A 'Notice of Intention to Marry' form must be completed and lodged with me at least one month and one day prior to the wedding. You cannot get married within Australia without giving one clear months notice. Once lodged with me the certificate is valid for a maximum period of 18 months.

Click here to download a copy of the NOIM form

The marriage cannot take place until after one clear month after the date I receive the Notice of Intention to Marry form unless a prescribed authority has authorised the marriage to be solemnised before that time has elapsed. (see below for a shortening of time)

If a party to an intended marriage cannot conveniently sign this notice at the time, the other party may sign the notice and give to me. However in this case, the party who has not signed the notice must sign it, in my presence, before the marriage is solemnised.

You must produce documentary evidence of identification including birth certificate, or passport . A birth certificate, extract of birth or certified copy of either is mandatory for anyone born within Australia. An Australian Passport is not acceptable for anyone.

Certain documents need to be produced if either party has been previously married:-
If a party is divorced - evidence of that party's divorce - I need to sight court evidence of the decree absolute upon dissolution of marriage. Evidence of divorce is needed before being married

As of 1 July 2002, the Family Court and the Federal Magistrates Court ceased issuing both a decree nisi of dissolution of marriage and a decree absolute. They now issue a document titled "Certificate of Divorce", which contains the dates of the decree nisi and the decree absolute. This certificate is evidence of divorce for the purpose of solemnising a marriage.
If you were divorced prior to 1 July 2002 you will need to show me a copy of the decree absolute.

If a party is widowed - the death notice of that party's spouse.
A parent's consent on the required form and a court order under Section 12 of the marriage Act if one person is under 18 years of age

Applying for entry into Australia under the prospective marriage fiance plan. Prospective Marriage Fiance category
http://www.immi.gov.au/migration/family/partners/fiance.htm
Application process - for full details please go to the website link above

To apply for a shortening of time you must consider the reason to come within one of the following criteria:
Considerations are given for:
1. Employment related or other travel commitments
2. Wedding or celebration arrangements or religious considerations.
3. Medical Reasons
4. Legal proceedings
5. Error in giving notice *

*This relates only to error on the part of the celebrant