Paperwork-only
Paperwork-Only Marriage
$780fixed price
The legal marriage and nothing you do not need, at one clear fixed price.
Registry vs Melbourne Marriage Office
If you are comparing the Victorian Marriage Registry with the Melbourne Marriage Office, the big difference is simple:
- the registry is a government service
- Melbourne Marriage Office is a private company operated by authorised civil marriage celebrant Josh Withers
Both options can result in a valid legal marriage. The better choice depends on whether you want a government booking or a private service with more hands-on help.
What we are
The Melbourne Marriage Office is:
- a private company, not a government agency
- operated by Josh Withers, an authorised civil marriage celebrant
- registry-style in tone only
- focused on affordable legal marriages, from a $780 paperwork-only marriage to a $1,800 elopement ceremony or a $2,200 wedding ceremony
We are not Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, the Victorian Marriage Registry, a court, or a courthouse.
Quick comparison
| Topic | Victorian Marriage Registry | Melbourne Marriage Office |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Government service | Private company operated by Josh Withers |
| Booking style | Registry booking system | Direct private booking |
| Main focus | Government registry ceremonies | Simple paperwork-only marriages |
| Help with the process | More self-managed | More hands-on and plain-English help |
| Witness help | You usually arrange your own | Witness help available |
| Location style | Registry venue | Melbourne CBD or another simple agreed place |
| Price | Check the BDM site for current pricing | $780 fixed; see pricing |
When the registry may suit you
The registry may suit you if you:
- want the government option
- are comfortable managing the process yourself
- prefer the registry venue and structure
You can see the current Victorian Marriage Registry details on the BDM Victoria website.
When we may suit you
We may suit you if you:
- want a private celebrant, not the government
- want help understanding the paperwork
- want a simple legal marriage without a full wedding
- want witness help if needed
- want to choose your own location, from a garden to a restaurant
- want a clearer, more personal process
Important point about price
If your only goal is to find the lowest advertised government option, compare our pricing with the current BDM pricing and decide what matters most to you.
Our service is about being private, straightforward, and helpful. If you already know this is the right fit, use the booking form; you do not need to send an enquiry first.
What the legal requirements have in common
No matter which option you choose, the law is the same. You still need:
- a NOIM received at least one month before the marriage unless a shortening of time is approved
- proof of date and place of birth
- photo ID
- two witnesses aged 18 or over
- the legal words and signatures on the day
Helpful next steps
Get married with us
Three fixed-price ways to get married in Melbourne
Every package is a legal marriage conducted by authorised celebrant Josh Withers.
Elopement
Elopement Ceremony
$1,800fixed price
A short, personal ceremony for the two of you and a handful of people, at a Melbourne spot that means something.
Wedding
Wedding Ceremony Package
$2,200fixed price
A complete, custom wedding ceremony your guests will actually enjoy, at one clear fixed price.
Not sure which fits? Compare all three side by side or ask a quick question.
Ready to get married in Melbourne?
Book the $780 paperwork-only marriage online now, or send your date for the $1,800 elopement ceremony or $2,200 wedding ceremony. Need to prepare your NOIM first? Start with NOIM Easy.