How to Get Married in Tasmania
Thinking about tying the knot in Tassie? You’re in the right place. From big weddings to tiny elopements (or even a simple paperwork signing), there are a few different ways to get married in Tasmania….. and each has its own vibe.
As a Hobart-based marriage celebrant, I’ve helped couples do all of the above, so let’s break down how it all works.
The Legal Basics
No matter which way you get married, a classic wedding, elopement, or legals-only ceremony - the legal side is the same Australia-wide.
Here’s the quick version:
Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding (and no more than 18 months in advance).
You’ll need proof of date and place of birth (a birth certificate or passport) and photo ID (passport, driver licence, or proof of age card).
If you’ve been married before, bring your divorce or the death certificate of your spouse.
Two witnesses must be present at your ceremony, whether it’s a big wedding or an intimate signing.
💡 Tip: If you have a passport, that covers both your proof of birth and photo ID in one go.
Once those details are sorted, the rest is about choosing how you want to celebrate….. and that’s where the fun begins.
The Legal Must-Haves (A Quick Checklist)
To be legally married in Australia, you must:
Not already be married to someone else.
Not be closely related (no marrying your sibling, parent, grandparent, child, or grandchild).
Be at least 18 years old (unless a court has approved a marriage where one person is 16–18).
Understand what marriage means and freely consent to it.
Use specific legal words during your ceremony.
Lodge your NOIM with your celebrant at least one month before the big day.
No matter how relaxed or formal your ceremony is, these are the non-negotiables:
Your celebrant must say the Monitum - a short legal statement about the meaning of marriage in Australia.
You both must say the minimum legal vows to each other.
Two witnesses (over 18) must be present and able to hear and understand your vows.
The legal paperwork must be signed and lodged correctly.
Video Credit: Special Day Content
What’s Said on the Day
Every ceremony includes a couple of key lines to make it official:
The Monitum - this is where I remind everyone that marriage in Australia is “the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life…..”
The Minimum Legal Vows — each of you must say something like:
“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [Name], take thee, [Name], to be my lawful wedded (spouse/partner/etc).”
Don’t stress….. I’ll guide you through it and help tweak the wording, so it still feels like you (and legal).
The Classic Wedding Ceremony (Tasmania-Style)
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day with all your favourite people, this is the classic way to go.
I take care of the legal side and set the tone for your ceremony….. relaxed, light-hearted, and full of meaning.
Here’s how it works:
We lodge your NOIM at least one month before.
We work together to create a ceremony that sounds and feels like you.
On the day, I take the lead so you can just enjoy the moment.
Some couples also book me as their MC for the after-party, so I can keep things flowing while you focus on dancing, eating cake, and clinking glasses.
One seamless flow from ceremony to celebration.
👉 Find out more about my Weddings
Elope in Tasmania
Eloping has become one of my favourite parts of what I do.
A Tasmanian elopement is intimate, personal, and stress-free….. typically just the two of you (and two witnesses). Want to include a few family or friends? Think of this as your modern elopement or micro wedding.
If it’s just the two of you, your photographer can often act as a witness, and if not, I can help organise witnesses for you. And if you’re keeping it top secret, don’t worry….. I’m your best secret keeper!
Here’s how it works:
The legal side is exactly the same — your NOIM still needs to be lodged at least one month before.
I’ll create a simple and meaningful elopement ceremony that celebrates the two of you.
Want photos, flowers, other little extras or a Stroll and Snap little number around Hobart? I can help organise that too.
Legals-Only Ceremony in Tasmania
Sometimes, all you want (or need) is the paperwork.
A legals-only ceremony is the quickest, simplest way to get married in Tasmania. It’s perfect if you’re planning a symbolic wedding overseas, keeping things private, or just don’t want any fuss.
Some people call this a “registry office wedding” or “courthouse wedding,” but here’s the twist….. Tasmania is the only state where the Births, Deaths and Marriages office doesn’t perform marriages. That’s where I come in….. you’ll need a celebrant (that’s me!) to make it official.
Here’s what it looks like:
We meet somewhere- a café, bar, my office, a park bench, yourhome….. you name it.
You (and I) say the minimum legal words, sign the papers, and you’re married.
Short, sweet, and oh-so-official.
If you don’t have witnesses, I can easily arrange them for you.
Image Credit: Fred & Hannah
Why Get Married in Tasmania?
Apart from the obvious (Tassie is stunning), weddings here just feel different….. relaxed, personal, and full of character.
Whether it’s a vineyard (we have loads), a clifftop on the East Coast, a forest clearing, a waterfall backdrop, or a tucked-away Hobart heritage spot, Tassie weddings have their own charm.
And if your guests are travelling, you’ve just given them the perfect excuse for a Tasmanian holiday.
Ready to Make It Happen?
Whether you’re after a full wedding ceremony, a Tasmanian elopement, or a simple legals-only marriage, I’d love to help make it easy, relaxed, and a little bit fun along the way.