Can I Get Married Online in Melbourne?

The Short Answer: No.

Australian law requires that marriages must be conducted with both parties physically present at the same place, along with your celebrant and two witnesses. You cannot get legally married in Melbourne (or anywhere in Australia) via video call, online, or by proxy.

What the Law Says

The Marriage Act 1961 requires that:

• Both parties must be physically present at the marriage ceremony
• A Commonwealth-registered celebrant must perform the ceremony in person
• Two witnesses (aged 18 or over) must be physically present
• All parties must sign physical marriage documents
• The ceremony must take place at a physical location in Australia

What You Can Do Online

While you can’t get married online, you can complete many parts of the marriage process digitally:

Before the Ceremony

• Book your marriage service through our website
• Submit your Notice of Intended Marriage documentation
• Make secure payments online
• Have consultation meetings with your celebrant via video call
• Complete pre-marriage paperwork
• Plan your ceremony details

After the Ceremony

• Order your official marriage certificate through BDM Victoria online
• Track your certificate application
• Update your details with various organisations
• Access official documentation

International Couples

If you’re planning to marry in Melbourne but currently overseas:

• You can start the process remotely
• Submit your Notice of Intended Marriage from overseas
• Have documents witnessed at an Australian embassy, consulate, or notary public
• Book your ceremony date
• Plan everything via email or video call
• Arrange accommodation and travel
• Coordinate with local services

However, for the actual marriage ceremony, you must be physically present in Melbourne.

COVID-19 Update

While some COVID-19 restrictions have eased:

• Physical presence is still required for legal marriage
• No exceptions for online ceremonies
• Safe ceremony practices are maintained
• Various ceremony locations available
• Indoor and outdoor options possible

Looking for a Simple Marriage Option?

While online marriage isn’t possible, we offer straightforward, simple marriage services that:

• Take minimal time (usually 10-15 minutes)
• Can be conducted at our Melbourne CBD office
• Are available 7 days by appointment
• Require minimal preparation
• Are easily accessible by public transport
• Can be arranged at short notice (after NOIM period)

Alternative Options

If you can’t be physically present in Melbourne yet:

1. Start the paperwork process online
2. Plan your visit to Melbourne
3. Choose from our flexible ceremony times
4. Combine with other Melbourne activities
5. Use our witness service if needed

Important Reminders

• Any website claiming to offer legal online marriages in Australia is not legitimate
• All legal marriages in Australia must be conducted in person
• Victoria has no provision for proxy marriages
• Video ceremonies are not legally binding
• Both parties must be physically present

Our Services to Make It Easy

We offer:

• Central Melbourne CBD location
• Flexible appointment times
• Quick, simple ceremonies
• All paperwork handled professionally
• Witness service available
• Clear guidance throughout
• Support with documentation
• Easy access to all services

Need More Information?

Contact us to discuss:

• Ceremony options
• Location choices
• Timing possibilities
• Documentation requirements
• Travel arrangements
• Local accommodation
• Transport options

Remember: While many aspects of marriage can be arranged online, the legal ceremony must be conducted in person. We’re here to make this process as simple and convenient as possible at our Melbourne location.