During your Ceremony
Legal Wording
Your wedding ceremony can be as unique and individual as you are, however there are certain legal requirements to marry in Australia which must be met before, during and after your ceremony.
During your ceremony I must introduce myself and make it known I am the authorised Celebrant.
I must use your full names at least once during the ceremony
I must state the words from Section 46 of the Marriage Act 1961 referred to as The Monitum:
"I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to law in Australia is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life."
You must state the words from section 45 of the Marriage Act 1961 as your marriage vows:
"I call upon the persons here present to witness that I (Bride or Groom) take you (Bride or Groom) to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband)."
Your witnesses and I must be in close proximity and be able to hear you as you exchange vows as it is the exchange of vows that constitutes your marriage.
After these legally binding words, you can write your own vows and incorporate them into the ceremony.
Witnesses
You also must have two witnesses over the age of 18 and preferably known to you.
Interpreters
If either the bride, groom or witnesses do not speak English or are not fluent enough to understand everything an interpreter must be used. This may be a family friend or relative. A Statutory Declaration must be completed by the interpreter before the ceremony and a Certificate of Faithful Performance signed straight after.
Please note that any original documents will also need to be translated into English by an accredited translator. Accredited interpreters can be found at The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd.
