Your Notice of Intended Marriage Explained
The Notice of Intended Marriage, or the “NOIM”, is the form that is lodged with your celebrant, with your intention to get married. It records your details, confirms who you are, and must be lodged no later than one month, and no earlier than 18 months, before your wedding date. Most of my couples complete theirs at our ceremony planning meeting, about 3-4 months before the big day. During this meeting, the NOIM is signed by you and your partner, and then witnessed by me, as your celebrant.
To complete the NOIM, there are two forms of identification I need to see:
Evidence of your date and place of birth, such as your birth certificate, or passport.
Evidence of your identity, such as your driver licence or passport.
If you have been married before, proof that your previous marriage has ended, such as a divorce order. If your previous partner has passed away, a copy of the death certificate.
What if my couple wants to get married in two weeks?
This is where the process called a ‘Shortening of Time’ comes in, and is applied for with Births, Deaths and Marriages through a prescribed authority. This is decided case by case, and approval isn’t guaranteed.
There are only five circumstances where a shortening of time can be considered by a prescribed authority:
Employment or travel commitments. For example, an upcoming work transfer or overseas travel that can’t be changed. Evidence might include a letter from your employer or your booking confirmations.
Wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious considerations. For example, significant non-refundable bookings, or a religious reason for a particular date. Receipts or contracts help here.
Medical reasons. For example, a serious illness that means the wedding needs to happen sooner. A medical certificate or letter from a doctor will be needed.
Legal proceedings. For example, a court matter affecting one of you. Supporting court documents are required.
An error in giving notice. For example, if notice wasn’t given correctly and there isn’t enough time left to fix it.
If your situation doesn’t fit one of these five, a shortening of time can’t be granted. That’s why I always recommend getting your NOIM in early, so you’re never relying on one.
The NOIM, and legal paperwork in general, might not be the most romantic part of getting married, but it is the foundation for everything else.