Who Can Get Married in Brisbane?

Most adults can legally get married in Brisbane as long as they meet the normal Australian marriage requirements.

The basic legal requirements

To get married in Brisbane, you generally need to:

• be at least 18 years old
• be free to marry, meaning not currently married to someone else
• understand the nature of marriage and give real consent
• not be marrying a close relative prohibited by law
• prepare and lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage with NOIM Easy
• wait at least one calendar month before the ceremony
• attend the ceremony in person with two adult witnesses

Do you need to be an Australian citizen?

No. You do not need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to get married in Brisbane.

Couples regularly marry here if they are:

• Australian citizens
• permanent residents
• temporary visa holders
• overseas visitors
• one Australian and one overseas partner

What if you were married before?

You can still get married in Brisbane if a previous marriage has legally ended. You will need evidence such as:

• a divorce order
• a death certificate for a deceased spouse

If the documents are from overseas and not in English, you may also need an official translation.

What documents do you need?

Most couples need:

• a current passport, or
• a birth certificate plus photo ID

You can read the full checklist on our ID requirements page and marriage requirements page.

What if one of us lives overseas?

That is common and usually manageable. One party may be able to start the notice period first, and the overseas partner can complete their side later before the ceremony, depending on the witnessing arrangements and the exact timing.

See our page for overseas residents getting married in Brisbane.

Can same-sex couples get married in Brisbane?

Yes. Marriage is available to all couples under Australian law.

Can we have a simple legal ceremony instead of a big wedding?

Yes. Many couples who are legally eligible to marry choose a paperwork-only marriage ceremony or a registry-style wedding instead of a traditional wedding day.

If you are unsure whether your documents or circumstances are straightforward, call 07 5241 1094 or email [email protected] and we can point you in the right direction.