Who Can Get Married in Darwin?

Who Can Get Married in Darwin?

Basic Requirements

To get married in Darwin, you must:

be at least 18 years old unless a court has approved the marriage
not already be married
not be marrying a prohibited relative
understand what marriage means
freely consent to the marriage
lodge notice at least one month before
have two adult witnesses present at the ceremony

Age Requirements

Adults aged 18 and over

Can marry without court approval
Must provide acceptable identity and birth evidence

A person aged 16 or 17

Can only marry in very limited circumstances
Needs a court order
Needs parental consent
Cannot proceed casually or quickly

Under 16

Cannot marry in Australia

Citizenship and Residency

You can get married in Darwin whether you are:

an Australian citizen
a permanent resident
a tourist or visitor
on a student visa
on another temporary visa
living overseas and planning to marry in Australia

There is no general Australian citizenship or residency requirement for marriage.

Who Cannot Get Married

Marriage is not permitted if:

either person is already married
the couple are within a prohibited family relationship
a party cannot freely consent
the required legal documents are not provided
the notice period has not been observed, unless shortened lawfully

Previous Marriage

If previously married, you must show that the earlier marriage has ended:

divorce order, or
death certificate of former spouse

International Couples

International couples can get married in Darwin if:

they meet the same legal requirements as everyone else
the documents are acceptable
any necessary translations are provided
the one-month notice rules are satisfied

Read more at International weddings.

Same-Sex Marriage

Marriage is open to couples regardless of sex or gender
The legal requirements are the same for all couples
The legal recognition is the same for all couples

Location Requirements

You can get married:

in Darwin
in Palmerston
elsewhere in the Northern Territory
in any suitable venue or private location
subject to celebrant availability and lawful ceremony requirements