A NOIM must be lodged - given to your celebrant - with at least a months notice of your intended marriage date! And ... no more than 18 months prior to a planned wedding. At this point your celebrant is also legally bound to talk to you about Pre-marriage counselling. Gosh there's a lot do at that meeting. 

Witnesses to the Marriage

What's a wedding without witnesses, right? Your celebrant will ensure that you have the required number of witnesses present to make your marriage official. Two witnesses are required to witness and sign the official marriage certificates. Think of them as your cheerleaders who will cheer for you on your happily-ever-after.

The Vow Wow

Your celebrant will help you craft those heart-warming, tear-inducing vows. They might even throw in a joke or two if that's your style. The legal requirement here is that you each must make a formal declaration, with words set out in the Marriage Act of 1961, promising to love and cherish each other until, well, forever. 

Signing the Register

Ever heard the phrase 'putting pen to paper'? This is it, folks. You, your partner, your celebrant and your witnesses will all sign o the dotted line. It's like the grand finale of the show, but with pens and paper.

Lodging the Paperwork

Your marriage celebrant takes care of the paperwork after the ceremony.They'll send your marriage certificates, or lodge on-line with Births Deaths and Marriages, ensuring that your union is recognised far and wide. Your celebrant will issue you with a 'Form 15 Marriage Certificate' on your big day, and if you would like an official marriage certificate, your celebrant can order it when they lodge your documents. There is a fee charged by BDM for an official certificate.

Let's Keep it Legal

So, there you have it, folks - the legal side of marriage celebrants in all it's glory. They're the magic makers who make sure your wedding isn't just a fantastic party but also a legally binging union. Remember, without them your marriage wouldn't be more than a heartfelt speech and a cake!

In the worlds of weddings, marriage celebrants are the glue that holds is all together, combining legal prowess with a touch of humour and a whole lot of love. So next time you see your friendly marriage celebrant, give them a hight-five. They're the legal wizards making your happily-ever-after dreams come true.