Can you get Married in Australia on a Tourist Visa in 2023?
Are you considering eloping Down Under? Australia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for couples overseas looking to tie the knot in 2023 and beyond. However, you may wonder “Can you get married in Australia on a tourist visa?”
Offering couples some of the world’s most exclusive and breathtaking wedding venues; from beachside ceremonies on the Gold Coast to intimate chapel weddings in the picturesque Blue Mountains, Australia can really make your dream day truly unforgettable.
But before you can say “I do” in Oz, there are some important questions to consider. First and foremost, can you get married in Australia on a tourist visa?
This article will answer that very question plus we’ll cover who is eligible to marry under this type of visa (Subclass 600) as well as the documents required and how they should be applied for.
Additionally, we’ll provide tips on wedding planning when getting married with a tourist visa in Australia plus information about what happens after the wedding ceremony and how to extend your stay in Australia if necessary.
So grab a seat (and perhaps some champagne) as we deep dive into the rules of marrying in Australia as a foreign visitor.
Disclaimer: We provide general guidance on getting married in Australia on a tourist visa, we do not give specific legal advice. The Marriage Act 1961 and Marriage Regulations 2017 set the rules for getting married in Australia.
Can you get Married in Australia on a Tourist Visa?
Absolutely! Australia is a popular destination for couples seeking to get married and the country is incredibly welcoming for visitors and foreigners who wish to marry in Australia.
An Australian tourist visa contains a no further stay clause stating there are no extensions. Therefore if you wish to stay and live in Australia after getting married, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa once your wedding is over.
Until then, be sure to familiarise yourself with all the visitor visa regulations and requirements so that your marriage can be legally recognised in Australia.
Overview of the Requirements to Get Married in Australia on a Tourist Visa
Whilst there is no residency qualification requirement to marry in Australia e.g you do not need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia, there are a few other requirements necessary. You must:
- Not be already married
- Not be marrying an immediate family member
- Have an understanding of marriage, and what it means and be able to freely give your consent to marry.
- Be married by an authorised marriage celebrant.
- Use specific words during the ceremony which make your marriage legal
- Give notice of the intended marriage form to an authorised marriage celebrant at least 1 month before and no more than 10 months before your wedding,
You also must be at least 18 years old to get married. However, if one party is aged between 16 and 18 you may be able to get married if:
- You have court approval from a judge or magistrate to marry.
- Your parent or guardian has given consent.
Who is Eligible to Get Married in Australia on a Tourist Visa?
Anyone who meets the above requirements is eligible to marry in Australia. The legal right to marry in Australia is no longer determined by sex or gender.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Australia With A Tourist Visa
For those in love who wish to marry in Australia, it is crucial that they are aware of the Australian law on marriage. A one-month legal notification period applies and must be observed prior to tying the knot.
This means that it is necessary that both parties must sign a ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ (NOIM) form before an authorised witness and then lodge it with their chosen marriage celebrant at least 4 weeks befre the wedding takes place.
When lodging a NOIM with a registered marriage celebrant, both parties will be required to prove their age, identity, nationality and address via documents such as passports or driver’s licenses.
Prior to the wedding, both parties will be required to sign declarations confirming they are legally free to marry and that each partner is giving consent to marry the other.
Finally, the couple will take part in a legal wedding ceremony where they will exchange legal vows (words required by Australian law to make the marriage legal). Further marriage documents will be signed at this point in front of at least two witnesses (who must be supplied by the couple).
Wedding Planning Tips for Couples Getting Married on a Tourist Visa
1. Make sure to have all the necessary documents ready and available in order to apply for and receive a valid marriage license; this includes an original birth certificate, proof of identity, and a completed “Notice of Intended Marriage” form.
2. Research the different types of celebrants available and make sure to find one that is authorised by law to perform your wedding ceremony.
3. Check with your home country’s laws and regulations regarding getting married overseas in order to ensure your marriage is recognised upon returning home.
4. Start planning early as there are many details that need to be taken care of in the lead-up to your destination wedding which include booking venues and vendors.
5. Ensure both parties have valid passports before travelling to Australia, you will need to apply for your visitor visa.
6. Give yourself enough time to enjoy a few days of honeymoon after the wedding, or consider extending your stay in Australia for a longer holiday if you are able to!
What Happens After You Get Married in Australia as a Tourist and How to Extend Your Stay
It is important to note that upon getting married, the conditions of your visa do not change. Getting married in Australia does not automatically make you a permanent resident or citizen, even if you travel to Australia as a tourist and marry an Aussie!
If neither you nor your partner is permanent residents or citizens of Australia, you won’t be eligible to stay in the country beyond your visa expire date. Therefore, if you wish to stay in Australia after getting married, you will need to look at other options such as finding visa sponsorship with an employer or studying in Australia.
If you or your significant other possess residency status in Australia, it may be wise to pursue the longer route of obtaining a Prospective Marriage Visa if you wish to settle there with your future partner. While marriage is possible while visiting on a Tourist Visa, this route grants more stability and security for successful resettlement in Australia such as work rights and access to healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions: Getting Married in Australia for foreigners
Final Thoughts: Marrying in Australia on a tourist visa
Your dream wedding in Australia can be a reality – with careful planning and the right documents, it is possible to get married in Australia on a tourist visa.
To ensure you have the perfect wedding day, make sure to familiarise yourself with all the requirements that must be met before saying ‘I do’ in Australia.
Take the time to consider whether both parties understand what marriage means, check if there are any prior commitments that need resolution and most importantly, complete the Notice of Intent to Marry in Australia (NOIM) at least one month prior to your wedding date.
After that’s all taken care of you can relax knowing you are ready for your big day. Enjoy every moment – from booking your celebrant to sampling wedding cake- as these special memories will stay with you forever!
So go ahead, make your dream come true by getting married in true Aussie style!
