WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
HOW SOON CAN I GET MARRIED?
The NOIM CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD – Notice of Intention- the first document required by BDM Victoria, must be completed a CALENDAR month PRIOR to your wedding date.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I REQUIRE?
We can use a passport, even an expired one, to determine identification and as long as it has not been cancelled. If you do not have a passport we can use birth certificates or birth extracts and drivers’ licenses or other photo ID would also be required. If you have previously been married, we do need to sight the divorce or death certificate. All of these documents can be emailed through.
If you have been divorced and cannot find your certificate, go to this website HERE, and you will be able to obtain your certificate.
WHO CAN BE A WITNESS AND SIGN THE MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?
You are allowed to choose anyone you wish to be your witness as long as they are over 18 years and they do not have to be an Australian resident. Whilst most couples may choose the best man or maid of honour, anyone can be a witness. If you are having a small Registry Style Wedding and you do not have witnesses, I can supply witnesses, (for a fee).
WE DON’T HAVE A BRIDAL PARTY – MUST WE HAVE ONE?
Not all couples have a bridal party; it is your choice to have as many or as few people – even a best man is not compulsory. Some Grooms are very happy to have the rings safely in their pocket !!
IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE A REHEARSAL?
The rehearsal is a very relaxed process which I recommend, where I go through all the elements of your upcoming wedding but I do not say “ALL ‘ the words as we keep those special phrases for your wedding day.
WHO SHOULD BE AT THE REHEARSAL?
You can have as many or as few people at your rehearsal. If parents or family have little understanding of spoken English, then they may wish to come and see what is happening so that they can enjoy the day. And, If you have overseas or interstate bridal party, I can meet with them too.
AS THE BRIDE, HOW DO I CHANGE MY NAME TO MY MARRIED NAME AND WHEN CAN I SIGN MY NEW SURNAME?
On all my documents, you are required to sign in your maiden name or the name indicated on the documents you showed me for your id. Immediately after the ceremony, you can sign your new name; you don’t have to wait for your statutory Births Deaths & Marriages Certificate.
I submit your wedding to BDM Victoria as soon as possible after your marriage. It can take up to 5 weeks to receive your official marriage certificate, which you will need to prove you are married. This process can be done online and available CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
