Confirm your date, people and place
Choose a date or short list of dates, work out your guest numbers and confirm your ceremony location. Check access, capacity, toilets, parking and a weather alternative with the venue or site manager.
Get any venue hire or event permission in writing. A restaurant reservation or accommodation booking does not automatically cover a wedding ceremony.
Start the marriage paperwork
Your authorised celebrant guides you through the legal requirements. Give them your Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month and no more than 18 months before the ceremony. A shorter notice period needs approval; speak with your celebrant before making short-notice plans.
Australian Government marriage requirements
Your celebrant will explain the identity and birth documents they need, evidence of any previous marriage ending, and the separate in-person meetings required before the ceremony. Ask early if a document is missing or written in another language.
Keep your bookings together
Save your written quotes, inclusions, payment dates, cancellation terms and supplier contacts in one place. Check who arranges venue hire, permits, styling, music and transport.
Tell KISS when a location, date or guest number changes so the services and timetable can be checked again.
Prepare for the ceremony
Choose two adult witnesses and confirm they can attend. Prepare your personal vows if you are including them, arrange the rings and check any music or readings with your celebrant.
Share pronunciations, accessibility needs and anything you would prefer to keep private. Plan your ceremony.
Give the day some breathing room
Allow time for travel, parking, photographs and guests moving between locations. Make sure your photographer knows about any important people or moments you would like included.
Before the day, confirm your arrival time, weather plan and main contact. Pack your rings, vow cards and anything your celebrant has asked you to bring.