Legal Marriage Requirements on the Gold Coast

If you want to get married on the Gold Coast, the legal rules come from the Marriage Act 1961 and apply across Australia.

Quick answer

To marry legally, you generally must:

• be free to marry
• be at least 18, unless a rare court-approved case applies
• understand the nature of marriage and consent freely
• give a Notice of Intended Marriage at least one calendar month before the marriage
• provide evidence of your date and place of birth and your identity
• show proof that any earlier marriage has ended, if relevant
• have two witnesses aged 18 or over present
• be physically present with the celebrant and both witnesses

The key legal points

You must be free to marry

That means:

• neither of you can already be married
• you cannot be marrying a prohibited relative
• both of you must be entering the marriage voluntarily

You must give notice

In ordinary cases, the NOIM must be given:

• at least one calendar month before the marriage
• no more than 18 months before the marriage

You must provide the right documents

Most couples need:

• a birth certificate or passport to show date and place of birth
• a driver licence or passport for identity
• divorce or death documents if a previous marriage has ended
• official translations if documents are not in English

You need two adult witnesses

Australian law requires two witnesses who are, or appear to be, over 18 years old.

Everyone must be there in person

The marriage cannot happen online.

Both parties, the celebrant, and both witnesses must all be physically present for the marriage itself.

The celebrant must meet each of you in person before the marriage

Before the marriage is solemnised, the celebrant must meet separately and in person with each party.

Best next steps

• Read the NOIM guide
• Read the ID guide
• Who can get married?