The One Month Notice Rule
Australian marriage law usually requires at least one calendar month of notice before the marriage can take place.
That notice is given through the Notice of Intended Marriage.
The simple version
If we receive your completed and signed NOIM on:
- 15 March, the earliest usual marriage date is 15 April
- 1 June, the earliest usual marriage date is 1 July
- 31 January, the earliest usual marriage date is the last day of February
What starts the notice period
The notice period starts when the celebrant receives the completed and signed NOIM.
It does not start when:
- you send an enquiry
- you make a booking
- you pay the fee
- you start filling in the form
How early can we send it?
The NOIM can usually be given:
- no earlier than 18 months before the marriage
- no later than one month before the marriage
If one person cannot sign yet
Sometimes one party can sign first and the other can sign later before the marriage, especially where one person is overseas.
That exception is only for real practical reasons, not for secret or surprise ceremonies.
If you need less than one month
Read our page on shortening of time.
Shortenings are limited and are not automatic.
Helpful next pages
Get started online
Book first, pay the fee, then prepare your Notice of Intended Marriage with NOIM Easy. Once we receive your paperwork, we confirm the next available date, time, and place.