Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

What is a Notice of Intended Marriage?

The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) is a crucial legal document required under Australian law for all couples intending to marry. This form must be completed and lodged with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding date. You can submit your NOIM up to 18 months in advance of your planned ceremony.

Key Information

  • The NOIM must be lodged with your celebrant at least one month before your marriage.
  • It is valid for 18 months from the date of lodgement.
  • The form must be completed accurately with no errors.
  • You can fill out the form electronically/digitally or by hand (using BLOCK LETTERS).
  • The form must be signed in the presence of a qualified witness.
  • You will need to provide original documentation to support the details on the form.

When to Lodge Your NOIM

The one-month notice period begins on the day your celebrant receives your completed and signed NOIM. Here are some examples:

  • If you lodge your NOIM on 1 January, the earliest date you can marry is 1 February.
  • If your wedding is planned for 15 March, you must lodge your NOIM by 14 February at the latest.
  • For weddings on 29 February in a leap year, the NOIM must be lodged by 31 January.

Note: In exceptional circumstances, you can apply to a prescribed authority to shorten the one-month notice period. Additional fees and documentation may be required.

How to Complete Your NOIM

Personal Details Required

To complete your NOIM, you’ll need to provide:

  • Full legal names (as shown on your birth certificate or passport).
  • Current residential address.
  • Date and place of birth.
  • Conjugal status (e.g., never married, divorced, or widowed).
  • Parent details, including their birth names.
  • Optional: Gender identity (choose to identify as female, male, or non-binary).

Supporting Documentation Needed

To support your NOIM, you must provide the following:

1. Proof of Date and Place of Birth

You must supply one of the following:

  • Your birth certificate (original or certified copy), OR
  • A current passport.

2. Proof of Identity

You must provide one of the following:

  • Current driver licence.
  • Proof of age card.
  • Passport.
  • Other official photo identification.

3. If Previously Married

If you were previously married, you must provide evidence of how the marriage ended:

  • A divorce certificate, OR
  • A death certificate for your former spouse.

Important Notes About Names

  • Your names on the NOIM must match exactly with your birth certificate or passport.
  • If your name has changed, you must provide evidence of the name change, such as:
    • A change of name certificate issued by Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
    • A marriage certificate (if the name was changed during a previous marriage).
    • A deed poll (if the name was changed before official change of name certificates were issued).

Witnesses to Signatures

When signing your NOIM, you must have it witnessed by an authorised person:

If Signing in Australia

Acceptable witnesses include:

  • An authorised celebrant.
  • A justice of the peace.
  • A barrister or solicitor.
  • A legally qualified medical practitioner.
  • A police officer (Australian Federal Police or state/territory police).

If Signing Overseas

If you are overseas, your signature must be witnessed by:

  • An Australian Consular Officer.
  • An Australian Diplomatic Officer.
  • A notary public.
  • An employee of the Australian Trade Commission.

Overseas Documentation

If any of your documents are not in English:

  • They must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator.
  • You must provide both the original documents and the certified translations.

Common Questions

Q: Can the NOIM be submitted electronically?

A: Yes. You can email a scanned copy of the NOIM to your celebrant, but they must sight the original documents before the marriage takes place.

Q: What if we can’t get all documents in time?

A: Speak with your celebrant. In some cases, you may need to provide a statutory declaration explaining why certain documents are unavailable.

Q: Can the one-month notice period be shortened?

A: Yes, but only in exceptional circumstances. You will need to apply to a prescribed authority and provide valid reasons, such as:

  • Employment-related travel commitments.
  • Medical emergencies.
  • Legal proceedings.
  • Errors in providing notice.

Need Help?

We’re here to help you complete your NOIM correctly. Our services include:

  • Guidance on documentation requirements.
  • Advice on using the correct names.
  • Assistance with statutory declarations.
  • Help with translation requirements.
  • Support for shortening of time applications.

Remember: Providing false information on a NOIM is a criminal offence. All information must be accurate and true.

Download NOIM

Download and complete the Notice of Intended Marriage form to the most accurate detail possible.

Download