Are you planning to get married in Perth, WA?
Understanding the role of the Perth marriage office and your options for solemnising your marriage is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting married in Perth, from official procedures to alternative options that might better suit your needs.
The Official Perth Marriage Office: Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM)
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) is the official Perth marriage office. Located in the Perth CBD on St Georges Terrace, the BDM is responsible for:
1. Registering all marriages that take place in Western Australia
2. Issuing marriage certificates
3. Maintaining official marriage records
4. Providing a venue for civil marriage ceremonies
While the BDM offers a straightforward approach to getting married, it's not your only option in Perth. As an experienced marriage celebrant, I can offer you a more personalised alternative that still meets all legal requirements.
But isn't there a Perth Marriage Office in Northbridge in the Old Tower? Kind of. It is actually a privately run business that uses the name, but it is not the actual government one.
The Role of Celebrants in Relation to the Marriage Office
Marriage celebrants in Perth play a crucial role in the wedding process:
1. We are authorised by the Australian government to perform legal marriages
2. We work in conjunction with the BDM to ensure all legal requirements are met
3. We offer more flexibility in terms of ceremony time, location and content
4. We can provide a more personal touch to your wedding ceremony
As a celebrant with over 900 weddings under my belt, I'm well-versed in navigating the legal aspects while creating a memorable ceremony for you.
How Celebrants Interact with the Marriage Office
As your celebrant, I handle much of the paperwork and interaction with the BDM:
1. I lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage with the BDM at least one month before your wedding
2. After your ceremony, I submit the official marriage paperwork to the BDM within 14 days
3. I can assist you with information about obtaining your official marriage certificate from the BDM after registration
This means less stress and bureaucracy for you, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.
Registry-Style Weddings: A Flexible Alternative
Instead of getting married at the BDM office, you can opt for a registry-style wedding performed by a celebrant. This offers several advantages:
1. Location flexibility: Choose from my office, a park, or any other meaningful location
2. Personalisation: Add personal touches to your ceremony while keeping it simple
3. Simple: Just want a quick non personalised ceremony? Get married in under 3 minutes.
4. Intimacy: Perfect for small gatherings or elopements
5. Cost-effective: Often more affordable than a full-scale wedding
6. Legal equivalence: Just as legally binding as a BDM office wedding
7. Out of office hours: Get married at the time and day that is convenient for you
As a Perth marriage celebrant, I can help you create a registry-style wedding that's both exactly how you want it and legally compliant.
Legal Requirements and Processes: Your Perth Wedding Checklist
To ensure your Perth wedding meets all legal requirements, follow these steps:
1. Choose your celebrant or book the BDM office (at least 4 months in advance recommended)
2. Lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage (at least 1 month before the wedding)
3. Provide required documents:
- Birth certificates or passports
- Photo ID
- If previously married, divorce papers or death certificate of former spouse
4. Attend your ceremony with two witnesses aged 18 or over
5. Sign legal documents on the day of your wedding
6. Celebrant submits paperwork to BDM within 14 days
7. Apply for your official marriage certificate (optional but recommended)
FAQs About Getting Married in Perth, WA
1. How much does it cost to get married in Perth in a registry style ceremony?
Fees vary. BDM ceremonies start at $422. Celebrant fees range from $550.
2. How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Perth?
Generally, it takes about 2-3 weeks after your completed paperwork is submitted to the BDM. Can be fast-tracked if needed.
3. Can foreigners get married in Perth?
Yes!
4. Do I need to be a resident of Perth to get married there?
No, you don't need to be a resident of Perth or even Australia to get married in Perth.
5. How do I change my name after getting married in Perth?
Your marriage certificate from the BDM serves as proof for name change purposes with various institutions.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Perth Wedding
Whether you choose to marry at the BDM office or opt for a celebrant-led ceremony, understanding your options and the legal requirements is crucial. As an experienced Perth marriage celebrant, I'm here to guide you through the process, ensuring your special day is both legally sound and personally meaningful.
Ready to take the next step in your wedding journey? Contact Luke Firth, your trusted Perth marriage celebrant, for a consultation today. Let's create a wedding that's uniquely yours while navigating the legal landscape with ease.
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