Legals-Only Weddings in WA: Pros, Cons & What’s Involved
Planning a big wedding is not for everyone—and it does not have to be. In Western Australia, a legals-only wedding is a streamlined, no-fuss option that focuses on one thing: making your marriage legal. As a celebrant based in Bunbury, I often work with couples who want to skip the traditions and paperwork headaches and just get it done. Whether you're planning something small and sweet or simply want the legalities sorted before a bigger party later, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is a Legals Only Wedding?
A legals-only wedding is exactly what it sounds like: a simple, legal marriage ceremony with only the minimum legal wording, the required legal forms, and two adult witnesses. It usually takes around 5–10 minutes and can be held anywhere—your backyard, a park, your favourite coffee shop, or even my home office.
What Is Said in a Legals-Only Wedding?
There are two legally required parts of the ceremony:
The Monitum – This is a short paragraph I say as your celebrant, informing you of the nature of marriage in Australia.
“I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to the law in Australia. Before you are joined in marriage, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship you are about to enter into.”
The Legal Vows – Each of you must say this sentence, exactly:
“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse.”
That’s it. Everything else (readings, ring exchange, personalised vows) is optional and can be added later if you wish.
What’s Included in a Legals-Only Ceremony?
When you book a legals-only wedding with an authorised civil celebrant, you can expect the following:
Lodgement of your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
Guidance through all legal paperwork and ID requirements
A short ceremony with legal wording only (Monitum and vows)
Signing of the Official Certificate of Marriage and Form 15 Certificate
Submission of documents to the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM)
Some celebrants offer upgrades like photography, keepsake vows, or post ceremony drinks. But at its core, a legals only wedding is about keeping it simple, fast, and fully legal.
Who Chooses a Legals-Only Wedding?
Legals only ceremonies suit a wide range of couples, including:
Couples planning an overseas wedding who need to be legally married in Australia first
FIFO couples working opposite rosters who just want to make it official
Couples eloping or keeping things super low-key
Those planning a bigger celebration later but want to lock in the legals now
Anyone who wants to skip the drama and focus on what matters
If you still want the big dress, flowers, speeches, and dancing, you can absolutely do that later. But this way, the legal side is done and dusted.
Do You Still Need to Lodge a NOIM?
Yes! Even for a simple legals-only ceremony, the Notice of Intended Marriage must be completed and lodged with your celebrant at least one month before the wedding date. It is valid for up to 18 months.
You’ll also need:
Government-issued ID (passport or birth certificate + driver’s licence)
Divorce certificate or death certificate if previously married
Two witnesses aged 18 or older
To be legally free to marry and give real consent
I will check all documents in advance to make sure everything is in order, and I’ll flag anything that might cause delays.
What Does a Legals-Only Wedding Cost?
Most celebrants in WA charge between $400 and $650 for a legals-only ceremony, depending on location and inclusions.
Pros and Cons of a Legals-Only Wedding
Pros:
Fast, affordable, and stress free
Private or intimate, just the two of you and two witnesses
No pressure to perform, plan, or entertain
Can be held anywhere, any day of the week
Cons:
No personalised vows or storytelling (unless added separately)
Limited guests (if any)
No styling, music, or traditional structure unless arranged separately
Not all friends or family may understand your choice
Can You Still Have a Celebration Later?
Absolutely. Many couples do a legals-only ceremony now and save the big party for later. You can even have a symbolic “vow renewal” or second ceremony with all your loved ones once the timing is right. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
A legals-only wedding in WA is perfect for couples who just want the legal side of marriage sorted. It is simple, fast, and absolutely valid—no fluff, no fuss. As your celebrant, I will make sure every step is handled with care so that your big moment still feels meaningful (and compliant with the Marriage Act 1961).
💌 Let’s chat about your legals-only ceremony
Call That Celebrant © 2025 Elise is an Authorised Civil Celebrant based in Bunbury, delivering relaxed, modern, and legally sound ceremonies across Perth, South West WA, and beyond. Whether you’re planning a full celebration or just the paperwork, I’ll guide you through everything from the NOIM to applying for your WA Registered Marriage Certificate.
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