Planning a Legals Only wedding in Melbourne? Get answers to all your FAQs and discover how to say “I do” without the fuss.
Planning a wedding doesn’t have to mean guest lists, flowers, and big venues. For some couples, it’s all about the simple joy of getting married, no fuss, no frills, just the legal paperwork and a whole lot of love. That’s exactly what a Legals Only wedding ceremony is all about.
As a Melbourne marriage celebrant, I get loads of questions from couples who are curious about the Legals Only option – how it works, what’s included, and whether it’s right for them. To make things super easy, I’ve put together answers to the most common questions I hear.
How much notice do we need to book a Legals Only wedding in Melbourne?
Australian law requires you to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding date. That means if you contact me today, and I witness you signing the notice of intended marriage via video chat, the earliest we could hold your Legals Only ceremony is one month from now. I’ll guide you through every step to make sure the legal paperwork is completed correctly and lodged with Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria on time.
See more details about what’s involved in a Legals Only Ceremony
Can we add personal vows to a Legals Only ceremony?
Absolutely! While many couples choose a simple “we do” approach for a Legals Only wedding, you’re welcome to exchange short vows or a few meaningful words. Even in a registry-style wedding, you can still make the moment personal. I’ll make sure your ceremony meets all legal marriage requirements in Melbourne while giving you space to add a touch of your own style.
Can we hold our Legals Only ceremony anywhere in Melbourne or the Yarra Valley?
Yes, we can hold your Legals Only wedding almost anywhere in Melbourne, Yarra Valley or surrounding areas. Some gardens or beaches need permits so make sure you apply for one if needed. Many couples choose my home for convenience, while others pick a café, park, or their own backyard. Travel fees may apply for locations outside my local area, but I’m happy to chat about your preferred spot.
Can we still dress up for a Legals Only wedding?
Of course! One of the perks of a Legals Only marriage is that you can make it as casual or as glamorous as you like. Some couples come in jeans, others arrive in full wedding attire. There are no rules as it’s your day, your style.
Can we keep it super casual and laid back?
Totally. We can sit at a table in shorts and a t-shirt and get you married!
Do we need witnesses?
You’ll need two witnesses over the age of 18 for a Legals Only ceremony. If you don’t have anyone available, I can provide witnesses for you if available! This makes it perfect for couples who want a truly private and intimate wedding without having to coordinate extra people.
Will we receive a marriage certificate on the day?
Yes, you’ll receive a commemorative marriage certificate on the day of your wedding. If you’d like the official, government-issued marriage certificate for name changes or legal purposes, I can arrange to order it from Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria for you (an additional fee applies).
It all seems so easy!
Yes it is! There you have it, the ins and outs of a Legals Only wedding ceremony. Simple, straightforward, and stress-free, just the way some couples like it. Whether you’re planning a big celebration later, heading overseas for a destination wedding, or simply want to make it official without the extras, a Legals Only ceremony could be the perfect fit.
If you’d like to chat through your options or book in your Legals Only ceremony with me, I’d love to hear from you.
Together, we’ll make sure all the legal bits are taken care of, so you can enjoy the moment you officially become married.