It includes the required legal wording, signing of documents, and a registered celebrant — without the structure of a full wedding day.

There’s no expectation of a venue, styling, or extended celebration.

What is a legals only wedding?
A legals only wedding is a simple ceremony that completes the legal requirements of marriage, without a full wedding setup.

How many guests can you have?
Usually just the couple and two witnesses, though a small number of guests can sometimes be included.

Is it legally recognised?
Yes. A legals only wedding is a fully legal marriage in Australia.

How long before a wedding do you need to lodge a NOIM?
A Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged at least 1 month before your wedding.

It’s simple, quick, and focused.

Typically includes:

• the couple
• a celebrant
• two legal witnesses
• the legal ceremony wording
• signing of documents

It can take place at a simple location
— such as a park, office, or agreed meeting point.

Couples choose this option because they want:

• the simplest way to get married
• minimal planning
• a quick and straightforward process
• to separate the legal side from a future celebration
• to avoid the structure of a traditional wedding

For some, it’s a step before a larger celebration later.
For others, it’s all they want.

What’s the difference?

Each option is a different way to get married —
from the most simple, to something more shared and structured.

Legals Only

The simplest way to get married.

• just the legal ceremony
• no extras or structure
• quick and straightforward

Best if you just want to be legally married without a full wedding.

Elopement

Simple, but meaningful.

• very small or no guest list
• relaxed and flexible
• focused on the two of you

Best if you want something personal and experience-based.

Micro Wedding

Small, but still a wedding.

• 10–30 guests
• structured timeline
• shared with your closest people

Best if you want a proper wedding feel without the size of a big wedding.

Simple way to think about it

Legals Only → just the paperwork
Elopement → the experience
Micro Wedding → the celebration

Legally, you only need five people:

• the couple
• a celebrant
• two witnesses

A legals only wedding requires two witnesses, though a small number of additional guests may be included depending on the setup.

This keeps the ceremony simple and focused.

Legals Only weddings are ideal for couples who:

• Want the quickest way to get married
• Don’t want a traditional wedding
• Prefer something private & low-key
• Are planning a celebration later
• Want to reduce stress & cost

They also suit couples who:

• Need to be legally married for visa or residency purposes
• Are completing the legal side now, with a cultural or family ceremony overseas later
• Have family or cultural traditions happening in another country
• Want to separate the legal paperwork from their main celebration
• Are working around timing, travel, or family logistics

Is it less meaningful?
Not at all. It’s still the same legal commitment.

Is it rushed?
No. It’s simple — but still intentional.

Do you miss out?
Only if you want to. Many couples celebrate later.

Is it different legally?
No. It is exactly the same legal marriage.

Even with a simple ceremony, you can still include:

• personal vows (optional)
• a nice location
• a photographer (optional)
• a small celebration afterwards

You can keep it minimal — or add small touches if you want.

Before choosing legals only, consider:

• whether you want a celebration later
• how simple you want the process to be
• who you want present
• timing and availability
• your reason for choosing this option

Sometimes simple is exactly what feels right.

All legal marriages in Australia require a NOIM.

A Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged at least 1 month before your wedding and can be submitted up to 18 months in advance.

How it works:

• completed with your celebrant
• requires identification
• confirms your legal intention to marry

This applies to legals only weddings, elopements, and full weddings.

Simple legal ceremonies have always existed
— often used when couples wanted to formalise their marriage without a full event.

Legals only weddings are the most basic form of marriage ceremony, focused purely on meeting legal requirements.

Today, more couples are choosing this option
for its simplicity, flexibility, and clarity.

Not every couple wants a full wedding.

Some just want to be married — simply and properly.

A legals only wedding removes everything unnecessary
and focuses on what matters most.