10 Steps to Getting Married in Perth Without The Stress
Everything you need to know about tying the knot in Perth!
So you’re getting married in Perth (how exciting!)—but you’re probably wondering, “How do we actually do this whole getting married in Western Australia thing?”
Whether you’re planning a dreamy beach elopement, a big backyard celebration, or something totally you in the heart of the city, there are a few legal steps you’ll need to tick off to make it official.
This guide is your go-to roadmap for how to get married in Perth, from lodging the all-important paperwork to choosing your celebrant and applying for your marriage certificate. Because let’s be honest—wedding planning is enough without the legal stuff getting in the way.
Step 1: Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
If you’re googling “how do I get married in Australia?”—this is where it starts.
The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) is the legal form you must submit at least 1 month before your wedding date. It’s valid for up to 18 months, so you can lodge it early if you’re super organised.
Your celebrant (or religious officiant) will usually help you fill it out and witness it—but it can also be signed in front of an authorised witness like a police officer, doctor, or justice of the peace.
🔹 You’ll need:
Original birth certificates or passports
Photo ID for both partners
Divorce/death certificates if previously married
Once it’s signed, your celebrant will lodge it with the right authorities—this is what kicks off the legal side of getting married in WA.
Step 2: Choose Your Wedding Style (Civil vs. Religious vs. Registry)
In Australia, there are a few ways to get married, and your choice affects who can marry you.
Civil Celebrant: A legally authorised celebrant who creates a personalised, non-religious (or semi-religious) ceremony tailored to you.
Religious Officiant: A minister, priest, or other religious leader registered to conduct weddings within their faith.
Registry Office: A no-frills, legally binding ceremony conducted by a government-appointed officiant (currently available through the Perth Births, Deaths and Marriages office).
Pro tip: Civil celebrants offer flexibility with location, wording, and vibe—perfect for couples who want a ceremony that feels like them.
Step 3: Book Your Wedding Venue
Once you’ve got your legal stuff underway, it’s time to lock in the location!
Wedding at Old Young’s Distillery
Perth is packed with incredible ceremony spots, from beachside cliffs to wineries, inner-city rooftops, and lush gardens. Some popular options include:
Kings Park (iconic Perth views!)
Cottesloe Beach (golden hour goals)
The Flour Factory rooftop
Lamont’s Bishops House
Swan Valley wineries
Your own backyard—yes, really!
Just make sure your chosen venue allows wedding ceremonies and gives you enough time for set-up, pack-down, and that all-important “Just Married” moment.
Step 4: Choose a Celebrant
Your celebrant will not only guide you through the legal process—they’ll also be the one standing beside you on the day, setting the tone for your entire ceremony.
When choosing a marriage celebrant in Perth, look for someone who:
Matches your vibe (fun? relaxed? romantic? totally chill?)
Offers transparent pricing
Helps with paperwork (NOIM, declaration, etc.)
Supports you with vow writing and ceremony planning
Can bring a PA system (so your nan can actually hear you!)
Make sure you book early—especially for peak seasons (spring and autumn in WA).
💡 Want to know more about celebrant pricing? Check out my guide: How Much Does a Wedding Celebrant Cost in Perth?
Step 5: Choose Your Wedding Vendors
Once your celebrant is locked in, it’s time to build your dream team!
Your vendors help bring the whole day together—from flowers and food to music, photos, and epic dancefloor moments. Popular wedding vendors in Perth often book out early (especially photographers and caterers), so it’s worth reaching out sooner rather than later.
Key vendors to consider:
Photographer/videographer
Florist
Music/entertainment (DJ, band, acoustic duo)
Hair and makeup
Catering and/or cake
Styling and hire items
Transport
Start by deciding what matters most to you, set your budget, and ask your celebrant or venue for trusted vendor recommendations. It’s always better to go with suppliers who know weddings and work well together.
Step 6: Plan Your Ceremony & Write Your Vows
Once you’ve got your celebrant, you’ll start planning the good stuff—your ceremony style, wording, and vows.
This is where you can really personalise the day:
Choose readings or rituals that reflect your relationship
Include cultural or family traditions
Write your own vows (need help? I’ve got a full vow writing guide for that!)
A good celebrant will walk you through it all, and help shape your ceremony into something that feels beautifully you.
Step 7: Arrange Witnesses & Finalise Paperwork
To legally marry in Australia, you’ll need two witnesses who are over 18 and present at the ceremony. They can be family, friends, or even strangers (yes, really—but hopefully someone who can spell your name right).
Your celebrant will also help you complete:
The Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage
Your marriage certificates (including the pretty one and the legal ones)
They’ll lodge everything after the ceremony with BDM WA.
Step 8: Hold a Rehearsal (Optional but Highly Recommended)
While not legally required, a wedding rehearsal can be a total game-changer—especially if you’re nervous, have a big wedding party, or want to iron out the “who stands where” logistics.
It’s a great chance to:
Test the PA system
Practice walking down the aisle
Calm those last-minute jitters
Most celebrants offer a rehearsal as part of their package or as an optional add-on.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Wedding Day
This is it—the moment you’ve planned for!
A few final tips:
Eat something beforehand and hydrate.
Take a breath before walking down the aisle
Soak up the moment—it goes fast!
Trust your team—you’ve got this.
And if you’ve chosen a celebrant who knows their stuff, the ceremony will feel effortless, heartfelt, and totally you.
Step 10: Apply for Your Marriage Certificate
After the wedding, your celebrant will submit all your signed documents to Births, Deaths and Marriages WA. Once your marriage is officially registered, you can apply for your official marriage certificate—this is the legal proof you’ll need for name changes, visas, and more.
🎯 Want a full guide on this? Check out my how to get your marriage certificate blog (because yes, there’s a bit of a process).
Final Thoughts on Getting Married in WA
From lodging your NOIM to choosing your venue, celebrant, and saying your vows—getting married in Perth is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. But with the right team (and a celebrant who’s got your back), it doesn’t have to be stressful.
You deserve a ceremony that’s easy, joyful, and feels like you.
Need help making the legal stuff feel simple and the ceremony feel magic?
Let’s chat about how to get married in Perth—without the stress. Get in touch here
