| Question |
Answer |
Comment |
| Is it possible for us to be married in Sydney when we arrive from overseas? (please refer to section Legal Requirements)? |
YES |
Provided you have filled out all the necessary documentation within the specified time, and have all your legal paperwork. |
| When we arrive in Australia can we be married anywhere we like? |
YES |
There are no restrictions on where you are married but some venues such as parks, etc. need to be booked and paid for in advance. |
| Can we be married at any time of the day or night? |
YES |
Some couples like to watch the sunset, some like to watch the sunrise - any time is legal time in Australia. |
| Are we able to wear any type of clothing for our wedding? |
YES |
Provided appropriate there are no specific requirements. |
| Can you write the entire wedding ceremony for us? |
YES |
I am an experienced writer and editor. |
| Can we write our own ceremony? |
YES |
However, there are some legal requirements to your wedding ceremony which must be included to ensure the marriage is legal in Australia. |
| Can we be married if we are under 18 years of age? |
YES |
Permission must be granted by a Judge - however, this is rarely given. |
| Will our wedding in Sydney be recognized world-wide? |
YES |
|
| Does a bride have to take her groom's surname? |
NO |
|
| How many witnesses do we have to have at our wedding ceremony? |
TWO |
Both must be over the age of 18 years. |
| Can our witness be related to us, i.e. mother, father, etc.? |
YES |
Any person, related or not, over the age of 18 years is acceptable as a witness. |
| Can I marry a person of the same sex? |
NO |
This is not lawful in Australia. |
| After we are married can we hyphenate our two surnames? |
YES |
|
| Does a bride have to be "given away"? |
NO |
|
| Can I be given away by a person who is not a family member? |
YES |
This can be anyone you choose, your family, your child or children, a friend. |
| Is it necessary for us to both have a wedding ring? |
NO |
Rings are not a legal requirement. |
| If our papers are in a foreign language, do we need to have them translated in English? |
YES |
|
| Is it necessary to bring our Birth Certificates, Divorce papers, death certificates with us on the wedding day to show you again? |
NO |
Once the Notice of Intended Marriage form is completed and I have sighted all required legal paperwork, I do not need to view these again. |
| Are you able to give us any assistance or advice on choices of venues, locations, photographers, wedding cars, stationery suppliers, florists, etc.? |
YES |
I am happy to assist wherever I can. |
