Shortening of Time for Marriage in Australia: Your Urgent Guide

Northern Rivers Marriage Celebrant | Byron Bay, Ballina & Lismore

When you realise you need (or want) to get married quickly, the rules around the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) can feel confusing. The one-month waiting period is standard in Australia, but there are circumstances where you can apply for a “Shortening of Time”.

I’m a marriage celebrant based in the Northern Rivers, supporting couples across Byron Bay, Ballina, Lennox Head, Lismore, Ocean Shores, Yamba, and surrounds. I regularly assist couples with urgent lodgements and Shortening of Time applications. This page is designed to answer every question people ask, clearly and calmly, so you know exactly what to expect.

What is a Shortening of Time for Marriage?

A Shortening of Time is special approval that allows you to marry in less than the usual one-month notice period after lodging your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM).

  • It can only be approved by a Prescribed Authority, not a marriage celebrant.

  • It's the legal mechanism to waive the standard one-month cooling-off period.

Why does Australia have a one-month waiting period?

Australian law requires a minimum of one month between lodging the NOIM and your wedding. The idea is to ensure time for:

  • Identity checks

  • A cooling-off period

  • Administrative processing

The waiting period can only be shortened under specific, legally recognised circumstances.

Who can approve a Shortening of Time in the Northern Rivers?

Only a Prescribed Authority can approve a Shortening. This is typically:

  • A Registrar at the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages

  • A Magistrate

  • A specially appointed officer at certain Courts

Your celebrant cannot approve it. However, as an experienced Northern Rivers celebrant, I can prepare everything you need and guide you through the entire application process, ensuring it's correct the first time.

Accepted Reasons for a Shortening of Time

There are five legally recognised categories. You must meet one of these to be approved:

1. Employment-related or travel commitments

  • One party leaving Australia soon (e.g., military deployment, FIFO work).

  • New job with urgent relocation.

  • Visa or residency deadlines requiring immediate marriage.

2. Medical or compassionate circumstances

  • Serious or palliative illness involving either partner or a close family member.

  • Urgent need to formalise legal status for care planning.

3. Legal or administrative error

  • A previous celebrant failed to lodge the NOIM correctly.

  • Incorrect advice from a government department.

  • A genuine mistake that caused delays outside your control.

4. Wedding arrangements or commitments made before discovering the one-month rule

  • This is only applicable if you booked non-refundable arrangements (like flights or venues) before realising the legal notice period. Evidence is strictly required.

5. Other compelling reasons

  • A Prescribed Authority may use discretion for truly exceptional circumstances.

Is “we just want to get married quickly” a valid reason?

Unfortunately, no. You must have evidence that your situation meets one of the five categories above.

The Application Process: How I Help You Get Married Urgently

The process is straightforward, and I make it as easy as possible for Northern Rivers couples:

  1. Book Me: Secure me as your Northern Rivers celebrant.

  2. Prep & Sign NOIM: Complete my questionnaire and provide your ID. I prepare the full NOIM, and we meet to sign it.

  3. Celebrant Letter: I issue a Letter from Celebrant stating I am available to marry you on your chosen date.

  4. Lodge Application: You take the completed NOIM, my letter, and your supporting evidence to a Prescribed Authority (e.g., the court/registry).

  5. Approval: If approved, you return the stamped NOIM to me.

  6. Marriage: We can marry as soon as that same day!

What documents do we need to apply?

You will need:

  • Completed and signed NOIM.

  • ID for both parties.

  • Evidence of divorce / death of a previous spouse (if relevant).

  • Supporting evidence that fits one of the approved categories.

  • My letter confirming I am willing and available.

How quickly does approval take in the Northern Rivers area?

It depends on the Prescribed Authority, but urgent applications are often processed quickly.

It depends on the Prescribed Authority. In the Northern Rivers:

  • Ballina Court: Same day

  • Lismore Court: Same day

  • Byron Bay: Varies; usually fast

  • Tweed Heads Court: Same day

  • NSW Registry (online): Usually within 24–48 hours

I will help you choose the fastest option based on where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we get married without a ceremony if we’re in a hurry?

Yes. You can choose a legals-only signing, which includes:

  • Minimum legal wording.

  • Two witnesses (over 18).

  • Signing of all required documents.

  • Immediate registration.

    This is ideal for couples facing critical deadlines.

Does a Shortening affect the legality of our marriage?

Absolutely not. Your marriage is fully legal and recognised like any other wedding. Shortening simply allows the wedding to happen sooner.

Can international couples or couples with one partner overseas apply?

Yes. Your residency or visa status does not affect eligibility. I regularly guide couples through the process of signing the NOIM separately or having it witnessed overseas.

Does a Shortening cost extra?

Yes. Prescribed Authorities often charge a separate fee (usually between $60–$90). My celebrant fee remains the same for urgent applications unless travel or out-of-hours arrangements are required.

Which Northern Rivers locations do you service?

I support couples across the entire Northern Rivers region, including the following key areas:

  • Byron Bay

  • Ballina

  • Lismore

  • Lennox Head

  • Ocean Shores

  • Bangalow

  • Yamba

  • Evans Head

Need to Get Married Urgently? I Can Help.

If you need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage urgently or apply for a Shortening of Time in the Northern Rivers region, I can guide you every step of the way. I regularly complete NOIM lodgements and Shortening applications within 24 hours.

I make the process simple, calm, and stress-free. Whether you need a beautiful ceremony or a legals-only signing, I’ve got you covered.

Get in touch and I’ll help you get everything underway today.