Marriage

In Australia, the law says that marriage is the “union of two people to the exclusion of all others entered voluntarily for life”.

You can get married in a ceremony with a civil marriage celebrant, or in a church ceremony by an authorised minister of religion. The marriage is then registered with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your region.

The Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department can provide information on registered marriage celebrants in your area.

Differences between states

Northern Territory

More information can be found through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

ACT

More information can be found through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Western Australia

More information can be found through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

NSW

More information can be found through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Victoria

More information can be found through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

South Australia

More information can be found through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Tasmania

More information can be found through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Queensland

More information can be found through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.