Are you a government registry office?
No. We are private authorised celebrants providing a registry-style, paperwork-only marriage service in Tasmania. It is not run by the BDM Registry or a court.
Plain answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers for paperwork-only, courthouse-style, and short legal marriage appointments in Tasmania.
Is this the same as a courthouse or registry wedding?
Yes in service style, not in venue. It is the same kind of short, professional legal marriage service people usually mean, but it is not inside a courthouse or BDM Registry.
What do you actually do?
We do the legal marriage itself: paperwork help, the required wording, a short and sweet ceremony that is usually around five minutes, signatures, witnesses if needed, and registration after the marriage.
Do you do weddings or elopements?
This website is for short paperwork-only marriages. For an elopement, use Elopement Collective. For a guest-facing ceremony people can watch and enjoy, use Josh Withers.
How much notice do we need?
Your Notice of Intended Marriage must be given to your celebrant at least one month before the marriage and no more than 18 months before it.
Do we both need to sign the NOIM together?
No. You can sign separately, and in some situations one person's signature can start the notice period as long as the form includes both parties' details and the other person signs before the marriage is solemnised.
Can the NOIM be witnessed remotely?
Yes. The law now allows remote witnessing of the NOIM by audio-visual link when an authorised witness offers that service. You still cannot get married online.
When do we get a date and time?
We confirm the date, time, and place once your paperwork has been received and checked. It depends on when the NOIM arrives and on our availability.
Do we need witnesses?
Yes. Australian law requires two witnesses aged 18 or over. You can bring your own, or we can usually provide them as an optional service.
Can we get married online?
No. The marriage itself must happen in person, with both parties, the celebrant, and two adult witnesses physically present.
What documents do we need?
You generally need evidence of date and place of birth, evidence of identity, and proof that any previous marriage has ended. Documents not in English need an official translation.
What if one of us lives overseas?
That is fine. You can usually prepare the NOIM from overseas and still use this service, as long as the legal requirements are met and everyone is present in person for the marriage itself.
Can the one-month notice period be shortened?
Sometimes, but only in limited circumstances approved by a prescribed authority after the NOIM has first been lodged.
What happens after we get married?
You receive a ceremonial certificate on the day. We register the marriage, and you can then order the official certificate from Tasmania Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Useful next pages
Turn the answers into a plan
Paperwork-only marriage The simplest legal appointment if you want to get married without a wedding. NOIM guide How the Notice of Intended Marriage works before we can confirm the appointment. Witness service What to do if you need two adult witnesses provided for the legal marriage. Pricing The $700 base service and the optional extras that may apply. Get married quickly What is realistic if you are working with a tight marriage timeline. Legal requirements Identity, eligibility, notice, and in-person requirements for an Australian marriage. ID requirements Which identity, birth, and supporting documents to prepare before the legal appointment. Marriage after divorce What changes if either person has been married before or is waiting for a divorce to become final. Can we get married online? What can happen remotely, and what still has to happen in person under Australian marriage law. NOIM witnessing in Southern Tasmania Local help for couples who only need the Notice of Intended Marriage witnessed in the south. NOIM witnessing in Northern Tasmania Local help for couples who only need the Notice of Intended Marriage witnessed in the north. Prospective marriage visa support How the marriage paperwork can connect with a prospective marriage visa process. Change of name after marriage What certificate most people need if they want to use a married surname after the marriage. Apostille and legalisation What to know if an Australian marriage certificate needs to be used overseas. Destination wedding, legal marriage How to keep the Australian legal marriage separate from a destination celebration. Overseas marriages What to know if you are already married overseas or relying on an overseas certificate. Prospective marriage visa letter When a celebrant can honestly confirm an intended marriage has started. Friend-led ceremonies How a friend can lead the personal moment while an authorised celebrant handles the legal marriage. Becoming a celebrant Why becoming authorised is a real pathway, not a quick workaround for one ceremony. Marriage certificates The difference between the certificate on the day and the official certificate after registration. Prenuptial agreements Where financial agreements sit outside the paperwork-only marriage service. Marriage equality Our equal-service position for paperwork-only and courthouse-style marriages. Marriage Act 1961 Plain context for the legislation behind Australian marriage requirements.