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Legals-Only Wedding Ceremony, Gold Coast
Just want to make it official? A short, simple ceremony with all the legal essentials and none of the fuss, for $550.
Who a legals-only ceremony suits
- Couples who just want to be married, without the planning, scripts or crowd.
- Couples having a celebration elsewhere, like an overseas wedding, a cultural or religious ceremony, or a party led by family, who need the legal side done in Australia.
- Elopements and tiny weddings, with just the two of you and two witnesses.
- Couples on a budget, or who’d rather spend it on the honeymoon.
What happens on the day
It’s quick, relaxed and still a special moment. I introduce myself as your celebrant, say the legal words every Australian wedding needs, you each say your legal vows, and we sign the marriage certificates with your two witnesses. You can exchange rings and share a kiss too. The whole thing usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
What’s included
- Help completing your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
- A pre-wedding chat by phone or video to check your documents
- A short ceremony with all the legally required words and vows
- All marriage certificates, including your presentation certificate
- Lodgement with Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriages the next business day
- Travel across the Gold Coast and hinterland
What you need to organise
- Your NOIM lodged with me at least one month before the ceremony
- Proof of birth (birth certificate or passport) and photo ID for you both
- A divorce or death certificate if either of you has been married before
- Two witnesses aged 18 or over
Legals-only or full ceremony?
Choose legals-only if you want it simple, short and official. Choose the full ceremony ($880) if you want a ceremony written around your story, with your own vows, readings or rituals, a rehearsal option and my BOSE PA so a big crowd can hear every word.
Questions about legals-only ceremonies
What is a legals-only wedding ceremony?
It’s a short ceremony that includes only what Australian law requires: I introduce myself as your celebrant, say the legal words (the monitum), you each say the legal vows, and then we sign the certificates in front of two witnesses. It usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes.
What do we need for a legals-only ceremony?
The same legal paperwork as any wedding: a Notice of Intended Marriage lodged at least one month before the ceremony, proof of birth and photo ID for both of you, and two witnesses aged 18 or over on the day.
Can we still add personal touches?
A little, yes. You can exchange rings or add a few words of your own. If you want a ceremony written around your story, with readings or rituals, my full ceremony is the better fit.
Is a legals-only marriage any less legal?
Not at all. You’re every bit as married. The paperwork is identical, and I lodge it with Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriages the next business day.
Let’s chat
Is your date free? Let’s find out.
Tell me a little about your plans and I’ll get back to you to confirm availability and set up a no-obligation chat.