One Month's Notice Guide for Gold Coast Marriages

Australian marriage law usually requires one calendar month’s notice before the marriage.

That means your NOIM must usually be given to your celebrant at least one calendar month before the date you want to marry.

The simplest way to think about it

If the NOIM is given on:

• 5 May, the earliest ordinary marriage date is 5 June
• 18 August, the earliest ordinary marriage date is 18 September

It is a calendar month, not four weeks.

What does not start the notice period

These things do not start the legal clock:

• sending an enquiry
• paying the fee
• filling out the booking form
• choosing a preferred date

The notice period starts when the NOIM has actually been given to the celebrant.

Can the notice period be shortened?

Sometimes, but only in limited circumstances and only if a prescribed authority approves a shortening of time.

The categories include:

• employment or travel commitments
• wedding or celebration arrangements
• medical reasons
• legal proceedings
• error in giving notice

Best next steps

• Read the NOIM guide
• Get married quickly
• Shortening of time