Everything You Need to Know About the NOIM
Planning a wedding is fun, but handling legal documents? Not so much. If you are getting married in Western Australia, one of the most important legal steps is completing your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM). This legal form notifies the government of your intention to marry and must be submitted at least one month before your wedding date. With the right celebrant and guidance, the NOIM process can be smooth, accurate, and stress-free.
What Is the NOIM and Why Is It So Important?
The NOIM is the very first legal form you need to complete to get married in Australia. It:
Informs the Australian Government of your intention to marry
Verifies that both partners meet the legal requirements under the Marriage Act 1961
Gives your celebrant the details needed to prepare the legal documents for your wedding
The NOIM is valid for up to 18 months, so you can lodge it well ahead of your date if you are planning in advance.
How to Complete the NOIM
Filling out the NOIM is easier than it sounds. Here is what you will need:
Proof of identity and birth: Either a birth certificate or passport
Government-issued photo ID: Such as a driver’s licence or valid passport
Proof of previous marriage ending (if applicable): Divorce certificate or death certificate
Only one party is required to sign initially, so if your partner is overseas or unavailable at first, they can complete their part later – as long as the full NOIM is submitted one month before the ceremony.
You will need to sign the NOIM in front of an authorised witness. This could be:
Your celebrant
A Justice of the Peace (JP)
A police officer
A lawyer
A medical doctor
Can the One Month Waiting Period Be Shortened?
In rare and exceptional cases, you can apply for a Shortening of Time. A Prescribed Authority (usually at a Magistrates Court) may grant this request under five specific legal circumstances:
Employment-related or travel commitments
Wedding or religious considerations
Medical reasons
Legal proceedings
Celebrant Error.
Applications must include supporting documentation and are assessed case by case. Your celebrant can help guide you if this applies.
Lodging the NOIM
The NOIM must be lodged with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding day. I recommend completing it early so we can tick it off the list and get on with the fun parts!
If you have used a JP or another authorised witness to sign, be sure to send me the completed form right away so I can confirm your legal timeframe is met.
Common NOIM Questions
What if we make a mistake?
You can either neatly correct it and both initial the error, or we can reprint a fresh form. Easy.
Do we need an interpreter?
Yes, if either of you does not speak English fluently, a registered interpreter is required.
What if we cannot find our documents?
You must provide valid proof of ID and birth to legally marry in Australia. If you are missing documents, apply for replacements as soon as possible through the relevant state or federal government department.
All legal paperwork, including ID and supporting documents, must be submitted to your celebrant at least 24–48 hours before the ceremony. If these remain documents are still missing, your ceremony cannot legally proceed, and under my Terms and Conditions, a rescheduled ceremony may incur an additional fee.
Can I fill out the NOIM digitally?
Yes. You can complete the NOIM digitally, but it must be printed and signed in front of an authorised witness over a video call. You must show your ID on camera, then scan and email both the signed NOIM and copies of your identification to your celebrant.
Final Thoughts
The NOIM might feel like just another bit of paperwork, but it is a vital part of making your marriage legal in Australia. With the right support, it becomes a simple and stress-free step on the way to your big day. I am here to make sure it is all done right, on time, and with no last-minute surprises.
Sources and Legal Confirmation
Call That Celebrant © 2025 Elise is an Authorised Civil Celebrant based in Bunbury, providing relaxed, modern, and legally sound wedding ceremonies across Perth, Margaret River, Busselton, and South West WA. She specialises in wedding ceremony legal paperwork, helping couples complete and submit their Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), understand the Declaration of No Legal Impediment (DONLIM), and register their marriage through the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. This blog is written to the best of Elise's ability based on the current Marriage Act 1961. If you have any questions or are unsure, always check with your local BDM office or get in touch with Elise for guidance.
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