Australian law requires couples to give at least one month's notice before they can marry by lodging a Notice of Intended Marriage with their marriage celebrant.

In limited circumstances, it may be possible to apply for a shortening of time so that the marriage can take place before the one month notice period has expired.

A shortening of time is not approved by a marriage celebrant. Applications can only be approved by a prescribed authority, such as the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages or a Magistrates' Court.

What Is a Shortening of Time?

A shortening of time allows a couple to marry before the required one month notice period has passed.

The Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged before an application for a shortening of time can be considered.

A shortening of time is only granted in specific circumstances set out in Australian law and evidence must be provided to support the application.

The Five Prescribed Circumstances

A shortening of time may only be granted if one of the following circumstances applies.

1. Employment Related or Other Travel Commitments

A shortening of time may be considered where employment obligations or travel arrangements make it impractical to wait the full one month notice period.

Example: One partner has received a confirmed overseas work posting and must leave Australia before the one month notice period has expired.

2. Wedding or Celebration Arrangements

A shortening of time may be considered where significant wedding arrangements have already been made and the one month notice period was overlooked.

Example: A venue has been booked, suppliers have been engaged and invitations have been issued before the couple realised they had not lodged their Notice of Intended Marriage in time.

3. Medical Reasons

A shortening of time may be considered where a medical condition or health issue affects the timing of the marriage.

Example: One partner is facing major surgery or treatment and wishes to marry beforehand.

4. Legal Proceedings

A shortening of time may be considered where legal matters create a need for the marriage to take place sooner.

Example: One partner is facing a period of imprisonment and the couple wish to marry before that occurs.

5. Error in Giving Notice

A shortening of time may be considered where an administrative error has prevented the proper notice from being given.

Example: A couple believed their Notice of Intended Marriage had been lodged correctly, only to discover there had been an error that affected the notice period.

Important Information

A shortening of time is not automatically granted.

Each application is assessed on its own circumstances and supporting evidence is required.

The Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged first before an application can be considered.

A shortening of time cannot be granted simply because a couple would like to marry sooner or because family and friends have already made travel arrangements.

How I Can Help

As your marriage celebrant, I can prepare and lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage and explain the shortening of time process. If your circumstances may qualify, I can guide you through the next steps and explain what evidence may be required.

If you would like to discuss your situation, please get in touch.