How to register a marriage solemnised in NSW
NSW based celebrants
If you are an interstate-based celebrant, please read the information below.
Register via eRegistry
This quickest way to register a marriage is by using our online eRegistry portal.
Note: eRegistry is for celebrants only.
Follow the steps below to register for or log-in to an existing account.
Verify you are a celebrant
If you do not have an eRegistry account, you will first need to complete our online form to verify your status as a marriage celebrant before you can register.
Register for an account
Once your status has been verified, you will receive an email from our team with instructions on how to register for an account.
Log-in to your account
Once you have an account, or if you are an existing user, you can log-in to your eRegistry account.
In eRegistry you can:
- attach scanned copies of marriage documents direct to eRegistry, rather than sending by post
- enter the couple's details once and easily print all required documentation direct from the portal
- order official marriage certificates at the same time, for faster delivery
- stay up to date with Registry news and helpful resources for celebrants.
Checklist for marriage documents
Ensure you have the right documents for registering your couple's marriage with our simple checklist.
How do I enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on my eRegistry account
The Registry now requires multi-factor authentication to be enabled on your eRegistry account.
For detailed instructions and video tutorials on how to enable MFA on your account, please visit our webpage.
How do I apply for a marriage certificate on behalf of a couple
Celebrants may apply for certificates on behalf of the couple after they perform the ceremony. This must be done within two months from the date of the ceremony and two months from the date of submission in eRegistry.
To apply for a marriage certificate:
- order online when using eRegistry online portal
- mail the application form and fee to the Registry along with marriage paperwork to be lodged for registration.
Do I need to post the marriage documents to the Registry
If you are submitting the marriage registration via eRegistry, you do not need to post the marriage documents to us. The documents must be scanned and attached to the notification in eRegistry prior to being submitted online.
If you submit the record before you add the documents, or you cannot attach them, you must post or email the documents to us.
How do I correct an error after submitting the marriage registration
As the celebrant, you can apply for a correction on behalf of the couple within 60 days of the marriage registration.
Complete the application to correct an entry by marriage celebrants form (PDF 127.07KB) and submit it by email.
If more than two months have passed, or if the couple want to handle the correction, they will need to complete a correct an entry form.
The amendments team will process the request. For current processing times, please check our website.
I have ordered the marriage certificate, but the couple has not received it. Can I check the status
For current processing times, please check our website.
If you've ordered a marriage certificate but the couple hasn't received it, you can track delivery using the ‘Certificate Tracker’ in eRegistry. This will show the Australia Post tracking number if the certificate has been posted.
The certificate is sent by Registered Post and must be signed for upon delivery. To avoid delays, double-check the postal address when ordering the certificate for the couple.
I need advice on the Marriage Act 1961
The Registry cannot provide marriage celebrants with advice on application of the Marriage Act 1961.
For information on your responsibilities as a Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrant, please visit the Attorney General's department.
How do I apply for a shortening of time with the Registry
If the minimum one month’s notice to get married has not been provided, a marriage celebrant needs authorisation to solemnise the marriage by applying for a shortening of time.
The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages is a prescribed authority that can approve these requests. You can also apply to a NSW prescribed authority listed at the Attorney General’s Department.
To apply with the NSW Registry, the celebrant or the couple can email bdm-marriages-syd@customerservice.nsw.gov.au, with:
- a letter from the couple asking for a shortening of time including:
- full names of both parties to the marriage
- the intended date of the ceremony
- the reason why the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) was not lodged earlier or why the ceremony cannot be delayed
- a signed and completed Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) lodged with an authorised celebrant
- a written statement from the celebrant including their full name, phone number, email address, and registration number
- evidence showing why the wedding needs to be held earlier (such as plane tickets, employment letters with commencement dates, receipts, letters from medical specialists).
The Registry aims to finalise requests within 2 business days. Your request may be rejected or delayed if you don’t supply sufficient evidence.
eRegistry video tutorials
eRegistry: Creating and Saving module
How to create and save.
eRegistry: Viewing, editing and deleting module
How to view, edit and delete.
eRegistry: Printing a document module
How to print a document.
eRegistry: Adding a document module
How to add a document.
eRegsitry: Submitting your notification
How to submit your notification.
eRegistry: How to create and submit a commemorative package
How to create and submit a commemorative package.
eRegistry: How to make a payment for an existing transaction
How to make a payment for an existing transaction.