Vivah Sanskar - Understanding the Hindu Wedding Ceremony

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 Getting legally married in Australia involves meeting specific legal requirements set out in the Marriage Act 1961. Whether you're planning a small ceremony or a grand celebration, here are the essential things you need to know to ensure your marriage is legally valid. 

Legal Marriage in Australia: What You Need to Know

Getting legally married in Australia involves meeting specific legal requirements set out in the Marriage Act 1961. Whether you're planning a small ceremony or a grand celebration, here are the essential things you need to know to ensure your marriage is legally valid.

✅ 1. Eligibility to Marry

To legally marry in Australia, both parties must:

• Be at      least 18 years of age (exceptions only in rare court-approved cases)
• Not      be married to someone else
• Not      be directly related by blood (i.e., parent, child, or sibling)
• Freely      consent to the marriage

✅ 2. Choosing a Marriage Celebrant

You must be married by an authorised marriage celebrant, which can be:

• A      civil celebrant (registered with the Attorney-General's Department)
• A      minister of religion (from a recognised denomination)
• A      state or territory registry official

✅ 3. Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

• The NOIM      form must be completed and lodged with your celebrant at least one      month before the wedding date and no more than 18 months prior.
• You      will need to show original documents such as:
  • Birth       certificates or passports
  • Photo       ID
  • Divorce       decree or death certificate if previously married

✅ 4. Witnesses

• You      must have two witnesses aged 18 or over present at the      ceremony to sign the legal documents.

✅ 5. Marriage Ceremony

• The      ceremony must include specific legal wording as required by the Marriage      Act, including the monitum (a legal statement by the celebrant)      and vows that both parties must say.

✅ 6. Marriage Certificate

• After      the ceremony, you will receive a ceremonial certificate.
• To      get the official certificate (used for name change, passport,      etc.), you must apply to the state or territory registry of births,      deaths, and marriages where the marriage took place. This can also be      arranged by your celebrant. 

✅ 7. Recognition of Overseas Marriages

• Marriages      conducted overseas are generally recognised in Australia if they      are legal in the country where they took place and meet Australia's laws      (e.g., age and consent requirements).

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