Courthouse Marriage
What Americans Call a “Courthouse Wedding”
If you’re looking for what Americans call a “courthouse wedding” in Tasmania, you’ve come to the right place. While Australia doesn’t have courthouse marriages like in the United States, The Marriage Office provides the exact same service: a quick, simple, and affordable legal marriage ceremony.
How It Works in Tasmania
In Tasmania, the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages doesn’t perform wedding ceremonies. Instead, authorized celebrants like Josh Withers at The Marriage Office provide this essential service. We help thousands of couples each year - from local Tasmanians to interstate visitors and international couples - get legally married without the fuss of a traditional wedding.
What We Provide
Our paperwork-only marriage service is exactly what you’re looking for if you want:
- A simple, legal marriage ceremony
- Just the required 120 words to make it official
- No fancy venue or expensive celebrations
- Quick and efficient service
- Professional, experienced celebrants
The Legal Ceremony
The ceremony includes only what Australian law requires:
- The celebrant’s legal statements (called the “monitum”)
- Your legal vows (just one sentence each)
- Signing the paperwork
- Two witnesses (we can provide these if needed)
That’s it! The whole process takes about five minutes, and you’re legally married.
Who Chooses This Option?
Our simple legal marriages are perfect for:
- Practical couples who want to avoid wedding expenses
- People saving for a house in Tasmania’s property market
- Couples planning a celebration or ceremony overseas
- Those who need to marry quickly for visa or legal reasons
- University of Tasmania students managing their budgets
- Anyone wanting to get legally married now and celebrate later
The Process
- Contact The Marriage Office to book your appointment
- Submit your Notice of Intended Marriage (must be done at least one month before)
- Prepare your required documentation
- Attend your appointment with two witnesses (or we can arrange them)
- Get married in a brief, legal ceremony
- Receive your marriage certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this marriage legally recognised?
Yes! It’s exactly the same legal marriage as any other Australian marriage.
Where does the ceremony take place?
We can conduct the ceremony at our office, your home, a local café, or any other suitable location in Hobart.
How much does it cost?
Our service is significantly more affordable than a traditional wedding. Contact us for current pricing.
Can we still have a celebration later?
Absolutely! Many couples choose to have their legal marriage with us first, then plan a celebration or ceremony when it suits them.
About The Marriage Office
The Marriage Office has been providing simple legal marriages in Hobart for many years. We understand that not everyone wants or needs a traditional wedding celebration, and we’re here to help you get married simply, legally, and affordably.
Contact us today to learn more about our courthouse-style marriage service or to book your appointment. We’re here to make getting married in Tasmania as straightforward as possible.