The Legal Stuff

Marrying in Australia has never been easier. As long as you are legally qualified, the rest is a walk in the park. In Australia, the legal age of marriage is eighteen years. You are not allowed to have another wedding until your divorce is finalized. Also, the government does not allow marriages between relatives.

Melbourne is an excellent choice to get married in, for both citizens and visitors. The first thing to acquire is a Notification of Intended Marriage, which you fill, complete and return together with your identification documents and any certifications that can validate your date of birth and place. A standard form is available at Melbourne marriage celebrants’ offices or can be downloaded from their website. This is where you also learn all that is required of you.

The notification of marriage intent is effective one month after the filing date and is valid for eighteen months. Under some special considerations, marriage celebrants in Melbourne can give you a special treatment whereby you can have your marriage immediately after contacting them. Most civil celebrants around Melbourne are flexible enough to cater for the wishes of the people, most of who are visitors.

Every legal process is characterised by some legal paperwork; so is marriage. Marriage is a form of an agreement, and it has the parties; the bride and the groom, the officiator taking care of the legal matters, and the witnesses. In addition, a marriage will not be valid if certain clauses are not included verbally during the process.

The law considers some terms as compulsory in a marriage ceremony, and every marriage celebrant from Melbourne or Victoria should ensure adherence to the same:

1. Full names – There are two instances when the legal names of the couples may be spoken during the marriage. During the introduction by the celebrant, he or she may call the bride and the groom by their full names. Alternatively, the couple will have to use their full names in the legal sentence.

2. The Legal Sentence – despite how romantic your vows are, the following statement will have to be heard from the marrying couples: ‘I (name of a spouse) take you (name of the other spouse) to be my lawfully wedded wife/husband’.

3. Celebrant’s responsibility – The words, ‘I (name of the celebrant) is a legally authorized Melbourne celebrant, to legally formalize this marriage in accordance with the law’ must be heard. The celebrant must also remind the couple of the commitment they are about to make.

A wedding is more than the cheerfulness of the day; it is a life crucial stage between the bride and the groom. A couple stands witnessed by a congregation with a hope for a happy future. The promises they make to each other symbolize genuinely shared dreams. This should be a day to commemorate forever, and not just the day but everything and everyone that stood with you. This is why you should choose a profound Melbourne celebrant. Amanda Pattie is just the right choice to officiate your union.