The Legal Stuff

​Notice of Intended Marriage
​This document needs to be lodged with me at least one month before your wedding, and is valid for 18 months.  It is important that all of the information in this form is accurate, and reflective of the information on your other legal documents (i.e. passport, birth certificate, etc.).  You sign this document in front of an authorised witness (which can be me), and then officially lodge the Notice with me.  I am also required to confirm your date and place of birth, as well as your identity.  A passport meets all three criteria.  A birth certificate and a driver's license also meet these criteria.  Don't hesitate to ask if you are unclear what identify documents are required..  If you have previously been married, I need to sight a divorce order or certificate of death.  If you are less than 18 years old, you will need to ensure we have the appropriate court orders.
Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage
​This is a document that the three of us need to sign before your wedding ceremony begins.  We can sign this at a rehearsal, or just minutes prior to the ceremony.  In signing this declaration, you are confirming that you are free to marry your partner and there is no legal reason the marriage cannot be solemnised.
Marriage Certificates
​There are three marriage certificates that we will sign on your wedding day.  Each of these certificates requires 5 signatures, the two of you, your two witnesses (18 years old or older), and myself.  Two of the certificates are identical: one of these is scanned and sent to Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and the other stays with me as part of a register of marriages that I have solemnised.  The third certificate is the Form 15 Commemorative Certificate, which I will present to you to take home.  Once I have lodged your marriage with Births, Deaths, and Marriages, they will register your marriage and you will be able to apply for a Marriage Certificate that you can use as evidence of your marriage.
Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants
Celebrants are required under the Marriage Act 1961 to ensure that parties to a marriage are aware of the Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants. If you have any issues seeing the PDF document, please let me know at Sophie@nurtureandcelebrate.com.au
​Complaints Process against Commonwealth-registered Marriage Celebrants
This document explains the complaints procedure should you not be satisfied that I have met my responsibilities as outlined in the Marriage Act 1961.