Have Questions?
We’re here to help! Check out our FAQs below or send us an enquiry and we’ll fill you in!
What is a micro wedding?
A micro wedding is smaller in scale than a traditional wedding. They typically include the couple, a celebrant and a small number of guests. They became popular during the COVID pandemic when couples had to postpone their larger weddings due to restrictions. Many couples now choose to celebrate their marriage with an intimate micro wedding before enjoying a larger post-ceremony celebration with their extended family and friends.
What is a marriage registration?
A marriage registration is the process of legally registering a marriage with the relevant government authority (i.e. the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages). For a marriage to be registered, the couple, two witnesses and a celebrant must meet in person, say the minimum legal words (i.e. the monitum and vows) and then sign the marriage certificates. The marriage celebrant then submits the completed marriage documents to the relevant state or territory authority. Once the marriage is registered, a marriage certificate is issued to the couple, which serves as proof of the marriage and can be used for legal purposes such as changing names or applying for visas.
When will our marriage be registered?
In Australia, a marriage must be registered with the relevant state or territory government authority (i.e. the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages) within 14 days from the date it is solemnised. However, at Officially Yours, we are committed to registering your marriage on the same day it occurs; ensuring you receive your registered marriage certificate without delay!
How is Officially Yours different to a registry marriage?
For many years, couples wanting an affordable, stress-free option for their marriage have had their marriage performed by a marriage officer at the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. Registry marriages are restricted to specific days and locations and are usually brief and impersonal. An Officially Yours micro wedding or marriage registration holds the same legal status as a registry marriage, with the convenience of choosing a day and location that is convenient for you for your marriage registration; and the option of adding personal touches to your micro wedding.
Who can witness our signatures on the Notice of Intended Marriage?
If you are signing the Notice in Australia, an authorised celebrant, a JP, a barrister or solicitor, a medical practitioner, or a member of the Australian Federal Police or the police force of a State or Territory. If you are signing the Notice outside Australia, an Australian Consular Official, an Australian Diplomatic Officer, a notary public, or certain other employees of the Commonwealth.
What if one of us is unable to access an authorised witness?
Most, if not all, people within Australia should have access to an authorised witnesses – even in remote locations, there is typically access to a police officer or medical practitioner; and most people overseas will be able to visit an Australian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate to have their Notice witnessed. However, under exceptional circumstances, if a person is unable to have their signature witnessed by an authorised person at the time it is lodged, it may be lodged with only one signature, provided the other person signs it in the presence of the authorised celebrant before the marriage takes place.
When should a Notice of Intended Marriage be lodged?
A completed and signed Notice must be given with an authorised celebrant at least one calendar month, and not more than 18 months, before your proposed date of marriage. Under exceptional circumstances, you may be eligible for a ‘shortening of time’, where a prescribed authority authorises your marriage to be solemnised despite not giving the minimum notice. If you think you may be eligible for a shortening of time, our team can assist you with the process.
How do we lodge our Notice of Intended Marriage?
Your Notice can be lodged with ease from anywhere in the world, any day of the year, and at any time of day. Simply scan each page or take clear photos and email them to sayido@officiallyyours.com.au.
How long does the marriage take?
A simple marriage registration can take as little as 5 minutes, but for a micro wedding, we suggest allowing 20 minutes.
Can we choose our own celebrant?
One of the many advantages of saying ‘I do’ with Officially Yours is that we take care of everything you need, including your celebrant, and we guarantee you’ll be delighted!
Where can we get married in Australia?
Officially Yours partners with exceptional venues and suppliers to provide you with a no-stress, full-service micro wedding at our gorgeous and convenient locations. Or skip the ceremony and simply complete the paperwork, at a location of your choice, whether that be your home, a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, in a park, at the beach, or anywhere else you’d like to meet.
What’s included in photography?
Ceremony photography including arriving in the car, the entire ceremony including the signing and then leaving the ceremony. A full colour and full black and white set of images will be supplied; these are high resolution images and there are no watermarks and no restrictions on what you do with them. After the ceremony, we also do family and guest shots at the courthouse.
What’s included in videography?
The video is inside the courthouse, commencing when the bridal party make their entrance. It’s a two-angle approach with professional audio – an angle from the back, showing all the important action, and an angle from the front, showing your cherished guests and the great big smiles on their faces.
What is a formal photo session?
A formal photo session is when we visit the harbour after your ceremony and capture beautiful portraits of the you and your bridal party, these are the photos you will likely display on your wall at home.
When will I receive my photos/video?
Edited photos and video will be delivered within two weeks of your ceremony; they are supplied via digital download through Google Drive.
What happens in the event of inclement weather?
Rest assured that your ceremony will go ahead rain, hail or shine, but in terms of photography, in the event of inclement weather and depending on timing we may possibly visit the Botanic Gardens or another sheltered area with undercover locations. We also love creative shots in the rain with clear umbrellas (supplied by us at no extra cost).
Are your venues and ceremony spaces accessible?
We ensure that all our venues and ceremony spaces are accessible by wheelchair and mobility aids. If there are any detailed access requirements that our team should be aware of ahead of the day, please contact us on sayido@officiallyyours.com.au
Does the venue capacity include children?
Capacity limits include everyone in attendance – the couple, witnesses, and all guests, including children over the age of two years.
Do we need to be Australian citizens or permanent residents to marry in Australia?
No, you do not need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to marry in Australia. However, you may like to check with the authorities in your home country to ensure your Australian marriage will be recognised as valid.
Can you assist with a prospective spousal visa?
Sure! Our team have assisted many couples just like you and fully understand the requirements. Simply lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage and we will organise the confirmation letter that you need for your visa application.
Do you have a refund policy?
Should you change your mind and choose to cancel your ceremony, we will be sad to see you go, but we will accommodate your request and process a refund where applicable. Our refund policy will be shared with you as part of the booking process. Any fees for services that have been provided are not refundable.
Can we book a micro wedding for a vow renewal ceremony?
What’s included in photography?
Warm and Genuine.
From the moment we met David, we knew we were in safe hands. What appealed to us most was his warm nature and genuine passion. He was attentive to all our requests and ensured we were informed every step of the way.”
– Kat & Mel
Warm and Genuine.
From the moment we met David, we knew we were in safe hands. What appealed to us most was his warm nature and genuine passion. He was attentive to all our requests and ensured we were informed every step of the way.”
– Kat & Mel