🙟 COVID-19 restrictions have eased. All weddings can now be performed throughout Australia.

🖊️ It is also now temporarily possible for me to witness the signing of your NOIM via videochat, Skype, Zoom, or other remote witnessing means.

There are several outdoor venues that are free to use, which will enable couples to maximise the possibilities of the current COVIDSafe settings.

• Couples are welcome to lodge their Notice of Intended Marriage remotely with me if:
  • they are feeling unwell,
  • they are in a hotspot,
  • if they are required to be in quarantine or isolation,
  • they are currently awaiting test results,
  • they are COVID-19 positive, or
  • they have been in contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 during the last month.
• Couples are welcome to lodge their Notice of Intended Marriage in person with me, on the strict understanding that:
  • if either of the parties has returned to Australia from overseas within the last 14 days, they have tested negative on a TGA-approved Rapid Antigen Test
  • neither of the parties has any COVID-19 symptoms
  • if either of the parties was required to self-isolate or be in quarantine, that period of self-isolation or quarantine has been completed as required
  • neither of the parties is currently required to self-isolate or be in quarantine
  • neither of the parties has been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 during the last 2 weeks
  • neither of the parties is awaiting test results from a COVID-19 test
  • neither of the parties is COVID-19 positive (ascertained via either PCR or Rapid Antigen Test)
  • the parties will be wearing masks, and
  • both parties are fully vaccinated and can demonstrate this with their vaccination certificates.
• 23 May 2022 – ⚠ Living with COVID-19. Restrictions have been dropped. COVID-19 is still prevalent in the community, but we have a high vaccination percentage in Victoria (and throughout Australia). To limit ongoing risks of infection, follow the suggestions listed in this COVIDSafe Gatherings page on the Victorian Government website.
  
• 6 January 2022 – ⚠ Changes to COVID-19 testing requirements. From 11:59 p.m., Thursday 6th January, Victorians who test positive to a rapid antigen test will be considered probable cases of COVID-19 and be subject to the same requirements as confirmed cases from a PCR test. They must report their result, isolate immediately for seven days and notify their contacts.
  A density quotient of one person per two square metres will apply to indoor entertainment and hospitality venues in Victoria (except cinemas and theatres) from this time.
  
• 15 December 2021 – ⚠ Statewide settings. From 11:59 p.m., Wednesday 15th December, restrictions across Victoria are lifted.
  No gatherings limits at your home or in public places (e.g. a park or a beach) will apply. It is strongly recommend that everyone with whom who you gather at your home or in a public place is fully vaccinated.
  Weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies can take place at places of worship with no capacity limits or density limits, with no requirement to check vaccination status. However, vaccination requirements apply if a wedding or funeral takes place in a venue that has vaccination requirements, such as hospitality settings, community facilities, or entertainment venues.
  Masks are required in limited settings indoors, but masks are recommended if you can’t physically distance, have any symptoms, or if you are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19.
• 16 June 2021 – ⚠ Easing of restrictions. From 11:59 p.m., Thursday 17th June, restrictions across Victoria changed.
  The 25km radius limit has been removed, and Melbournians can now travel as far as they wish within Victoria (including into regional Victoria, with a caveat relating to the snowfields). In metropolitan Melbourne, up to 2 visitors to the home per day are permitted, and in regional Victoria, the limit is 5 visitors. Masks must still be worn indoors. Public gatherings of up to 20 people outdoors are permitted in metropolitan Melbourne, and in regional Victoria, the limit is 50 people outdoors. Masks are no longer mandatory outside, although they are recommended if 1.5 metre social distancing cannot be maintained. Funerals are permitted with up to 75 mourners in metropolitan Melbourne, and with up to 100 mourners in regional Victoria. Weddings are now permitted with up to 20 guests throughout metropolitan Melbourne, or with up to 50 guests throughout regional Victoria.
• 12 February 2021 – ⚠ Circuit breaker action. From 11:59 Friday 12 February, restrictions across Victoria have changed.
  The 5km radius limit has been reimposed for the next five days. Private gatherings are not permitted, and public gatherings are also not permitted. Religious gatherings and services are not permitted. Funerals are permitted with up to 10 people only (and those necessary to conduct the funeral). Weddings are not permitted during the next five days, except for exceptional circumstances / end of life situations. (In such exceptional circumstances, only 5 persons - the couple, the two witnesses and the celebrant) are permitted.) Masks are mandatory for all indoor and outdoor settings except at home, unless an exemption applies.
• 3 February 2021 – ⚠ From 11:59 pm on 3rd February 2021, the maximum number of visitors to a household per day is reduced from 30 to 15. Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings can occur with no limits on the number of guests or attendees. To ensure people can keep 1.5 metres distance the venue must apply the two square metre rule. If a service is conducted in a private home, the private gathering limit applies (15 visitors).
  The following measures for persons attending a wedding are mandatory: for an indoor wedding, everyone present must wear a mask, social distancing of 1.5 metres must be practised, everyone must follow correct hand hygiene practice, and I must keep a record of names and contact details for everyone present.
• 31 December 2020 – ⚠ Additional restrictions in Victoria have been imposed in the wake of an outbreak suspected to be linked to NSW.
  From Thursday 31st December 2020 at 5:00 p.m. onwards, mandatory mask use for all indoor settings is re-imposed. If a wedding ceremony is conducted in a private home, the private gathering limit has been lowered to 30 (instead of 60). In other settings, weddings have no restriction on numbers throughout metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria. Venues must apply the two square metre rule.
  The following measures for persons attending a wedding are mandatory: for an indoor wedding, everyone present must wear a mask, social distancing of 1.5 metres must be practised, everyone must follow correct hand hygiene practice, and I must keep a record of names and contact details for everyone present.
• 6 December 2020 – Victoria has now moved to COVIDSafe Summer restrictions.
  From Sunday 6th December 2020 at 11:59 p.m. onwards, weddings will once more be permitted without a restriction on numbers throughout metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria. Venues do need to apply the two square metre rule.. If the ceremony is conducted in a private home, the private gathering limit applies (60 visitors).
  The following measures for persons attending a wedding are mandatory: for an indoor wedding, everyone present must wear a mask, social distancing of 1.5 metres must be practised, everyone must follow correct hand hygiene practice, and I must keep a record of names and contact details for everyone present.
• 27 September 2020 – Metropolitan Melbourne has more than achieved its roadmap targets for Step 2.
  From tonight at 11:59 p.m. onwards, weddings will once more be permitted throughout metropolitan Melbourne.
  The conditions under which weddings can be solemnised are that there can be no more than five people present (the couple, the two witnesses, and the celebrant), and the wedding must take place outdoors.
  Under Step 2, “stay at home” restrictions have been slightly eased throughout metropolitan Melbourne (Banyule, Hume, Moreland, Bayside, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula, Boroondara, Knox, Nillumbik, Brimbank, Manningham, Port Phillip, Cardinia, Maribyrnong, Stonnington, Casey, Maroondah, Whitehorse, Darebin, Melbourne, Whittlesea, Frankston, Melton, Wyndham, Glen Eira, Monash, Yarra, Greater Dandenong, Moonee Valley, Yarra Ranges, Hobsons Bay). The curfew for people living in metropolitan Melbourne will no longer be in force as of 5 a.m. tomorrow morning. However, fines for gatherings in breach of current restrictions are greatly increased, and the 5 km radius rule remains in place.
  The following measures for persons attending a wedding from 28th September are mandatory: everyone present must wear a mask, social distancing of 1.5 metres must be practised, the marriage is to take place outdoors, everyone must follow correct hand hygiene practice, and I must keep a record of names and contact details for everyone present.
• 7 September 2020 – Weddings anticipated to be permitted from 26th Octobber.
  Stage 4 “stay at home” restrictions currently remain in force throughout metropolitan Melbourne (Banyule, Hume, Moreland, Bayside, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula, Boroondara, Knox, Nillumbik, Brimbank, Manningham, Port Phillip, Cardinia, Maribyrnong, Stonnington, Casey, Maroondah, Whitehorse, Darebin, Melbourne, Whittlesea, Frankston, Melton, Wyndham, Glen Eira, Monash, Yarra, Greater Dandenong, Moonee Valley, Yarra Ranges, Hobsons Bay). The stay-at-home curfew for people living in metropolitan Melbourne (except for compassionate/medical/work reasons) between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. remains in place until 28th September, at which time it will be slightly eased to be between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  Weddings are currently (until 11:59 p.m. on 25th Octobber) still not be permitted within metropolitan Melbourne, except upon compassionate grounds.
  However, as part of Step 3, weddings in metropolitan Melbourne will be permitted from 26th Octobber onwards, with ten people present (including the couple, two witnesses and a celebrant).
  The following measures for persons attending a wedding from 26th Octobber are mandatory: everyone present must wear a mask, social distancing of 1.5 metres must be practised; everyone must follow correct hand hygiene practice, and I must keep a record of names and contact details for everyone present.
• 2 August 2020 – A State of Disaster has been declared in Victoria. In addition, Stage 4 “stay at home” restrictions now apply throughout metropolitan Melbourne (Banyule, Hume, Moreland, Bayside, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula, Boroondara, Knox, Nillumbik, Brimbank, Manningham, Port Phillip, Cardinia, Maribyrnong, Stonnington, Casey, Maroondah, Whitehorse, Darebin, Melbourne, Whittlesea, Frankston, Melton, Wyndham, Glen Eira, Monash, Yarra, Greater Dandenong, Moonee Valley, Yarra Ranges, Hobsons Bay). From 6 p.m. today (Sunday, 2nd August 2020), people living in metropolitan Melbourne will be under a curfew between 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., during which hours people must stay at home except for compassionate/medical/work reasons.
  Shopping for food and necessary supplies will only be allowed within 5 kilometres of home, or at the nearest available supermarket, and it will be limited to one person per household, once per day. Exercise will also be limited to within 5 kilometres of a resident's home and will be limited to once per day for a maximum of one hour.
  In additional, from 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday 5 July, weddings will not be permitted, except upon compassionate grounds.
  The State of Disaster will be in force until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, 13 September..
  The Shire of Mitchell remains under Stay at Home (stage 3) restrictions, and the rest of Victoria will move to the same Stay at Home (stage 3) restrictions from 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday 5 August (for practical purposes, this Thursday onwards).
• 19 July 2020 – From 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday 22 July, people living in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire and will now be required to wear a face covering when leaving home for one of the four reasons, following a concerning increase in coronavirus cases in recent days.
  Based on the latest advice from the Chief Health Officer, Victorians are being urged, just as you remember to take your keys when you leave the house, you need to remember to take something to cover your face – to help keep you and our community safe.
  To give people time to purchase or make a face covering, this new rule won’t be enforced until after 11.59pm on Wednesday 22 July – but for those who can, please start wearing yours immediately. The fine for not wearing a face covering will be $200.
  The State of Emergency will also be extended until 11:59 p.m. on 16 August 2020, allowing for the enforcement of this direction and other vital public health directions from the Chief Health Officer.
  Residents of metropolitan Melbourne and the Shire of Mitchell remain under Stay at Home (stage 3) restrictions.
  Weddings can still be conducted:
  • Weddings within metropolitan Melbourne and the Shire of Mitchell can be held with up to five people (the couple, two witnesses and a celebrant).
  • As per DHHS’s Updated Restrictions page, from 11:59 p.m. on 8 July, you may travel outside of Melbourne metropolitan area or the Shire of Mitchell to attend a wedding or funeral if you are getting married, or you are the celebrant, or one of the two witnesses. However, you cannot travel to a wedding outside of these restricted areas as a guest. DHHS also has further advice concerning weddings:
    “The Government has also been made aware of a number of people deliberately moving their weddings from Melbourne to regional Victoria in order to avoid restrictions. Directions will be updated to send a clear message: we are facing a pandemic and this is not the time for parties – this includes traveling to regional Victoria to attend one.”
  • Lodgement of the Notice of Intended Marriage can still be done. Wearing of a mask is mandatory.
• 9 July 2020 – From 5:00 p.m. on 9 July, residents of the North Melbourne residential towers at 9 Pampas Street and 159 Melrose Street transition to Stay at Home restrictions, and this also applies from 11:59 p.m. on 9 July for residents of four (4) Flemington residential towers (12 Holland Court, 120 Racecourse Road, 126 Racecourse Road, 130 Racecourse Road) and two (2) North Melbourne residential towers (12 Sutton Street, 76 Canning Street). For residents of the Melbourne metropolitan area and the Shire of Mitchell, Stay at Home (Stage 3) restrictions still apply.
  Hard lockdown still applies to residents of one (1) North Melbourne residential tower, at 33 Alfred Street. Its residents are required to stay in their homes at all times, until 11:59pm on Saturday 18 July 2020.
  For those under Stage Stay at Home restrictions: There are four reasons that people living within metropolitan Melbourne or the Shire of Mitchell can leave home:
  • Shopping for food or other essential items
  • To provide care giving, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment
  • For exercise (outdoor exercise only, with only one other person or members of your household)
  • Work or study, if you cannot work or study from home
  Additional restrictions have also been put in place:
  • Persons living within metropolitan Melbourne/the Shire of Mitchell cannot have visitors to your home except for caregiving or compassionate reasons or receiving services.
  • Persons living within metropolitan Melbourne/the Shire of Mitchell can no longer visit friends and family who live at another household, except to see their intimate partner, or for caregiving or compassionate reasons, or providing services.
  • The Chief Health Officer recommends that adults living in areas under Stage 3 restrictions wear a face mask when outside your home if it is difficult to keep 1.5 metres apart from other people.
  Weddings can still be conducted:
  • Weddings within metropolitan Melbourne and the Shire of Mitchell can be held with up to five people (the couple, two witnesses and a celebrant).
  • As per DHHS’s Updated Restrictions page, from 11:59 p.m. on 8 July, you may travel outside of Melbourne metropolitan area or the Shire of Mitchell to attend a wedding or funeral if you are getting married, or you are the celebrant, or one of the two witnesses. However, you cannot travel to a wedding outside of these restricted areas as a guest.
  • Lodgement of the Notice of Intended Marriage can still be done.
• 7 July 2020 – From 11.59 p.m. on Wednesday 8 July, for residents of the Melbourne metropolitan area and the Shire of Mitchell, Stay at Home (Stage 3) restrictions will apply. These restrictions are being applied because of the increasing numbers of COVID-19 and the heightened risk of transmission. There are currently 438 cases classes as community transmission. The reinstatement of these restrictions will be in place for the next six weeks.
  There are four reasons that people living within metropolitan Melbourne or the Shire of Mitchell can leave home:
  • Shopping for food or other essential items
  • To provide care giving, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment
  • For exercise (outdoor exercise only, with only one other person or members of your household)
  • Work or study, if you cannot work or study from home
  Additional restrictions have also been put in place:
  • Persons living within metropolitan Melbourne/the Shire of Mitchell cannot have visitors to your home except for caregiving or compassionate reasons or receiving services.
  • Persons living within metropolitan Melbourne/the Shire of Mitchell can no longer visit friends and family who live at another household, except to see their intimate partner, or for caregiving or compassionate reasons, or providing services.
  Weddings can still be conducted:
  • Weddings within metropolitan Melbourne and the Shire of Mitchell can be held with up to five people (the couple, two witnesses and a celebrant).
  • As per DHHS’s Updated Restrictions page, from 11:59 p.m. on 8 July, you may travel outside of Melbourne metropolitan area or the Shire of Mitchell to attend a wedding or funeral if you are getting married, or you are the celebrant, or one of the two witnesses. However, you cannot travel to a wedding outside of these restricted areas as a guest.
  • Lodgement of the Notice of Intended Marriage can still be done.
• 4 July 2020 – In line with advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, the Victorian Government has announced that a further two (2) Victorian postcodes will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions from 11.59pm on Saturday 4 July 2020.
  This decision was made in response to increasing evidence of significant community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) in these postcodes.
  The further 2 affected postcodes are:
  
  • 3031 (Flemington, Kensington)
  • 3051 (North Melbourne)
  “We know close personal contact has been the source of the spread of the virus. That’s why we need local residents to do the right thing: assume you may be infectious – and act accordingly.
  If you live outside these locations, there’s only four reasons to come in: shopping for food and supplies, care and caregiving, exercise, and study or work – if you can’t do it from home.
  Until that time, regular police patrols, both in these zones and outside them, will make sure people are abiding by the restrictions.
  Restrictions will be in place until at least 29 July, 2020.”
  See below for attendance restrictions: I live in a restricted postcode – can I attend a funeral or a wedding outside of my area?
  Hard Lockdown for residential tower residents:“A new outbreak has also been identified at the Flemington public housing apartments, with 12 cases now linked to the site. This includes nine residents and three extended family members from a separate household, with cases being notified and linked together by the department in recent days. [...] With two separate outbreaks in public housing towers the Victorian Government has announced new measures to slow the spread of the virus amongst these communities.
  Effective immediately the nine towers involved will be closed and residents will be required to stay in their homes at all times. This will be in place for at least five days [...]” (with a maximum of 14 days under this order).
  The affected residential towers are as follows:
  • Four (4) high-rise buildings in Flemington – 12 Holland Court, 120 Racecourse Road, 126 Racecourse Road and 130 Racecourse Road
  • Five (5) mid-rise and high-rise buildings in North Melbourne – 12 Sutton Street, 33 Alfred Street, 76 Canning Street, 159 Melrose Street and 9 Pampas Street.
• 1 July 2020 – Given the increasing numbers of coronavirus (COVID-19) in particular locations and the heightened risk of transmission, Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions will be applied to impacted areas (also known as Melbourne’s hot zones).
  From 1 July 2020 at 11:59 PM, residents in one of these restricted postcodes must follow Stay at Home Directions.
  • 3012 (Brooklyn, Kingsville, Maidstone, Tottenham, West Footscray)
  • 3021 (Albanvale, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans)
  • 3032 (Ascot Vale, Highpoint City, Maribyrnong, Travancore)
  • 3038 (Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Watergardens)
  • 3042 (Airport West, Keilor Park, Niddrie, Niddrie North)
  • 3046 (Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park)
  • 3047 (Broadmeadows, Dallas, Jacana)
  • 3055 (Brunswick South, Brunswick West, Moonee Vale, Moreland West)
  • 3060 (Fawkner)
  • 3064 (Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Mickelham, Roxburgh Park, Kalkallo)
  If you live in these locations, there will again only be four reasons to be out:
  • Shopping for food or other essential items
  • Work or study, if you cannot work or study from home
  • To provide care giving, for compassionate reasons or seek medical treatment
  • For exercise (outdoor exercise only, with only one other person or members of their household).
  Additional restrictions have also been put in place:
  • you cannot have visitors to your home except for caregiving or compassionate reasons or receiving services
  • you can no longer visit friends and family who live at another household, except for caregiving or compassionate reasons or providing services
  • you cannot travel except for one of the four reasons outlined above.
  For couples or guests in a hotzone: I live in a restricted postcode – can I attend a funeral or a wedding outside of my area?:
  “You should never attend a wedding or funeral if unwell. And if you are in a restricted postcode you should consider having a coronavirus (COVID-19) test before attending such an event, wear a mask and ensuring that you practice physical distancing at the event.”
  Weddings in a restricted postcode will be restricted to 5 people (the couple, two witnesses and the celebrant). You can travel to a wedding outside an impacted area.
  A wedding or funeral held in a private residence outside of a restricted postcode will be limited to five visitors, plus the celebrant. A list of names with contact phone number of everyone present is to be kept. It is strongly suggested that everyone present have the COVIDSafe app running on their phones.
  Note that Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended until 11.59 PM on 19 July 2020, and the current Restricted Activity Directions (No 10) came into force at 11:59 pm on 21 June 2020 and will remain in force until 12th of July.
  
• 20 June 2020 – Victoria will bring back tougher coronavirus restrictions to take effect from Sunday 21st June at 11:59 p.m., limiting gatherings in homes to five people, in a bid to address a recent increase in case numbers. Premier Daniel Andrews said Saturday’s case numbers were the highest they had been in two months, with 25 new cases identified overnight.
  “We’ve had cases of people gathering in large numbers at their home or another family members’ home or a close friend’s home, even though they had been told to isolate at their own home. We have even had people who have tested positive and have been told to go home and isolate, and instead they have gone to work... instead they have gone and visited loved ones... in large numbers.
  “We’ve had many stories, numerous stories, of families that have given [COVID-19] to each other and have then transmitted the virus to other families who in turn have passed it on to a third group. It is unacceptable that families anywhere in our state can, just because they want this to be over, pretend that it is. It is not over. [...]
  “It is pretty clear that, behind closed doors when one family comes together in large numbers and potentially goes and visits another family, they are not practising social distancing; they are not in a controlled environment. And then there is the circumstances I’ve alluded to where people are not following the health advice... Actual positive cases who, rather than quarantine at home, chose to act in a very different way,” Mr Andrews said.
  “I’m frustrated by it. I’m disappointed by it. Unless we can break this cycle... then we are going to see more and more of these cases.”
  Updated 21 June 2020: “Can I attend a wedding?: 20 people can attend a wedding in addition to the couple and the celebrant. Children are counted in the person limit. If a wedding is held in a home, the restrictions on private gatherings apply. This means that a maximum of five visitors are allowed in the private residence in addition to the members of the household. The celebrant, who is required for the service, is not included in the limit.”
  Attendees should maintain 1.5 metres physical distance between themselves and people they do not live with, practice good hand hygiene, and stay home if they feel unwell. A list of names with contact phone number of everyone present is to be kept. It is strongly suggested that everyone present have the COVIDSafe app running on their phones.
  Note that Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended until 11.59 PM on 19 July 2020, and the current Restricted Activity Directions (No 10) came into force at 11:59 pm on 21 June 2020 and will remain in force until 12th of July.
  
• 3rd June 2020 – As announced by the Victorian Premier, easing of restrictions is now in effect as of 11:59 p.m. on Sunday 31st May 2020.
  “Can I attend a wedding?: From 11:59pm on 31 May, 20 people can attend a wedding in person in addition to the couple, and the celebrant. Children are counted in the person limit.
  If a wedding is held in a home, the restrictions on private gatherings apply. This means up to 20 people, including the couple, are allowed. The celebrant, who is required for the service, is not included in the limit.”
  Social distancing still applies; guests must maintain a distance of 1.5 metres. Children are included in the total. A list of names with contact details of everyone present is to be kept. It is strongly suggested that everyone present have the COVIDSafe app running on their phones. Don’t let us be complacent; community transmission of COVID-19 is occurring in Victoria, and we owe it to ourselves, our loved ones, and the community in general (in particular vulnerable and especially susceptible at-risk people in the community) not to flout the rules under the current State of Emergency. As stated on the DHHS website, “176 cases have been acquired in Victoria where the source of infection is unknown.”
  Note that Victoria’s State of Emergency has been extended until 11.59 PM on 21 June 2020.
  “As we begin to settle into a new normal, our message is ‘stay safe’. That means continuing to maintain physical distance from others, take appropriate hygiene precautions, avoid crowds, stay home and get tested if you’re unwell.”
• 24th May 2020 – The Victorian Premier has announced further easing of restrictions which will take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday 31st May 2020. “Limits on our most significant ceremonies will be lifted, with up to 20 people allowed at weddings – plus the celebrant and couple”, which means that there can be a total of twenty-three (23) persons present at a wedding. Social distancing still applies; guests must maintain a distance of 1.5 metres. Children are included in the total. A list of names with contact details of everyone present is to be kept. It is strongly suggested that everyone present have the COVIDSafe app running on their phones.
  The Premier’s statement also says: “At the same time, we’re urging Victorians: In all your activities, be considered. Be cautious. Use your common sense. And if you don’t have to do it - don’t.”
• 11th May 2020 – Premier Daniel Andrews has announced the first step of easing restrictions in Victoria (but please note that we are still under a renewed State of Emergency). From 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday 12th May (and until 11:59pm on the 31st of May), the maximum number of people who can attend a wedding will be thirteen (13). That is, “For weddings, and under new arrangements to come into effect at 11.59pm on Tuesday 12 May, 10 people can attend in addition to the couple, and the celebrant.” (Please note that “Children are counted in the person limit.”) Social distancing must still be adhered to at such gatherings, and a list of names and contact details of those present would need to be kept to assist with contact tracing.
  Quoting from Premier Daniel Andrews:
  “Even as restrictions are gradually eased, it’s critical that you continue to keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others and you practise good hygiene. If you feel unwell, even if you have tested negative for coronavirus, it is vital you stay at home.”
  It is permissible for people to leave their homes to attend a wedding under “care and compassionate reasons”. As stated by the Department of Health and Human Services, it is specifically pointed out “You may leave your home [...] to get married, or be a witness or a guest at a wedding, noting that the maximum permitted number of people is 10 plus the celebrant and couple”.
• 8th May 2020 – Prime Minister Scott Morrison has now outlined a three-step plan agreed upon by the National Cabinet to move to a “COVID-safe economy” by July. While some states have announced a relaxation of some restrictions, including maximum number of people who can gather in public, at weddings, etc., the state of Victoria is still at Stage III restrictions. (The State of Emergency in Victoria has been extended until midnight 11 May 2020.) The Premier has stated that he will be announcing information about any changes on Monday (11th April) and throughout the week.
  Quoting from Premier Daniel Andrews:
  “Nothing changes today, nothing changes tomorrow, nothing changes Sunday. The rules remain in place [...] On Monday and throughout next week I will have a series of announcements to make about changes to the rules. It won’t mean the moment I announce something a change happens right then. Even at the end of next week, even at the end of May, there will still be rules in place. It’s not over. There’s a long way to go and we have to stay the course and not let our frustration get the better of us. [...] I know it’s frustrating. Now is not the time to become so frustrated and so complacent that we do the wrong thing. Otherwise we will be following some examples around the world that have been shown not to work and why would you copy something that doesn't work? [...] That’s why I think next week will be filled with lots of different announcements that are all cautious and careful, but I think will be welcomed by Victorians because they are based in science, they are based in the biggest testing protocol that our country has seen.”
  We have been reminded that Victoria has more community transmissions than other states (158), and there is a current outbreak cluster at a Melbourne abattoir, all of which means that Victoria must be more cautious than some other states.
  STAGE III RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN PLACE IN VICTORIA. Maximum number of people able to be present at a wedding remains five (5), comprising the celebrant, the couple, and the two witnesses.
• 30th March 2020 – Restrictions have now been tightened as a state of emergency has been declared in Victoria. We are now at Stage III restrictions. Included are the following:
  • Other than for weddings and funerals, gatherings (both indoor and outdoor) are now restricted to no more than two (2) people, except for members of your immediate household and for work or education.
  • The number of persons who can attend a wedding remains limited to five: that is, the celebrant, the couple being married, and the two witnesses. It’s important to note that Victoria Police have been given the power to issue on the spot fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and up to $9,913 for businesses who organise or attend a wedding that has more than these five persons present.
  • House parties are prohibited. There can be only one guest visiting a household at a time, or – if a family is split between two households – the households can meet at each other’s residences. Social distancing should still be maintained in any event.
  • Lodgement of the Notice of Intended Marriage can still be done.
  • Essential activites (shopping for essentials, medical care, exercise (with members of your household or with no more than one other person), and work or study if these can’t be done remotely) can still be done. The four square metre requirement per person rmust be complied with.
• 27th March 2020 – The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages have updated their advice as follows:
  • their Customer Service Centre at 595 Bourke Street Melbourne is closed until further notice;
  • their call centre is also closed;
  • the Victorian Registry is now closed until further notice;
  • applications for marriage certificates can still be made. Please note, though, that birth and death registrations and certificates will be prioritised.

  WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

  • Couples will not be able to be married at the Victorian Registry. However, you can still be married by me as an Authorised Marriage Celebrant, and marriages will continue to be registered during this period.
  • Couples can still apply online for their Registry-issued Standard Marriage Certificate, although (until further notice) your Certificate request will only be processed if it is a critical request. (I.E., both urgent and important). For such critical requests to the BDM, please use this email address.
• 25th March 2020 – The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages advises that
  • their Customer Service Centre at 595 Bourke Street Melbourne will close from Thursday 26th March until further notice;
  • their call centre remains open;
  • priority applications can still be made; and
  • certificates and registrations can still be made online.
• 24th March 2020 – Further restrictions (Stage II) announced by the Prime Minister. Included are the following:
  • The number of persons who can attend a wedding is now limited to five: that is, the celebrant, the couple being married, and the two witnesses.
  • Restaurants and cafes can only serve takeaway food. This will affect how the couple (with a very small group) can celebrate after the ceremony.
  • House parties with lots of guests are banned. It may soon be made an offence to have a house party. Small gatherings of a few – a very few – people can still occur. Quoting from the ABC’s coverage of the PM’s announcement:
    Mr Morrison said visits to homes, even with family, “should be kept to a minimum and with very small numbers of guests”. Additionally, he said “Barbecues of lots of friends or even extended family coming together to celebrate one-year-old birthday parties and all these sorts of things – we can’t do those things now.”
    This means that during this unsettling time, couples will need to get creative with ideas of how to share their special day with family members and friends who can’t be present at the marriage or at a get-together afterwards. Live-streaming, videos, Facetime calls, Skype – these are ways in which technology can help to bring loved ones together while still complying with the social distancing and isolation measures that are so necessary if we are to keep infections and bad health outcomes to a minimum.
• 23rd March 2020 – The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages will despatch Standard Marriage Certificates via Express Post options for couples who opt to have their Certificate sent by post rather than collect it in person.
• 22nd March 2020 – With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sweeping the globe, Australia has implemented certain measures to curtail the community transmission of COVID-19.
  • Everyone is currently advised to practise social distancing – 1.5 metres of distance between people.
  • We must not shake each other’s hands, nor hug.
  • Outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people are banned.
  • Non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people are banned.
  • There must be 4 square metres for each person (2 metres by 2 metres) for indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people. The PM gave an example that in a room of 100 square metres, there can be only up to 25 people. This will affect the number of guests at indoor weddings and at receptions.
  • With Stage I restrictions announced, many wedding venues may be affected. Clubs, pubs, sporting venues and places of worship were all included in the list of forced shutdowns. Please check that your wedding venue is still available in light of the new restrictions.
  • Schools remain open at this time. This may change (and probably will).
  • Overseas travel advice is “Do not travel”. This may affect couples’ honeymoon plans.
  • Anyone who meets the criteria for being tested with COVID-19 must self-isolate, even before receiving the test result. Additionally, anyone returning from overseas must self-isolate for 14 days. This will affect who can attend weddings, etc. It’s important for us all to act responsibly, not only for our own health, but the health of every fellow Australian.
  • The Northern Territory has closed its borders to interstate travellers.
  • People stripping the shelves of supermarkets, etc., have been told to “stop it”.
• 11th January 2018 – A new resource has been added to this website; for couples where the bride or the groom or both parties wish to change their name after marriage, this page provides information about the process, who to notify, and how to notify them.
• On 9th December 2017, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 came into effect. This Act amends the Marriage Act 1961 so that the legal definition of marriage in Australia has been changed. The new definition in Australian law is “the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life”.
  
  
  • The Notice of Intended Marriage has been changed as a result; please ensure that if you download the NOIM, it is the current version. The most current NOIM will always be available on the Attorney General’s website, and I always makes it a priority to ensure the latest and most current version of documents are available on this website. The NOIM checklist (designed to ensure that your NOIM is correctly filled out) is also updated to reflect the most current Notice of Intended Marriage. (If you notice any outdated links on this website, please don’t hesitate to contact me with the information.)
  • The new NOIM will require two additional pieces of information from the two parties: their description (groom, bride, or partner) and their sex (male, female, or indeterminate/intersex/unspecified).
  • Other documents have also been changed to reflect the changes in law. These include the Official Certificate of Marriage on whose reverse side is printed the Statutory Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage, and the Certificate of Marriage known as the “party certificate”. The Attorney General’s Department has advised me in writing that existing stock of the “party certificate” can continue to be used and that these certificates continue to be recognised as valid. Of course, once existing stock has been used up, future married couples will be given one of the the new “party certificates”.
  • The marriage ceremony must include the current legal definition of marriage in Australia; additionally, the minimum legal wording for the couple’s vows has been changed. This minimum legal wording now has the first party saying “I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [name of the first party] take thee, [name of the second party] to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband, or spouse)”, followed by the second party saying “I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [name of the second party] take thee, [name of the first party] to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband, or spouse)”; or words to that effect. The couple should not attempt to reword this minimum legal wording, as their Marriage Celebrant will be aware of what (very minimal) changes can be made in order to comply with the Act.