Nathanael Ditchburn

Nathanael Ditchburn

• you must be at least 18 years old to be married in Australia unless a court has approved a marriage where 1 person is 16-18 years old

Nathanael Ditchburn

Yes, the authorised celebrant can pronounce you husband and wife as that has no legal bearing.

When a marriage is being solemnised by an authorised celebrant, and the couple wants someone else to be centrally involved in the ceremony, the authorised celebrant should ensure that they have the following minimum role:

• consent to be present at the ceremony as the responsible authorised celebrant
• identify themselves to the assembled parties, witnesses and guests as the celebrant authorised to solemnise the marriage
• be responsible for ensuring that the marriage ceremony is carried out according to law
• say the words required by subsection 46(1) of the Marriage Act in the presence of the parties, the formal witnesses and the guests before the marriage is solemnised 
• be in close proximity to the ceremonial group or part of it, see and hear the vows required by subsection 45(2) and ensure that those vows comply with the requirements  of the Marriage Act 
• be available to intervene (and exercise the responsibility to intervene) if events demonstrate the need for it during the ceremony
• receive and sign the papers required by the Marriage Act, including receiving the NOIM, and sighting the supporting documents each party is required to produce and sign the marriage certificates, and

·       register the marriage with the appropriate BDM as required under the Marriage Act

Nathanael Ditchburn

Choose a ceremony location with shade, hire a marquee, or provide some unbrellas, although the latter doesn't look great in photos. Ensure you have some refreshments available i.e water bottles.