Marriage Registration After Ceremony (BDM — All States)

Issuing authority

State and Territory Births, Deaths and Marriages Registries (NSW BDM, VIC BDM, QLD BDM, SA BDM, WA Registry, TAS BDM, ACT Access Canberra, NT BDM) — under the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth)

Official source

How to apply

1. Complete the ceremony: at the ceremony, the couple, two witnesses, and the celebrant/minister all sign the Form 15 (Certificate of Marriage given to the couple) and the Form 16 (Official Certificate of Marriage lodged with BDM).
2. The signed Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage is also collected at the ceremony.
3. Within 14 days of the ceremony, the celebrant lodges the Form 16 and supporting documents (NOIM, Declaration) with the relevant state/territory BDM — either via the BDM's eRegistry online portal or by post.
4. If using eRegistry (e.g. VIC, NSW), the celebrant scans and uploads documents digitally rather than posting originals.
5. BDM registers the marriage in the state/territory register — the couple does not need to take any action to register; the celebrant is legally responsible.
6. Once the marriage is registered, the couple may apply to BDM for a legal Marriage Certificate (this is a separate application from each state BDM, with applicable fees).
7. If the celebrant fails to lodge within 14 days, they are in breach of the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) and must be reported to the Attorney-General's Department.

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