Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) for Gold Coast Couples
How the NOIM works, when to lodge it, how it can be witnessed, and how NOIM Easy helps.
The Notice of Intended Marriage, or NOIM, is the form that starts the legal marriage process in Australia.
If you want to get married on the Gold Coast, this form usually needs to be given to your celebrant at least one calendar month before the marriage date.
If you want an easier way to prepare it, use NOIM Easy. It walks you through the form step by step, creates a completed PDF, and can email a copy to your celebrant if you want.
What the NOIM does
The NOIM:
- gives formal notice that you intend to marry
- starts the legal waiting period
- records your details for the marriage paperwork
- tells the celebrant what supporting documents need to be checked
It can be given up to 18 months before the marriage date.
What goes with the NOIM
Your celebrant will usually need:
- evidence of your date and place of birth
- identity documents
- proof that any previous marriage has ended
- official translations if documents are not in English
Who can witness it
The NOIM must be witnessed by an authorised witness.
That can include:
- a marriage celebrant
- a justice of the peace
- a barrister or solicitor
- a legally qualified medical practitioner
- a member of the Australian Federal Police or state or territory police
If you are overseas, it can also include certain overseas authorised witnesses such as an Australian diplomatic or consular officer or a notary public.
Can the NOIM be witnessed remotely?
Yes. Since 12 June 2024, the NOIM can be witnessed in person or remotely using audio and visual communication.
The rules depend on where you are:
- if the couple is in Australia, the remote witness must also be in Australia
- if the couple is outside Australia, the remote witness must also be outside Australia and cannot be a celebrant
The marriage itself still cannot happen remotely.
Common mistakes
The most common problems are:
- names not matching the documents
- missing earlier marriage details
- leaving the NOIM too late
- assuming a booking is the same thing as giving notice
Best next steps
Book first, then prepare your NOIM
Use NOIM Easy to work through the Notice of Intended Marriage step by step, then send the witnessed form to us so we can confirm a date, time, and place once the paperwork is in and we know availability.