What the NOIM is
The Notice of Intended Marriage or NOIM is the legal form that starts the marriage process in Australia.
You must usually give it to your celebrant:
- at least one month before your ceremony,
- and no more than 18 months before your ceremony.
If you want to prepare and download your NOIM online, use NOIM Easy.
If you are just working out whether you are eligible to marry, read Who Can Get Married in Sydney?.
Why the NOIM matters
The NOIM confirms your intention to marry and gives your celebrant the information needed to prepare the legal paperwork correctly.
It is one of the key requirements behind any:
- paperwork-only ceremony,
- Simple Marriage Service,
- Registry-style wedding,
- or larger ceremony.
When to lodge it
The one-month notice period runs from the date your celebrant receives the completed NOIM, not the date you first enquire or book.
You can generally lodge it up to 18 months in advance. If there is less than one month before your intended date, you may need a lawful shortening of time.
How witnessing works
Your NOIM must be witnessed by an authorised person.
In Australia, that may include an authorised celebrant, justice of the peace, solicitor, medical practitioner, or police officer.
If you are overseas, it may be witnessed by an Australian diplomatic or consular officer, a notary public, or another authorised official.
Since the 12 June 2024 changes to the Marriage Act, couples also have the option to have the NOIM witnessed remotely by audio-visual link as well as in person, where the authorised witness is willing and the legal requirements are met.
If you are organising the marriage from abroad, read Overseas Visitors Getting Married.
What information goes on the NOIM
You will need to provide:
- your full legal names,
- your date and place of birth,
- your current residential addresses,
- your conjugal status,
- details about your parents,
- and the date and place of the intended marriage if known.
Your names should match your supporting documents. If there are differences, you may need extra supporting evidence.
Supporting documents
Your celebrant will also need documents that support the NOIM, usually including:
- identity documents,
- proof of date and place of birth,
- evidence that any previous marriage ended,
- and translations for any non-English documents.
If you want the broader legal context, read Legal Marriage Requirements.
Common questions
Can we send the NOIM electronically?
Usually, yes. Many couples complete the form, have it witnessed, and then send a scanned copy for review or lodgement before the ceremony.
Can we prepare or download the NOIM online?
Yes. You can prepare and download your NOIM online using NOIM Easy, then follow the witnessing and lodgement steps that apply to your circumstances.
Can we lodge it from overseas?
Yes. Many couples start the process from overseas, provided the witnessing requirements are met.
Can we get married on the same day we lodge it?
Usually, no. The standard rule is at least one month notice unless a lawful shortening of time is approved.
Does the NOIM mean we are already married?
No. It only starts the legal process. You are not married until the ceremony happens and the legal requirements on the day are completed.