What is a NOIM?
If you've just got engaged and started doing wedding research, you've probably come across the term "NOIM" and had a small moment of "wait, what is that?" Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds, and your celebrant handles most of it with you.
Here's everything you need to know.
What is a NOIM?
NOIM stands for Notice of Intended Marriage. It's a legal document that you must complete before getting married in Australia. Think of it as officially notifying the government that you intend to marry.
When do you need to do it?
Australian law requires that your NOIM is lodged with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding date. So if you're getting married on 15 November, your NOIM needs to be signed and submitted no later than 15 October.
There is also a maximum. You can submit your NOIM up to 18 months before your wedding. So as soon as you've locked in your date, it's worth getting this sorted.
What do you need for the NOIM?
You'll need to provide proof of identity and proof that you're free to marry. This includes:
Birth certificate (or passport if you weren't born in Australia)
Photo ID (driver's licence or passport)
If previously married: your divorce certificate or death certificate of your former spouse
Your celebrant will go through exactly what's needed for your specific circumstances — every couple's situation is slightly different.
How does it work with your celebrant?
When you book me as your celebrant, one of the first things we do is complete your NOIM together. We'll sit down (in person or virtually), go through the form, and I'll explain everything as we go. You sign it, I witness it, and I keep it on file until your wedding day.
On your wedding day, I bring the NOIM along with the other legal documents (the official Marriage Certificate form and the commemorative certificate). After the ceremony, I lodge the paperwork with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state.
What if we're getting married in a hurry?
If you need to marry sooner than the one-month minimum allows (for example, for medical or compassionate reasons), you can apply for a shortening of time through the courts. This is uncommon, but it is possible.
Does it matter where in Australia you are?
No — the NOIM is a federal requirement that applies across all states and territories. Whether you're getting married in Dalby, Toowoomba, Brisbane, or a paddock in the middle of nowhere, the same rules apply.
I'm Angela, a registered marriage celebrant based in Dalby, Queensland. I cover the Darling Downs region and beyond and I'll walk you through every step of the legal process so you can focus on the fun bits.
→ Ready to get started? Contact me here.
