Key Takeaway
In Australia, there is no "marriage licence" as in some countries. Instead, couples must submit a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form to an authorised celebrant at least one month before the wedding (and no earlier than 18 months before). This is the legal equivalent of a marriage licence.
Overview: Getting Married in Queensland
Planning a wedding in Queensland means following both Australian marriage law and local procedures. Federal law (the Marriage Act 1961) and Queensland registry rules set the requirements.
As Queensland celebrants clarify, a "marriage licence" is an American term—in Australia, couples simply lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with their celebrant. This single form, combined with proper identification, is all that's legally required.
Good news: Australia does not require you to be a citizen or permanent resident to marry here. International couples can legally wed in Queensland following the same process.
Who Can Marry in Queensland
Age & Consent
Both parties must normally be 18 or over. If one person is 16–17, they need court approval and a guardian's consent. Both must understand what marriage means and freely agree to it.
Not Already Married
Neither party can be currently married to someone else. If previously married, you must provide evidence the prior marriage has ended (divorce decree or death certificate).
No Close Relations
You cannot marry a close relative (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, or half-sibling).
Same-Sex Marriage
Since December 2017, same-sex couples have the same legal right to marry as opposite-sex couples. Australia redefined "marriage" to cover any two people—all requirements apply equally.
Language & Understanding
If either partner does not speak English, an interpreter must assist at the ceremony. Both parties must fully understand the marriage vows they will recite.
Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) – The "Marriage Licence" Alternative
Instead of a licence, Queensland couples must complete and lodge a NOIM form with their registered celebrant. By law, "a marriage shall not be solemnised unless a notice in writing of the intended marriage" is given to the celebrant.
Critical Timeline
Example: A NOIM given on 1 January means the earliest wedding date is 2 February.
How to Lodge the NOIM
- The NOIM is submitted to your celebrant in person, or witnessed remotely by audio-visual link if both couple and witness are in the same country.
- Both parties must sign it in the presence of an authorised witness.
- Authorised witnesses include: your celebrant, Justice of the Peace, lawyer, magistrate, police officer, or doctor. (Note: nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists are NOT authorised.)
Emergency Weddings: Shortening of Time
If you need to marry with less than 1 month's notice, talk to your celebrant. In special cases (urgent travel, medical emergency, etc.) they may apply for a Shortening of Time order so the ceremony can proceed sooner. This is discretionary and requires supporting evidence.
Required Documents and Identification
At the time of lodging the NOIM (and at the ceremony), each party must provide proof of identity, date and place of birth, and evidence of any prior marriages ending.
Evidence of Birth
Original birth certificate (or certified copy) showing full name, date and place of birth. If born overseas, a valid passport is usually accepted as proof of birth.
Photo ID
Current photo ID such as an Australian driver's licence, passport, or proof of age card. You generally need two forms of ID (one must include date of birth).
Previous Marriage Finalisation
If previously married, you must show evidence the marriage ended—an original divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse.
Name Change Documents
If you have legally changed your name (e.g. by deed poll), bring those documents.
Important: Language Requirements
All documents must be in English, or accompanied by a NAATI-accredited translation. If your original documents are not in English (e.g. foreign birth certificate), get them officially translated.
Choosing a Celebrant and Venue
Your marriage must be solemnised by an authorised marriage celebrant. Celebrants can be:
- Civil celebrants – government-registered independent celebrants
- Religious celebrants – ministers of authorised religious denominations
When hiring a celebrant in Queensland, ensure they are registered with the Commonwealth (ask to see their ID). You should also decide where to marry: at your home, a venue, a park, or at a government registry office.
Note: Registry offices in Brisbane and other cities have limited availability and fees.
The Wedding Ceremony
On your wedding day, Australian law dictates certain formalities:
Two Witnesses Required
You must have at least 2 adult witnesses (over 18 years) present for the ceremony. Friends or family can be witnesses.
Legal Vows (Monitum)
The celebrant will include the legally-required wording (monitum) and vows during the ceremony. This includes phrases like "I [name] take you [name] to be my lawful wedded [wife/husband/spouse]." You cannot alter these required words—personal vows can be added after.
Signing the Marriage Certificates
After you say "I do," you, your spouse, the celebrant and the two witnesses will sign three copies of the marriage certificate:
- • One copy is given to you as a keepsake
- • One is sent by the celebrant to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (within 14 days)
- • One is retained by the celebrant
After the Ceremony: Registration and Certificates
Marriage Registration
By law, the celebrant must register your marriage with Queensland's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 14 days. This makes your marriage legal on the public record.
Official Marriage Certificate
After registration, the official marriage certificate is available for you to apply for. This certificate (issued by the state registry) is needed if you wish to change your name or prove your marriage to other authorities.
Name Change After Marriage
Changing your surname or given name after marriage is not automatic. Once you have your official marriage certificate, you can present it to agencies (passport office, motor registry, banks, etc.) to update your name. Each organisation has its own process—typically, you will use your new name on the marriage certificate to apply for a passport or licence.
Some couples also execute a deed poll if changing names not directly covered by marriage.
Special Situations
International Couples
Non-Australian visitors can legally marry in Queensland. The rules are the same: lodge a NOIM, meet age/eligibility requirements, and provide passports as ID. Some countries may require additional steps after returning home (check local requirements). If a partner has divorced overseas, you still need to show certified proof of divorce (translated if needed). Visitors must engage a celebrant and submit the NOIM at least one month before the wedding.
Same-Sex Couples
Marriage equality is fully recognised in Queensland since December 2017. Same-sex couples follow the identical process as other couples: NOIM, same documents (birth certificates/passports, divorce orders if any), witnesses, etc. There are no extra legal hurdles beyond what is listed above.
Urgent Marriages (Shortening of Time)
If you suddenly need to marry within less than one month (for example, one partner has urgent travel plans or health issues), your celebrant can apply for a Shortening of Time order. This is discretionary and requires supporting evidence. It's granted only rarely.
Marrying a Minor (16–17)
Very rarely, a minor aged 16 or 17 can marry, but only with a court's special approval and a parent/guardian's consent. This is a complex legal process and generally not relevant for most couples.
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Additional Resources & Links
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Marriage laws can change, and individual circumstances vary. When in doubt, consult a registered marriage celebrant or the Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for official guidance.
Last updated: December 2025. Sources include the Australian Attorney-General's Department, Queensland Government, and registered Queensland celebrants.