Getting Married in Melbourne as an Overseas Visitor

You Can Get Married in Melbourne If You Are:

  • A tourist/visitor
  • Student visa holder
  • Working visa holder
  • Any other visa type
  • Not an Australian resident
  • Not an Australian citizen

No residency or citizenship requirements apply for getting married in Melbourne or anywhere in Australia.

Essential Documentation:

  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate (with NAATI-certified English translation if needed)
  • Single status certificate or equivalent
  • Any divorce/death certificates if previously married
  • Notice of Intended Marriage (lodged at least one month before)
  • Photo identification

Notice Period:

  • Must lodge Notice of Intended Marriage 1-18 months before
  • Cannot marry within one month of lodging
  • Plan your travel and Melbourne stay accordingly
  • Notice can be lodged from overseas
  • Consider Melbourne’s events calendar when planning

Lodging from Overseas

Your Notice of Intended Marriage must be signed in front of:

  • An Australian Diplomatic Officer
  • An Australian Consular Officer
  • A notary public in your country
  • Other authorised persons as per Marriage Act
  • Certain authorised overseas officials

Translation Requirements

For non-English documents you need:

  • NAATI-certified translations
  • Original documents plus translations
  • Both documents must be provided
  • Allow time for translation process
  • Melbourne has many NAATI translators available

Visa Considerations

Important Notes:

  • Getting married doesn’t automatically grant visa rights
  • Consult immigration authorities separately
  • Marriage doesn’t guarantee residency
  • Standard visa conditions still apply
  • Separate process for partner visas
  • Consider consulting a Melbourne migration agent

Planning Your Marriage

Timeline Considerations:

  1. Lodge Notice of Intended Marriage (1-18 months before)
  2. Arrange necessary translations
  3. Book marriage service at our Melbourne CBD office
  4. Plan travel around notice period
  5. Arrange accommodation in Melbourne
  6. Arrange witnesses (or book our witness service)
  7. Consider Melbourne weather for ceremony timing

Witness Requirements:

  • Two witnesses needed
  • Must be 18 or over
  • Can be provided by our office ($130)
  • Can be any nationality
  • Must understand English
  • Must be physically present in Melbourne

After the Marriage

You’ll receive:

  • Commemorative marriage certificate on the day
  • Option to order official certificate from BDM Victoria
  • Legal marriage recognition worldwide
  • Documentation suitable for overseas authorities
  • Support with local documentation needs

Special Services Available

  • NAATI-certified interpreter services
  • Professional witness provision
  • Document translation guidance
  • Flexible timing seven days
  • Various Melbourne location options
  • CBD office easily accessible

Melbourne Advantages

  • Central CBD location
  • Excellent public transport
  • International airport access
  • Many accommodation options
  • Multiple ceremony venues
  • Multicultural services available
  • Easy access to supporting services

Common Questions

Q: Can we arrange everything from overseas?

A: Yes, most arrangements can be made remotely before arriving in Melbourne.

Q: Do we need to be in Australia for the one-month notice period?

A: No, only for the ceremony itself.

Q: Can we use our marriage certificate overseas?

A: Yes, Australian marriage certificates are internationally recognised.

Q: How long do we need to stay in Melbourne?

A: Just long enough for your appointment, though many couples combine it with a holiday.

Need Help?

We can assist with:

  • Remote planning
  • Documentation requirements
  • Translation services
  • Timing coordination
  • Melbourne location advice
  • Accommodation suggestions
  • Transport information
  • General guidance

Important Tips

  • Start planning early
  • Ensure documents are NAATI translated
  • Check visa requirements separately
  • Consider Melbourne weather and events
  • Keep all original documents
  • Plan accommodation in advance
  • Consider public transport options
  • Allow time for document processing

Information current as of January 2024. Requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and country of origin.

Useful Contacts

  • Department of Home Affairs (Melbourne office)
  • NAATI Victoria
  • Your country’s consulate in Melbourne
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
  • City of Melbourne

Local Support Services

  • Migration agents
  • NAATI translators
  • Legal services
  • Accommodation providers
  • Transport information
  • Tourist information

We’re here to help make your Melbourne marriage simple and stress-free, regardless of where you’re from. Our central Melbourne location makes the process convenient and accessible for international visitors.

Get married at the Melbourne Marriage Office

Quick, easy and affordable simple marriage ceremonies in the heart of Melbourne

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