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Can Foreigners Get Married in Australia on a Tourist Visa?
Yes — you can absolutely marry in Australia on a tourist visa whilst holidaying.
Whether you're visiting on holiday or planning a destination wedding, the process is straightforward when you understand the legal requirements.
Can Tourists Get Married in Australia?
It may be our stunning beaches, beautiful weather, relaxed lifestyle - or simply the romance of a destination wedding - but Australia is a very popular place for overseas couples to marry.
​The wonderful news is:
YES, you absolutely can get married in Australia if you are visiting from overseas. You do not need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to legally marry here.
However, there are a few important legal requirements to understand before booking flights and venues.
Legals-Only Ceremonies for Overseas Couples
Most overseas couples choose my Legals-Only Ceremony when marrying in Australia.
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This is a simple, short ceremony that fulfils all of the legal requirements of Australian marriage law, making it ideal if you are visiting on holiday or planning a relaxed destination wedding without a full traditional ceremony.
The ceremony can be held at any suitable location - a beach, park, accommodation, or another meaningful spot - and is designed to be easy, efficient and stress-free while you are travelling.
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While the focus is on completing the legal elements, you are very welcome to personalise the moment if you wish. Many couples choose to include:
• Your own vows
• A ring exchange
• A few personal words or readings
This allows you to keep things simple while still making the moment special and meaningful.
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Witnesses
Australian law requires two witnesses (over 18 years of age) to be present at the ceremony.
If you are travelling alone or prefer not to organise witnesses yourselves, I can arrange witnesses for you for an additional fee - just let me know in advance and I will take care of it.
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Legal Requirements to Marry in Australia
To marry in Australia, you must:
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• Be over 18 years of age
• Not be married to each other or anyone else (in any country)
• Provide proof of your date and place of birth (passport or birth certificate)
• Provide proof of your identity (usually a passport)
• If previously married, provide evidence that the marriage has legally ended (divorce certificate or death certificate)
If any of your documents are not in English, they must be translated by a NAATI-accredited translator. These certified translations are legally accepted for your marriage paperwork.
The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
Australia requires couples to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one calendar month before the wedding date.
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For overseas couples, this is usually very simple:
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• The NOIM can be signed outside Australia
• It must be witnessed by an authorised person (e.g. Notary Public or Australian Consular Officer)
• The signed form must be sent to your celebrant before the wedding (emailing a scan is accepted)
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I guide my overseas couples through this process step-by-step so nothing feels confusing or overwhelming.
Will My Australian Marriage Be Recognised Overseas?
In most cases, yes - your marriage will be recognised in your home country.
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However, each country has its own laws regarding:
• Name changes
• Registration of overseas marriages
• Visa or residency applications
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It is important to check with your local authorities or embassy about how your marriage will be recognised in your country of citizenship.
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The same applies to Australians who marry overseas - the marriage is recognised, but it is not re-registered in Australia.
Can I Get Married on a Tourist Visa?
Yes - absolutely.
You can marry in Australia while on:
• A tourist visa
• A working visa
• A prospective marriage visa
Getting married does not automatically change your visa status.
If your visa expires, you must either leave Australia or apply for the appropriate visa before it ends.
As a celebrant, I can guide you through the marriage process - however, I cannot provide migration or visa advice. If you plan to remain in Australia after marriage, you should seek professional migration advice.
How Do We Get Our Official Marriage Certificate?
You receive a commemorative certificate at the end of the ceremony.
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After your ceremony:
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• I register your marriage with the relevant state registry (for example, NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages).
• I then apply for your Official Registered Marriage Certificate (this is included in my package fee)
• The certificate is posted to you. I always advise if possible, for it to go to an Australian postal address, but it is possible for it to be sent to your address overseas.
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I can provide clear instructions to make this process simple and stress-free.
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Why Choose Celebrations by Bev (me) for Your Destination Wedding?
I specialise in:
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• Guiding overseas couples through Australian legal requirements
• Making paperwork simple and stress-free
• Creating simple, warm, meaningful ceremonies in beautiful Australian locations
• Legals-only ceremonies for couples visiting on holiday
• Beach, elopement and intimate weddings
From the first email to the moment you say “I do”, you’ll feel completely supported.
