Shortening of Time for Marriage

Important - Please Read First: Before considering a shortening of time application, you must understand several key points:

1. The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged first with The Marriage Office before any shortening of time can be considered.

• We must receive and process your NOIM
• All required identity documents must be provided
• Only then can you proceed with a shortening application

2. The Marriage Office cannot:

• Apply for a shortening on your behalf
• Guarantee any outcome
• Influence the authority’s decision
• Override a rejection
• Submit documentation for you

3. Shortenings are never guaranteed and are at the complete discretion of the prescribed authority.

The Five Official Categories

The Marriage Regulations outline five specific categories under which a shortening may be considered. Here they are in detail:

1. Employment-Related or Other Travel Commitments

This category may apply when:

• Employment requires urgent interstate/overseas relocation
• Military deployment or posting
• Work visa requirements
• Essential work commitments that cannot be changed
• Pre-booked travel arrangements that cannot be altered

Supporting evidence might include:

• Employer letters on company letterhead
• Contract of employment showing dates
• Military orders
• Travel itineraries and paid bookings
• Visa documentation
• Evidence of why dates cannot be changed

2. Wedding or Celebration Arrangements

This category focuses on:

• Religious/cultural dates of significance
• Overseas family members already in Australia
• Venue and supplier commitments
• Religious ceremonies that must occur on specific dates
• Significant family events already scheduled

Required evidence could include:

• Paid bookings and contracts
• Travel itineraries for family members
• Religious documentation
• Evidence of financial commitments
• Proof of why arrangements cannot be altered

3. Medical Reasons

Applicable for:

• Terminal illness of either party
• Terminal illness of immediate family member
• Medical procedures that affect timing
• Pregnancy complications
• Health conditions requiring urgent marriage

Supporting documentation needed:

• Medical certificates
• Doctor’s letters
• Hospital documentation
• Specialist reports
• Evidence of procedures/treatments

4. Legal Proceedings

May apply when:

• Legal matters require urgent marriage
• Court orders affect timing
• Legal residency issues
• Visa status changes
• Other legal requirements

Evidence required:

• Court documentation
• Legal correspondence
• Solicitor’s letters
• Relevant legal orders
• Immigration documentation

5. Error in Giving Notice

This applies only when:

• A celebrant error has occurred
• Administrative errors in lodgement
• Lost or damaged NOIM through no fault of couple
• Incorrect advice given by an authority
• Other legitimate errors in notice timing

Must be supported by:

• Documentary evidence of error
• Correspondence showing mistake
• Original documentation
• Evidence of incorrect advice

Application Process

1. Lodge NOIM with The Marriage Office

• Complete all paperwork
• Provide identity documents
• Pay standard fees
• Receive confirmation of lodgement

2. Prepare Your Application

• Gather substantial supporting evidence
• Write detailed explanation
• Collate all documentation
• Ensure all copies are certified if required

3. Contact Prescribed Authority In Newcastle:

• Newcastle Local Court, OR
• NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Sydney

Make an appointment and check current fees

4. Submit Application in Person

• Attend your appointment
• Present all evidence
• Pay application fee
• Be prepared to answer questions

5. Await Decision

• Usually same day
• Decision is final
• No appeal process
• If rejected, standard one-month notice applies

Our Role

The Marriage Office will:

• Accept and process your NOIM
• Provide information about the process
• Answer questions about documentation
• Guide you on requirements

We cannot:

• Make applications on your behalf
• Influence decisions
• Guarantee outcomes
• Provide legal advice
• Submit documentation for you

Important Notes

• Each case is assessed individually
• Previous approvals do not set precedent
• Strong evidence is essential
• Full fees apply regardless of outcome
• Decisions are final and cannot be appealed

Our office can provide information about the process and documentation requirements, though we cannot influence the prescribed authority’s decision or make any guarantees about outcomes.