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Legals Only Wedding Ceremonies in Melbourne

Legals Only Wedding Ceremonies in Melbourne and across Victoria are a simple, legally compliant way to be married without a traditional ceremony or celebratory event. As a registered marriage celebrant, I help couples complete all required legal steps — from lodging the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) to conducting a brief legal ceremony — with clarity, calm support, and attention to every legal detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What Is a Legals Only Wedding Ceremony?

A Legals Only wedding ceremony is a short, legally compliant ceremony that meets all Australian marriage requirements, without additional personalised scripting or ritual elements.

This option is often chosen by couples who:

  • Want to be legally married without a large ceremony

  • Are planning a separate celebration later

  • Are navigating time pressure, visas or personal circumstances

  • Prefer something private, quiet or practical

  • Want clarity and simplicity rather than tradition

While the structure is minimal, the process is still handled with care, respect and professionalism.  This type of ceremony meets all legal requirements under Australian marriage law and is recognised exactly the same as any formal wedding.

2

What’s Included in a Legals Only Ceremony

When you book a Legals Only wedding ceremony with me, I provide:

  • Guidance through the legal marriage process

  • A short legal ceremony conducted by an authorised marriage celebrant

  • Clear communication so you know what to expect at each step

  • A calm, supportive presence on the day

  • Lodgement of the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

  • Presentation and completion of all legal paperwork

  • Short legal wording and vows required by law

  • Witness signatures

  • Submission to Births, Deaths & Marriages

Everything is done correctly, clearly and without unnecessary complication.

3

Where Legals Only Ceremonies Can Take Place

Legals Only Weddings can be held in many locations across Melbourne and Victoria, such as:

  • At your home or private residence

  • A quiet public space (park, garden)

  • A local favourite spot

  • Near Melbourne CBD

Because the focus is on the legal paperwork, you are free to choose a place that matters most to you.

4

What a Legals Only Ceremony Is — and Isn’t

This option is:

  • Legally binding

  • Respectful and professional

  • Calm and straightforward

  • Suitable for couples who want simplicity

This option isn’t:

  • A fully personalised ceremony

  • A scripted or performance-style wedding

  • A long or elaborate event

If you’re unsure whether Legals Only is right for you, we can talk through the differences and I can help you decide.

5

Legal Requirements for a Legals Only Wedding in Victoria

To be legally married in Australia you must:

  • Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one calendar month before your ceremony

  • Provide photo ID and evidence of birth date and place

  • Show evidence of any previous marriage termination (if applicable)

  • Have two witnesses aged 18+ present

  • Say the legal wording aloud during the ceremony

If all legal requirements are completed correctly, your marriage is registered with Births, Deaths & Marriages in Victoria as a full legal marriage.

6

Why Couples Choose This Option

Many couples choose a Legals Only wedding ceremony because it removes pressure. There’s no expectation to perform, entertain or meet anyone else’s idea of what a wedding “should” look like.

My role is to make sure the legal requirements are met and that the experience feels steady, respectful and manageable — particularly for couples who are already navigating a lot.

Legals Only vs Full Wedding Ceremony

Legals Only:

  • Focuses strictly on legal requirements

  • Short and efficient

  • No speeches, music, rituals

  • Often lower cost

Full Wedding Ceremony:

  • Tailored script

  • Personal vows, readings

  • Music, rituals, guest involvement

  • More time and planning

Is a Legals Only Wedding Right for You?

Many couples choose a legals only wedding if:

  • You want a simple, legally binding marriage without the pressure or structure of a traditional ceremony

  • You’re planning a separate celebration or commitment ceremony at a later time

  • You value privacy, quiet and simplicity over a public or formal event

  • You’re seeking a clear and efficient legal process, with guidance through each step

  • You need to be legally married within a specific timeframe, including for personal or administrative reasons

Legals only weddings are about meeting the legal requirements with care and respect, while keeping the experience calm, straightforward and free from unnecessary complexity.

Ready to take the next step?

If a legals only wedding feels like the right fit for you, you’re very welcome to get in touch. I’m happy to answer questions, talk you through the legal process, and check availability.

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© 2026 by Katie Boon

I acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which I live and work. Sovereignty was never ceded.

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