Getting Married as Non-Citizens
Yes, you can get married in Australia even if you're not a citizen or resident!
No Residency Requirements
Australia has no citizenship or residency requirements for marriage. Whether you're both tourists, one partner is Australian and one is not, or you're both overseas visitors - you can legally marry in Australia.
Who Can Marry in Australia?
Two Australian citizens
The most common scenario
One citizen, one non-citizen
Mixed nationality couples
Two non-citizens
Both on tourist or other visas
Tourists visiting Australia
Here specifically to marry
Working visa holders
Temporary residents
Student visa holders
Studying in Australia
Requirements for Non-Citizens
The requirements are the same as for Australian citizens, with a few additional considerations:
Valid Passport
Your passport is your primary ID. It must be current (or expired within the last 2 years). You'll need to provide this to us before we can marry you.
Birth Certificate
If not in English, you'll need an official NAATI-certified translation.
Proof of Marital Status
If previously married: divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse. These also need official translation if not in English.
Valid Australian Visa
You must be in Australia legally on a valid visa to get married here. Tourist visas, working holiday visas, student visas - any valid visa is fine for marriage purposes. You do not need to provide your visa to us - it's your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate visa to be in Australia.
Documents Not in English
All documents must be in English or accompanied by an official translation from a NAATI-certified translator. This includes birth certificates, divorce decrees, and any other supporting documents. Plan ahead - translations can take time to arrange.
Planning Your Trip to Marry
The One-Month Rule
Your NOIM must be lodged at least one calendar month before your wedding. This means you need to plan ahead:
Option 1: Sign the NOIM in Australia
If you're in Australia, we can witness your NOIM signing. Both parties must be physically present in Australia for a celebrant to witness the NOIM.
Plan a trip of at least 5 weeks to allow for NOIM lodgement and the one-month waiting period, or visit Australia earlier to lodge the NOIM, then return for the ceremony.
Option 2: Sign the NOIM Overseas
If you're signing the NOIM from outside Australia, it must be witnessed by one of the following authorised persons:
- Australian Consular Officer
- Australian Diplomatic Officer
- Notary Public
- Authorised employee of the Commonwealth or Australian Trade Commission
Note: A celebrant cannot witness a NOIM via video call if the parties are outside Australia.
Upload Your Signed NOIM
Once your NOIM has been signed and witnessed (whether in Australia or overseas), you can upload it through our secure online system. This allows you to arrive in Australia ready for your ceremony.
Is the Marriage Recognised Overseas?
Australian marriages are generally recognised worldwide. However, you should:
- Check with your home country's embassy or consulate for specific requirements
- Some countries require the marriage certificate to be apostilled or authenticated
- You may need to register your marriage with your home country's authorities
Important Notes
Marriage doesn't grant visa rights
Getting married in Australia does not automatically give you the right to stay in Australia. Visa applications are separate from marriage.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since December 2017. International same-sex couples are welcome to marry here.
Prospective Marriage Visa
If you're coming to Australia specifically to marry an Australian citizen/resident and then stay, you may need a Prospective Marriage Visa (subclass 300). Check with the Department of Home Affairs.