Registry Style Wedding

What is a registry style ceremony?

Commonly known as a Legals Only ceremony, it contains just the bare minimum legal wording to get you married within a matter of minutes. This ceremony only requires the couple, celebrant plus 2 witnesses over the age of 18. It is a paperwork only ceremony meaning no music or equipment is required or used.

It is often chosen by couples who are holding their ceremony overseas, and need to take care of the legal marriage in Australia first, or they are eloping, or maybe just want to get married without any fuss.

Given there is no personalisation with this short ceremony, it is super easy and very affordable.

What is the actual legal wording?

The required legal wording I need to say (under the Marriage Act 1961) to make your marriage legal:

My name is Dayle Barnes, and I am a celebrant duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law.

Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

From there, I need each of you to make legal vows to each other:

I call upon the people present to witness that I, (full name), take you, (full name), to be my lawful wedded wife / husband / spouse / partner in marriage.

Then sign the paperwork and you’re all done! Literally just minutes!