One Month Notice to Marry
How the one calendar month notice rule works in Australia, when the NOIM clock starts, and what it means for your Perth marriage date.
Australian marriage law requires notice before a marriage can happen.
For most couples, that means your Notice of Intended Marriage must be received at least one calendar month before the marriage date.
The Important Part
The clock starts when the NOIM is received by your celebrant.
It does not start when you:
- think about getting married
- fill out the booking form
- pay the fee
- start preparing the NOIM
One Calendar Month, Not 30 Days
This is a calendar-month rule, not a 30-day rule.
Examples:
- if your NOIM is received on 15 March, the earliest normal marriage date is 15 April
- if your NOIM is received on 10 April, the earliest normal marriage date is 10 May
Can We Book Before the NOIM Is In?
Yes. You can start with the booking form, pay the fee, and then prepare the NOIM.
But we only confirm the final date, time, and place after we receive the paperwork and check availability.
Can the Notice Period Be Shortened?
Sometimes, but only if a prescribed authority approves a shortening of time.
That is not automatic and not something we can approve for you.
Best Way to Keep Things Moving
If you want the earliest lawful date:
- click Get Married
- prepare your NOIM straight away
- have it witnessed properly
- send it to us with your documents as soon as you can