Signed, Sealed, Delivered- I’m yours
Feeling overwhelmed with your wedding paperwork? I’ve got you.
When we think about getting married, it’s easy to get lost in a world of beautiful floral design, stunning jewellery and let’s face it- wedding dress shopping!
But one of the first things to check off your To-Do list is your paperwork, because without doing that- you can’t legally get hitched!
So sit back with a cuppa and let’s chat all things legal..
The first thing you should know is that I meet with all my couples, either in person, or over Zoom, so that we can get to know each other and make sure that we are the right fit for each other.
It’s at this meeting where we discuss the first legal document to be completed- The Notice of Intended Marriage, AKA, The NOIM.
This document must be completed and witnessed by me no more than 18 months before your wedding, but at the very latest, it must be done 1 month before your wedding date.
Without this document, we cannot get you hitched!
In exceptional circumstances, there may be allowances made, however these have to go to court, so it is recommended that we do our best to get the NOIM completed in the required time frame.
As part of completing the NOIM, we check your eligibility to marry. If you are divorced we will need proof of your divorce. I will also need to sight proof of birth, and also a photo ID with your legal name on it, so I always recommend that my couples use their passports, as it ticks all the boxes!
There may be circumstances where other documents are required, but I will go through all of this with you when we meet.
Our second document will be completed as close to the ceremony as possible.
This one is called The Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marry AKA The DONLIM.
Remember in almost every movie wedding, when the officiant always says “Does anyone know of any lawful impediment…” and usually someone bursts in and yells “STOP THE WEDDING!”? Sweating at the thought? No need to panic, this doesn’t happen at civil ceremonies here in Australia! Instead, you complete the DONLIM.
We will usually complete this at the rehearsal, or on the day of the wedding, prior to the ceremony. It only takes a few minutes.
So I’ve pronounced you partners in marriage and it’s time to sign the marriage certificates!
FUN FACT: There are actually 3 certificates to put your pawprint on at the signing table.
We sign those, along with your witnesses and that’s it- you’re married!
I present you with your Marriage certificate, and cue the confetti!
Something IMPORTANT to know if either you or your partner are wanting to change your name- about a month after your wedding, you’ll need to pop to your local courthouse with your certificate and they will issue you with a legal marriage certificate. It usually takes the department of Births, Deaths and Marriages that time frame to process the paperwork.
And THAT’s IT! Simple really, because I will guide you through it and make sure that everything is completed correctly, so you have peace of mind.
Are you ready to lodge your NOIM? Hit me up, lovers!
Bottom Photo Credit- Ayzia Jade Photography
