A Simple Guide to Wedding Paperwork
Planning a wedding in Western Australia is exciting, but the legal paperwork? That part can feel overwhelming. As your Authorised Civil Celebrant, I am here to make sure every form, timeline, and legal box is ticked so your ceremony is not just joyful, but legally binding.
This guide walks you through the key legal documents required to get married in WA: the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), the Declaration of No Legal Impediment (DONLIM), and your Certificates of Marriage. We will cover what they are, why they matter, and when to complete them.
What Legal Documents Do You Need to Get Married in WA?
In Australia, getting married legally involves more than just saying "I do." You will need to complete a few essential documents to ensure your marriage is officially recognised under the Marriage Act 1961.
1. Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
What it is:
The NOIM is the first legal form to complete. It must be lodged with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding and is valid for up to 18 months. This form notifies the Australian Government of your intention to marry.
In exceptional circumstances, couples can apply to a prescribed authority for a shortening of time. This may be granted in limited situations, including medical reasons, employment or travel commitments, wedding or religious considerations, legal proceedings, or celebrant error. It is not guaranteed and must be approved before the scheduled wedding date.
What you will need:
Proof of date and place of birth (birth certificate or passport)
Government-issued photo ID (driver’s licence or passport)
Divorce or death certificate if previously married
Why it matters:
Without the NOIM, you legally cannot get married. It ensures your celebrant and the government know your plans and that you are eligible to marry.
2. Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage (DONLIM)
What it is:
This form confirms that there is nothing legally preventing you from marrying, such as already being married, being underage, or being closely related.
When it is signed:
The DONLIM is usually signed at your rehearsal or on the wedding day, just before the ceremony. As your celebrant, I will explain the form and witness you both signing it along with your two legal witnesses.
Why it matters:
The DONLIM confirms you meet the legal requirements to marry in WA. Without it, your marriage would not be valid under law.
3. Certificates of Marriage
What they are:
You will sign three certificates on your wedding day, and each will be signed by five people: you, your partner, your two legal witnesses (who must be over 18), and your celebrant. That means 15 signatures in total to make your marriage official and legally recognised.
The official certificate for the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (WA BDM) – signed by both parties, the celebrant, and two witnesses
The celebrant's copy – also signed by all parties, and retained for legal records
The Form 15 Certificate of Marriage – a keepsake for the couple, signed by both parties, the celebrant, and the witnesses. This will be given to a trusted person after the ceremony, as they have a serial number attached to them and are unable to be replaced after the wedding.
What happens after:
After the ceremony, I will submit your documents to the WA BDM within 14 days. Once processed, you can apply for your Registered Marriage Certificate, which is the official legal certificate needed to change your name or update ID documents.
Why Is All This Paperwork Important?
Each legal form plays a critical role in making sure your marriage is valid:
The NOIM confirms your intention to marry and sets the legal timeline
The DONLIM confirms you are both free to marry
The Marriage Certificates witness the legal act of marriage and register it officially
Without these, your marriage could be legally challenged or not recognised.
What If You Make a Mistake?
Mistakes happen! Here is what we do:
Minor errors: Simply initial the correction, and I will initial it too
Major errors: We will complete a new form and start fresh
You will never be left guessing. I will guide you through every step and will also double check all paperwork with you to ensure names, dates, and details are correct. Sometimes technology or human error can sneak in, especially when forms are copied or transcribed, so we take extra care to get it right.
Wedding Paperwork Timeline at a Glance
NOIM: Lodge with your celebrant at least 1 month before the wedding (up to 18 months early)
DONLIM: Signed at your rehearsal or on the wedding day
Certificates of Marriage: Signed on the day and submitted to WA BDM within 14 days
Final Thoughts
The legal paperwork might sound intimidating, but it does not have to be. With the right celebrant by your side (hi, that is me), the process is smooth, simple, and fully taken care of.
If you are feeling unsure or overwhelmed by wedding paperwork in WA, just reach out. I am here to make your ceremony legally sound, stress free, and 100 percent you.
Sources:
Attorney-General’s Department – Getting Married in Australia
WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages – Legal Marriage Requirements
Call That Celebrant © 2025 Elise is an Authorised Civil Celebrant based in Bunbury, providing relaxed and legally sound wedding ceremonies across Perth, Margaret River, South West WA, and beyond. From your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) to your Registered Marriage Certificate, Elise helps you handle all wedding paperwork in WA with ease and confidence.
Popular searches: Perth wedding celebrant • Bunbury celebrant • WA marriage paperwork • change name after marriage WA • legal marriage certificate WA • celebrant for elopement WA • WA BDM marriage requirements • stress-free wedding planning
