Getting the Foundations Right A quick orientation to the Marriage Act 1961 and the legal framework celebrants operate within — what the law requires, and why precision matters.
The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
- When it must be lodged (the one-month rule and exceptions)
- Acceptable identity documents and how to verify them
- Common errors that invalidate a NOIM — and how to avoid them
- Handling overseas documents and divorced or widowed parties
The Declaration of No Legal Impediment
- What it means, when it’s signed, and who witnesses it
- Wording requirements and your obligations as celebrant
The Official Certificate of Marriage
- Completing the form accurately in the ceremony setting
- The role of witnesses — who qualifies and what they sign
- What happens if there’s an error after signing
Lodgement with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
- Using RIO to register marriages
- What “within 14 days” actually means in practice
- Tracking confirmation and what to do if something goes wrong
Record-Keeping for Celebrants
- What you’re legally required to keep and for how long
- Simple systems to stay organised across multiple bookings
Q&A and Paperwork Scenarios
- Work through real-world scenarios as a group
- Bring your questions — this is a safe space to get it right