Have questions…?

A minimony is a wedding ceremony that is smaller in scale than a traditional wedding. They typically include the couple, a celebrant and a small number of guests. The term “minimony” is a combination of the words “mini” and “matrimony.” Minimonies became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when couples had to postpone their larger weddings due to restrictions. Many couples now choose to celebrate their marriage with an intimate minimony with their dearest loved ones before enjoying a larger post-ceremony celebration with their extended family and friends.

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.

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!

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 minimony 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 minimony.

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.

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.

A completed and signed Notice must be given to 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.

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.

A simple marriage registration can take as little as 5 minutes, but for a minimony, we suggest allowing 20 minutes.

One of the many advantages of saying ‘I do’ with Officially Yours is that we take care of everything you need, including your celebrant. We can guarantee you’ll be delighted with your ceremony no matter which of our celebrants performs it.

Officially Yours partners with exceptional venues and suppliers to provide you with a no-stress, full-service minimony at your choice of one our gorgeous and convenient locations. You can view our beautiful venues here. 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.

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

Capacity limits include everyone in attendance – the couple, witnesses, photographer, videographer, and all guests, including children over the age of two years.

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

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.

Our ceremonies are spaced apart to avoid individual groups from encountering each other, and to allow for a thorough clean of ceremony spaces between ceremonies. Our capacities have also been calculated to ensure safe social distancing and where possible, windows and doors remain open to increase natural ventilation.

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. Any fees for services that have been provided are not refundable.

Yes, definitely! We’d love to assist you in celebrating your renewed commitment to each other. One of our celebrants will work with you to personalise a vow renewal ceremony and you’ll receive a special commemorative certificate too.