Marriage Act 1961
The Marriage Act 1961 and Marriage Regulations 2017 set the legal rules for marriage in Australia. Here is the short version that matters to couples.
The legal rules for marriage in Australia sit mainly in the Marriage Act 1961 and the Marriage Regulations 2017.
This page is a practical summary only. For the full current law, use the official legislation:
The short version for couples
To get married in Australia, you generally must:
- not already be married
- not be marrying a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, or sister
- be at least 18, unless a court has approved a very limited exception
- understand what marriage means and freely agree to it
- give a NOIM at least one month and no more than 18 months before the marriage
- be married by an authorised celebrant
- say the required legal words during the ceremony
- have two adult witnesses
Important current points
According to current Attorney-General guidance:
- remote NOIM witnessing has been available since 12 June 2024 in some situations
- an authorised celebrant must meet separately and in person with each party before the marriage
- the celebrant, both parties, and both witnesses must all be physically present for the marriage itself
Our approach
We keep our service aligned with the current law, but we explain it in plain English and keep the process simple.
If you are ready to move ahead, use Get Married.