Simple Marriage Service in Newcastle

A Simple Marriage Service provides the most straightforward path to legal marriage in New South Wales. Similar to a registry office wedding, this service focuses purely on the legal requirements without the ceremony or traditions of a conventional wedding. Our Newcastle-based service offers efficiency and simplicity while ensuring all legal obligations are met.

Understanding Your Options

Our marriage services in Newcastle cater to different needs and preferences. The Simple Marriage Service costs include GST and ensures all legal requirements are met with professional efficiency. For couples seeking a more personalised experience, we offer two additional service levels.

A Simple Marriage Service focuses entirely on legal requirements, taking approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. The service includes signing of legal paperwork, required legal declarations, and two witnesses present, without any ceremonial or traditional elements.

Our Elopement Service (from $4460 inc GST) creates an intimate, romantic experience perfect for couples wanting something special without the full wedding. This comprehensive package includes a short but meaningful ceremony, optional personal vows and ring exchange, professional photography, floral arrangements, and complete planning assistance. The ceremony itself takes about 15 minutes, with the entire experience lasting approximately two hours.

For those desiring a traditional celebration, our Wedding Ceremony service provides a fully customised ceremony. This option includes personalised vows, ring exchange, guest participation, and accommodation for a complete wedding party, typically lasting 60-90 minutes.

What’s Included in a Simple Marriage Service

Your Simple Marriage Service includes comprehensive legal and administrative support:

Our professional service provides complete management of all legal paperwork, including lodgement of your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM). You’ll be assigned a Commonwealth-registered celebrant who will conduct a simple signing ceremony. We handle the registration of your marriage with NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages and provide a ceremonial marriage certificate. The service offers flexible location options throughout Newcastle and is available 24/7 by appointment.

Optional Add-ons

Enhance your Simple Marriage Service with these additional options:

Our witness service is available if needed. An official marriage certificate can be obtained for around $70 (inc GST) depending on what the up-to-date fee is from the NSW BDM. After-hours appointments (before 9am or after 9pm) incur a $300 (inc GST) surcharge. We also offer interpreter services and regional travel throughout the Hunter region, with pricing available upon application.

The Process

Your journey to marriage consists of three straightforward steps:

1. Book Online

Begin by completing our online booking form and securing your date with payment. Australian law requires a minimum one-month notice period for all marriages. You’ll also select your preferred Newcastle location during this step.

2. Prepare Documentation

Our team guides you through the preparation and lodgement of your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) and assists with all required documentation, ensuring everything meets legal requirements.

3. The Marriage Service

The service itself is brief and focused, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. You and your partner make the legal declarations and sign the required documents in the presence of two witnesses. This service concentrates on legal essentials without ceremonial elements.

Location Options

Newcastle offers diverse settings for your Simple Marriage Service:

We can conduct your service at our Newcastle CBD office, a local café or restaurant, one of Newcastle’s beautiful parks or beaches, or your chosen location within the greater Newcastle area (travel fees may apply for locations outside the CBD).

No special venue arrangements are required - we simply need a space where the legal documents can be signed comfortably.

Is a Simple Marriage Service Right for You?

This service is ideal for couples who want a quick and simple marriage, prefer to avoid traditional wedding ceremonies, or need to marry for legal or administrative purposes. It’s perfect for those planning to celebrate with friends and family at a later date, facing time constraints, valuing privacy and simplicity, or wishing to avoid traditional wedding costs.

What to Bring

To complete your marriage service, you must bring:

Your photo identification (such as a passport or driver licence), birth certificates or passports, divorce or death certificates if applicable, and two witnesses (or book our witness service). Your celebrant will advise if any additional documentation is required. Please also bring proof of payment if not made online.

Important Notes

Australian law requires a one-month notice period before marriage. Both parties must attend the signing in person, and witnesses must be 18 years or older. This service excludes religious or cultural elements. Any documentation not in English requires translation by a NAATI-certified translator.

After the Service

Following your Simple Marriage Service completion, you’ll receive a ceremonial marriage certificate, and your marriage will be registered with NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. You can order an official marriage certificate for legal or administrative purposes. Your marriage becomes legally valid immediately after signing.

Cancellation Policy

We offer a 48-hour cooling-off period with a full refund. The witness service fee is non-refundable once booked. Booking changes depend on availability.

Common Questions

How long does it take?

The Simple Marriage Service takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Do we need to dress up?

There’s no dress code - wear whatever makes you comfortable.

Can we have guests?

Yes, guests are welcome, but remember this is a signing service rather than a ceremony.

Can we take photos?

You’re welcome to take photos during the signing.

Book Your Simple Marriage Service

Ready to proceed? Here’s how to book:

• Visit our website to book online for your preferred date and location
• Email us at newcastle@themarriageoffice.org for enquiries
• Start your Notice of Intended Marriage process through our online portal
• Contact our Newcastle office with any questions about the service

Our Newcastle office provides all necessary legal requirements for marriage in a quick, affordable, and stress-free manner. This service perfectly suits couples seeking to marry without the traditional ceremony elements.

All prices include GST and are valid as of February 2025. Our Simple Marriage Service offers all legal requirements for marriage in a quick, affordable, and stress-free way—perfect for couples looking to tie the knot without the frills of a traditional ceremony.