Micro weddings

A micro wedding performed by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages takes care of the planning and legal requirements for you. It also gives you the option to add extras such as flowers, photography and reception packages. 

Learn more about what’s included in a micro wedding.

On this page, you'll find all the steps you need to book and have a micro wedding. 

You need to book a marriage interview and submit a notice of intended marriage form at least 1 month before you intend to marry.

Choose a wedding venue

Micro weddings are held on a specific date at scenic one-off locations, so the venues change throughout the year.

Up to 35 people can attend a micro wedding, depending on the specific venue.

The cost of a micro wedding will depend on the venue and the optional extras you choose to include in your package. It includes:

• the fee to submit your notice of intended marriage
• the ceremony and celebrant
• professional ceremony styling for most venues
• a standard official marriage certificate, which is posted to you after the ceremony
• a commemorative marriage certificate

You can also choose to include extras such as:

• photography
• flowers
• food and beverage packages to enjoy with your guests after the ceremony

You can pay for the wedding either during or directly after the marriage interview, when you book the date and venue.

Learn more about micro wedding venues.

Book and attend a marriage interview

You'll have to book a marriage interview if you plan to have a micro wedding. Do this at least 1 month before the marriage. 

Interviews are currently held over the phone. Both of you will need to be there for the interview.

You can submit the marriage documents at the time of the interview.

The marriage officer will process the paperwork and help you plan the details of the wedding ceremony.

Prepare the marriage documents

For your interview, you’ll need to submit:

• a completed application for a registry wedding form (PDF 631.08KB)
• a completed notice of intended marriage form (PDF 883.06KB)
• an official birth certificate or passport 
• other current photo ID, if passport not provided

If either person has been previously married, you’ll have to show proof that the marriage has ended, such as a:

• divorce certificate, if divorced
• death certificate, if widowed

If one of you is aged between 16 and 18, you will need to provide proof that you have the appropriate permissions for the marriage.

Completing the notice of intended marriage form

Submit the notice of intended marriage to your celebrant at least 1 month before the date you plan to marry. It’s valid for 18 months.

On the form you should generally use the name that:

• is on your birth certificate, or
• the name that is on your change of name certificate, if you have changed your name

If you’ve already changed your surname from a previous marriage:

• use that name on the form, if you’ve kept your previous spouse’s surname
• use your original name on the form, if you’ve reverted back to it and have proof of that name, such as photo identification

Talk to your celebrant if there’s a reason that you cannot use the name on either of these documents.

Arrange for witnesses

You are legally required to have at least 2 guests at your wedding to witness and sign the marriage certificate. 

If possible, you should know the witnesses, as their evidence can be used to:

• establish the identity of the couple who were married
• testify to the circumstances in which the ceremony was performed

Your witnesses need to:

• be 18 years or older
• speak and understand English

Arrange for an interpreter

All wedding ceremonies are conducted in English. 

You’ll need to arrange for an interpreter to be at your wedding if you, your partner or either of your witnesses do not speak or understand English fluently. 

An interpreter can be either:

• an accredited interpreter, or
• someone who is fluent in both languages and is not one of the people getting married

Interpreters need to sign a certificate of faithful performance by interpreter form that includes:

• a statutory declaration that they are fluent in the relevant language
• a certificate of faithful performance of their services

Both signatures will have to be witnessed by the celebrant.

Download the certificate of faithful performance by interpreter form at the Attorney-General’s Department.

What happens on the day

You'll receive confirmation of all the details before the wedding date, including:

• maximum number of guests
• what to bring with you on the day
• when to arrive
• check-in point
• parking
• information on any optional extras

The wedding ceremony takes around 20 minutes, followed by the post-ceremony celebration.

Before the marriage ceremony, your celebrant will ask both of you to sign a declaration that there are no legal reasons preventing you from getting married. 

They will also need to see your original notice of intended marriage form and identity documents.

During the ceremony:

• your celebrant will say certain words required by law that make the marriage legal
• vows are exchanged and you may also exchange wedding rings 
• you, your celebrant, and your witnesses will sign 3 copies of the ceremonial certificate and official certificate of marriage. You'll receive your ceremonial certificate on the day

Your celebrant will then register the marriage for you with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.

If you need to cancel your wedding booking

You can get a refund on the ceremony fee if you cancel 45 days or more before the wedding date. The cost of the notice of intended marriage form is not refundable. Learn more about the refund policy (PDF 335.77KB). 

If you need to cancel the booking, email the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages or call them on 02 6885 9339 to be guided through the process. You will need to quote your marriage interview reference number.