Marriage is a very serious step in any country, as it involves legal issues, rights and duties. Many students ask us how to get married in Australia, so we decided to write this article explaining the process.
To be legally married in Australiais necessary:
- Not being married to someone else,
- Not being married to a father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, brother or sister,
- Be at least eighteen years old, unless a court has approved a marriage - in which one of the parties is between sixteen and eighteen years old,
- Understanding what marriage means and freely consenting to become husband and wife,
- Use specific words during the ceremony,
- Give written notice of your intention to marry to your authorized celebrant within the required time limit,
- The celebrant you choose will help you understand these requirements.
Wedding notice
Prior notice is required before the wedding. A "Notice of Intended Marriage" form must be given to your celebrant at least one month before the wedding. You can give it to your celebrant up to eighteen months in advance.
Your celebrant can help you fill in the form. The notice can be completed and witnessed outside Australia if necessary.
Speak to your celebrant if there is less than a month before your wedding. A prescribed authority may approve a shorter notice period in some limited circumstances.
You will need to give your celebrant proof of date and place of birth, identity and a document proving the end of any previous marriage.
After the wedding
On your wedding day, you will sign three marriage certificates. Each certificate must be signed by you, your celebrant and two witnesses. Your celebrant will give you one of the certificates as a record of your marriage and must register your marriage with the register of births, deaths and marriages in the state or territory where the ceremony took place within fourteen days.
The certificate issued by the register of births, deaths and marriages is required for many official purposes. You can obtain a copy via this link (http://www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/family-and-community/births-deaths-and-marriages-registries).
Foreigners
You don't need to be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia to legally marry here. You can find marriage visa information on the Department of Immigration and Border Protectionif you expect to live in Australia after your wedding.
Is marriage abroad valid in Brazil?
Yes, a marriage celebrated by a foreign authority is considered valid in Brazil. However, in order to produce legal effects in the country, it must be registered at a Brazilian Consular Office and then transcribed at the Civil Registry Office of the municipality of your domicile in Brazil or at the Civil Registry Office of the Federal District. The transcription should preferably be made on the first occasion that one of the spouses travels to Brazil or within 180 days of their definitive return to the country. To find out more about the requirements and documents needed, click here.
Can I get married on the beach?
Yes, an official civil marriage celebrant can perform a wedding ceremony almost anywhere in the country, including parks and beaches. The couple just need to check with the local council to see if they need to book the space and pay a fee.
Divorce
The marriage registry office does not deal with divorces. To do so, the couple must go to the registry office "The Family Court of Australia.
In general, couples must divorce in order to get divorced:
- Consider Australia your home and intend to live in Australia indefinitely,
- Be an Australian citizen by birth, descent or by being granted Australian citizenship,
- Live normally in Australia and have done so for 12 consecutive months before filing for divorce,
- Satisfy the Court that both have lived apart for at least 12 months, and there is no reasonable likelihood of resuming married life.
If you have any other questions about studying in Australia, please contact us!
