Getting married comes with a little paperwork, a few decisions and sometimes a question you didn't see coming. I've gathered the official websites and trusted organisations couples ask me about most, from the legal side of saying "I do" to changing your name afterwards. Have a browse, and if something still feels unclear, give me a call... that's what I'm here for!

From Me to You

Ceremony Planning Checklist

Not sure where to start? My free ceremony planning checklist walks you through what needs to happen and when, so nothing important gets missed along the way. Pop in your name and email and it's yours. CLICK to download

Getting Married in Australia: The Legal Side

Attoney-General's Department - Getting Married

The Attorney-General's Department is the official home of marriage law in Australia. Its Getting Married page explains who can marry, what has to happen before your wedding day and what follows afterwards CLICK to access

Notice of Intended Marriage

The Notice of Intended Marriage is the form that makes it all official. It needs to reach your celebrant at least one month and no more than 18 months before your wedding. You can download it from the Attorney-General's website, and I'll sit down with you to make sure every detail is right. CLICK to access

Happily Ever....Before and After

Happily Ever... Before and After is the government brochure every celebrant gives couples once their Notice of Intended Marriage is lodged. It covers the legal obligations and consequences of marriage, plus where to find marriage education and counselling. Translated versions are also available. CLICK to access

After the Wedding: Certificates and Name Certificate

Queensland Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages - Marriage Certificates

The certificate you sign on the day is a lovely keepsake, but it isn't your official one. The Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages issues the official marriage certificate, which is the one you'll need for ID and name changes. CLICK to access

Commemorative Marriage Certificate

If you'd like something special to frame, the Registry also offers commemorative marriage certificates for marriages registered in Queensland. These are decorative only and can't be used as official ID. CLICK to access

Changing Your Last Name After Marriage

Changing your name is completely your choice. If you married in Australia, you don't need to apply to the Registry... you simply contact each organisation with your official marriage certificate. The Queensland Government explains your options, including hyphenating. CLICK to access

Australian Passport Office - Changing Your Name

The Australian Passport Office explains how to update the name in your passport, and which certificates it accepts as proof of your marriage. CLICK to access

Queensland Driver Licence - Changing Your Name

If you hold a Queensland driver licence, Transport and Main Roads needs to know within 14 days of a name change. Updating your name is done in person at a transport service centre. CLICK to access.

Services Australia - Making Your Relationship Offical

Services Australia has a guide for newly married couples on updating your details for Medicare, Centrelink and other services. CLICK to access

Australian Taxation Office - Updating Your Details

The ATO shows you how to update your name through myGov or the ATO app, so your tax records match your new name. CLICK to access

Marrying Overseas or marrying Someone From Overseas

Smartraveller - Getting married Overseas

Dreaming of a wedding abroad? Smartraveller explains what to expect and which documents other countries may ask for. Keep in mind that an Australian celebrant can't legally marry you overseas, and overseas marriages can't be registered here. CLICK to access

Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage

Some countries ask for proof that you're free to marry. Smartraveller explains how to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment and when you might need one. CLICK to access

Department of Home Affairs - Prospective Marriage Visa

If your partner lives overseas, the Prospective Marriage visa (subclass 300) allows them to come to Australia to marry you. Visa rules change often, so I always suggest speaking with a registered migration agent too. CLICK to access

Choosing Your Ceremony Location

A park or beach ceremony usually needs council approval, and each council does things a little differently. Here's where to start for the areas I cover.

Brisbane City Council - Park Bookings

Brisbane City Council has more than 20 parks with bookable spaces for weddings, from riverside spots to city views. CLICK to access

City of Moreton Bay - Wedding Ceremonies

To hold your ceremony on public land in Moreton Bay, you'll need approval from City of Moreton Bay. Designated wedding sites can be booked for up to three hours, and applications are due at least 30 business days before your ceremony. CLICK to access

Sunshine Coast Council - Weddings and Ceremonies

Sunshine Coast Council requires a permit for weddings in parks, on beaches or on other council land. Beach ceremonies need to take place outside the flagged swimming area. CLICK to access.

City of Gold Coast – Park Weddings

Booking a nominated park through the City of Gold Coast means no other ceremonies are booked at the same time as yours. CLICK to access

City of Gold Coast - Beach Wedding Permit

Saying "I do" on the sand? The City of Gold Coast requires a beach wedding permit. Your photographer doesn't need a separate one. CLICK to access.

Logan City Council - Holding an Event in a Park

Logan City Council has several parks and gardens suited to weddings, with no fee to use them. Exclusive use isn't guaranteed, and it's best to allow 21 days for your application. CLICK to access.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service - Permits

Planning a ceremony in a national park or state forest? Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service explains when you'll need an organised event permit. CLICK to access

Preparing fro Marriage Together

Relationships Australia Queensland

Relationships Australia Queensland offers courses and counselling for couples, including support before you marry CLICK to access

Family Relationship Online - Relationship Education

Family Relationships Online is a government service that helps you find pre-marriage courses and relationship education near you. CLICK to access

Naming Ceremonies

Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages - Register a Birth

A naming ceremony is a celebration of your child and your family, but it doesn't replace registering their birth. In Queensland, birth registration is free through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages and needs to be done within 60 days of the birth. CLICK to access.

Support and Safety

My Blue Sky - Forced Marriage Support

Everyone in Australia is free to choose whether to marry, and forcing someone into marriage is a crime. My Blue Sky is Australia's national forced marriage service, offering free, confidential legal advice. Call 02 9514 8115 or text 0481 070 844. CLICK to access

1800RESPECT

1800RESPECT is Australia's national counselling service for anyone affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence. Call 1800 737 732, any time. CLICK to access

Booking with Confidence

Office of Fair Trading Confidence

When you're booking suppliers and paying deposits, it helps to know your rights. The Office of Fair Trading Queensland explains consumer rights, refunds and how to resolve a problem with a business. CLICK to access

Still have a question about the legal side, or anything else about your ceremony?

Disclaimer

The organisations listed in this directory are independent resources. VITA Life and Legacy does not endorse any specific organisation and encourages couples and families to seek professional advice relevant to their personal circumstances. Information was correct at the time of publishing and may change, so please check each website for the latest details.