The Not-So-Scary Guide to completing the NOIM
How to Complete Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
Alright lovebirds, let’s talk paperwork, specifically, the Notice of Intended Marriage, or as it’s affectionately known, the NOIM (pronounced “noym”). It might sound a bit formal, but don’t worry, it’s not nearly as scary as it looks.
The NOIM is simply the legal form you and your partner fill out to let the government know you’re planning to get married. Think of it as your official “heads up, we’re tying the knot!”
Here’s how it all works:
Step 1: Timing Is Everything
Your NOIM must be lodged at least one month before your wedding date — and it’s valid for up to 18 months.
So, if you’ve got your wedding date locked in, it’s best to get this sorted sooner rather than later. That way, there’s no last-minute panic or paperwork drama.
Step 2: Filling It Out
The NOIM form can be downloaded from the Attorney-General’s Department website (or I can email it straight to you — easy!).
https://www.ag.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-08/notice-of-intended-marriage.PDF
You’ll need to fill in a few key details:
Full names, birth dates, and addresses
Occupations
Details of any previous marriages (if applicable)
Signatures (yep, both of you!)
It looks a little formal, but I promise it’s straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each section so nothing gets missed.
Step 3: Proving Who You Are
You’ll need to show proof of your identity and birth.
That means:
Your original birth certificate or passport, and
Photo ID (like a driver’s licence).
If either of you has been married before, you’ll also need proof that the marriage has legally ended (divorce certificate or death certificate).
Step 4: Signing the Form
You can’t just sign it anywhere. It has to be witnessed by an authorised person.
That can be:
Your celebrant,
A JP,
A solicitor,
A police officer, or
A few other official folks listed on the form.
Most couples sign their NOIM with me during our first meeting. I check your IDs, make sure everything’s filled out correctly, and we’re good to go!
Step 5: Lodging the NOIM
Once it’s signed and witnessed, you lodge it with your Celebrant and we securely keep it until your big day. From there, you can relax knowing your marriage is officially on the radar.
Pro Tip: Don’t Stress!
It’s totally normal to feel a little nervous about “official forms,” but I’ve helped so many couples with this, and I promise, I make it easy. We’ll get it done together, no fuss, no confusion, and definitely no panic Googling.
Final Thoughts
The NOIM might not be the most romantic part of wedding planning, but it’s an important one - it’s what legally allows me to marry you!
So once you’ve booked me, we’ll tackle it together. You bring the love story, I’ll bring the paperwork know-how.
Ready to get your NOIM sorted? Let’s book your first chat and make it official!