What is a NOIM?
NOIM stands for Notice of Intended Marriage. It is the official form that tells the Australian Government that you intend to get married.
It may sound formal, but don't worry — I'll guide you through it and make sure everything is completed correctly.
When does it need to be lodged?
Your completed NOIM must generally be given to an authorised marriage celebrant:
- at least one month before your wedding, and
- no more than 18 months before your wedding.
So, once you have chosen your celebrant and wedding date, it is a good idea to get this part organised early.
In limited circumstances, a prescribed authority may approve a wedding with less than one month's notice. This is only available for specific reasons and is not automatically granted.
What will you need?
To complete the legal process, I will need to see:
- evidence of your date and place of birth, such as a passport or birth certificate
- identification, such as a passport or driver's licence
- evidence that any previous marriage has legally ended, where applicable.
Does it need to be signed in person?
The NOIM can now be witnessed either in person or remotely by audio-visual link, provided the legal witnessing requirements are met. Before the wedding, I must also meet separately and in person with each person getting married.
What happens after the NOIM?
Once your NOIM has been completed and lodged with me, the legal process is underway. From there, we can focus on creating a ceremony that feels personal, relaxed and genuinely reflects the two of you.
Still unsure about the paperwork? That's completely normal. I'll talk you through each step and make the legal side as straightforward as possible.
This guide provides general information only. Individual circumstances may require additional documents or advice.