Separate Meetings to Sign the NOIM: What NSW Couples Need to Know Under the Marriage Act 1961

Great to have you here :)

Now, if you’re getting ready to tie the knot in New South Wales, there’s a bit of paperwork we’ll need to tackle first. Starting with the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM). This document is a legal must-have, letting me and the authorities know you’re officially on the path to marriage.

What’s the NOIM All About?

In a nutshell, the NOIM is a formal notice of your intention to marry. You’ll need to sign it at least one month (and up to 18 months) before the big day. It’s one of those “red tape” steps that keeps everything above board, ensuring your marriage is legally recognised. I make it quick and easy, guiding you through the process so you can focus on the fun stuff.

The New Requirement for Separate Meetings.

From 12th June 2024, a new rule kicks in under the Marriage Act 1961. All authorised celebrants are now required to ‘meet’ with each partner separately and in person before we conduct the ceremony. This means that before you say "I do," you will need to have a private ‘chat’ with me, covering a few essential legal details individually. I normally do this as part of our first meeting just in a separate room while the other completes the NOIM. The individual chat, is a way for me, well us to ensure both of you understand what marriage means legally and to answer any questions.

I’ll make the process smooth and fuss-free. I will walk you through the NOIM signing, double-check your documents, and handle the legalities.

The Takeaway:

The new rule might sound a bit formal, but it’s really just about making sure everyone’s on the same page.

Have more questions, or ready to get started? Reach out via the contact form and we’ll have a chat.

I’m looking forward to speaking with you :-)

Much love, Andy

On Top of the World - Getting married on the Sydney Harbour Bridge with Married by Andy

Harbour Bridge Climb certified celebrant for adventurous wedding ceremonies.

One of the best views in the city.

Here's an idea for you 💡 - Why not get married overlooking Sydney's iconic harbour, the Opera House AND be on top of the Harbour Bridge. You say it can't be done?!? Well, it can and I’ve done it. 🥳 

Here it goes - I had an overseas couple contact me to enquire re a relaxed wedding on a quiet beach. They wanted sand between their toes and asked for help finding a cute beach to do so in Sydney. Luckily there are many of those and, depending on the time of day, they can be secluded and quiet. I had a few ideas I brought to the table and we selected a beach for the ceremony. 

I've put together a list of tips & tricks, locations, hotels etc for overseas couples. Let me know if interested and I'll share this with you.

To give you some more background on the specifics of this particular ceremony, it was only the two of them (couple to be married) thus I had to organise the two witnesses, helped to find a photographer and other suppliers.

A few weeks later I got an email from the bride-to-be with the subject: “You must be brave now Andy - Are you afraid of heights?” I thought, ok, let me see what this is all about and opened the email.

The groom had a ‘crazy’ idea. Can we move the ceremony to the top of the harbour bridge, he was wondering?!? I was puzzled 🧐 - what about the secluded beach and sand between toes 🤓 I had to give them a quick call to see if I read this correctly, as the harbour bridge is a far stretch from a secluded/ lonely beach, haha but yes - the harbour bridge was the way to go.

What a view - the Sydney CBD (Circular Quay) from the top of the Harbour Bridge.

I was now happily tasked with finding out if this is at all possible, how much it’ll cost and anything else we had to consider. I love these kinds of weddings where it's a little (or a lot) outside the box and called up ‘Bridge Climb’ Sydney the next day. There were obviously many things to consider, but it was possible. 😃

We had to book a group of 14 places to have the time up on the bridge for a ceremony. There's a small space that is right in the middle of the arch up top to stand and have all people close together overlooking the harbour. We had to all be attached to the bridge (secured) at all times and there was a team with us to make sure all is safe and guide us up and down. It was super fun and a bucket list kinda experience.

I had to go by myself a few days beforehand to get certified and rehearse up top. I must confess I am afraid of heights, but the bridge climb team talked me through it all and professionally helped me combat this, and now I’m so used to it, it’s like my second home.

I’m a certified Bridge Climb celebrant now. Didn’t know this is a thing, but apparently it is. You’re in the best hands if you decide to get married on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. #adventurewedding

Since the couple had to book a group, we had a couple of places available so I checked with them and was allowed to bring a few friends to add to the party - and what a great ceremony it was. 🥰 

Look at all those smiles :)

On the day of the ceremony I was super excited, to say the least. We had to quickly practice how to exchange wedding rings on the the bridge, as no loose items can be taken up top. Once we put on the overalls, we had another quick briefing and off we went. 

It was such a special experience and just incredible to be up there and solemnise a marriage. Afterwards we all went to the Glenmoore to celebrate and share our experiences. What a day 🥳

What is your idea for your wedding? Let's make it happen 🥰 

Enjoy the photos and a happy New Year to you. 

Twilight climb facing towards North Sydney/ Western Sydney.

Sunrise over the Sydney Opera House.

Let’s do it again - MAFS 2020 & Married by Andy

What a feeling - when I got the call from the MASF team asking me to return to the show for the second time.

It was such great fun and always exciting to be on set. The location is absolutely stunning and the view OMG, the perfect place for any marriage ceremony.

There was however another guest at the wedding that wasn’t invited… I was the first to take his spot under the arbor and waited for a while before the groom walked in. I turned around to take in the view and heard something in the bushes. A diamond python emerged out of the scrubs to bathe in the sun right there near me. A beautiful creature that’s for sure.

I called the production manager over and a few more joined us to have a look. I think it was a little too much attention for the snake so it bugged off and we could start filming and bringing in the groom.

This time around I knew what to expect and was way less nervous compared to the last time.

Once the bride walked in oh yeah … well you gotta watch it for yourself on the 3rd of February. 😉

Looking forward to seeing it all unfold, hopefully a little less drama and more love. ♥️

everAfter Wedding magazine featuring my wedding ♥️

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Sometimes in life you are just lucky. Let me start with a little story that unfolded about two years ago. A good friend of mine, who’s been cutting my hair for ages now (the very talented Hair & Make-up artist Petr Vackar), called me saying he’d like to introduce me to a friend of his at the Marina in Elizabeth Bay for coffee. It was a beautiful Saturday morning. If you haven’t been to the Marina, you must go sometime. ☀️

It turns out it was Nicole, owner and Editor in Chief of the everAFTER wedding magazine. We got along like a house on fire and talked all things weddings and our passion for creating beautiful wedding moments and inspiring couples. It was such a beautiful encounter, it truly made my weekend (if not week hehe). Petr’s great mind and a little chance brought Nicole and I together a few months before my own wedding actually. Nicole had some great ideas to help us along the way as well, suggesting suppliers and the idea to feature us as everAFTER’s first Same-Sex couple, as Marriage Equality was just (finally!!!) legislated a few months before. So here it is - Enjoy. 🥳

Have a glimpse of what really was the ‘Best Day’ of my life (and the hubby’s of course). It all came together perfectly and despite the rain we had an amazing few days. Yes, we’ve opted for a three day extravaganza, pizza night on there Friday, Ceremony on Saturday and a relaxed brunch on Sunday. I hope you’ll find some inspiration, tips & tricks and ideas for your dream wedding in the feature.

Let me inspire you and make “Your Love Shine” on your wedding day. ♥️☀️You’re in good hands with Married by Andy so get in touch below.

I’m looking forward to getting to know you and your partner, and creating something very special for you both.

everAFTER - Everything you need to know when it comes to weddings in Australia and overseas. Current Issue 8 Winter 2019.

Congratulations to the Newlyweds 🥳

#MAFS - Married at First Sight featuring Married by Andy

“All I can say is it was a great experience and the excitement was palpable. My knees were pretty shaky as well haha I was almost as nervous as the groom. Ahhh I cannot wait to share the episode with you.”

At the beginning of the year I shared the above update with you regarding my upcoming feature as Marriage Celebrant on Australia’s most watched reality show!!! - Married at First Sight. 

I know many dispute watching MAFS but it really was the talk of town and many were all over it with divided opinions, talking updates, dramas, the she said, he said stuff that’s been fed to us by Channel 9 and the press. After all, it’s reality TV, it’s meant to keep you watching and wondering, it lives and thrives on drama and we never know if it’s all real or scripted or what’s really going on. Well, let me fill you in on my experience. 🤓

Initially MAFS found me via my Instagram ‘Married by Andy’. The castings were pretty fun, super exciting and I gave it my all and got chosen. When the season finally kicked off I was pretty excited to find ‘my couple’ and see where it’ll take them. During the promos when all couples were introduced, I could not find them and I was really distraught and confused as to where and when and IF ‘my couple’ would be in the show. Little did I know about the drama to come/ the ‘Intruder’ twist.  

Finally there they were - Susie & Billy 👰🤵🏻 - Episode 18 and adding another layer to the show. 

Married by Andy - Marriage Celebrant featured on Married at First Sight Australia #MAFS

I’ll never forget how nervous Billy was on the day you can really feel it in the video above as well. He was real cute actually and so relieved when Susie walked in. Well, she looked stunning to say the least, a beautiful, simple dress and a matching vail, just gorgeous. ☺️ She was super smily as well when she saw handsome Billy standing there. I did smile like crazy as well but yeah I don’t think she’ll remember me.

I’m super happy that MAFS showed a few bits of the ceremony, the vows, ring exchange, the kiss and I actually got a few lines on air as well - “Let’s take them across a threshold of life.” 🥳 

I really loved his vows and her’s were pretty funny too. Just real sweet and honest. I could feel Billy’s nervousness leave him when Susie was with him and they started flirting 🥰 and being real cute actually. We did the ring exchange and then the moment everyone was waiting for - the kiss. Well, have a look for yourself I think they did real well and were all smiles and laughter when walking back down the aisle.

It really was a great experience, thank you MAFS for having me. I loved being on set, seeing how the team worked like clockwork. The location, heritage-listed Lindesay House in Darling Point is just stunning with its amazing garden (perfect for wedding pictures), courtyard, views of the harbour, adjacent McKell Park, the beautiful interiors (Gothic Revival) are just perfect for a sophisticated wedding. Hit me up if you consider using Lindesay House for your wedding. 

What happened to Susie & Billy after the wedding? You’ll have to see for yourself and watch the recaps and the following episodes of MAFS online. There surely is many surprises in store. I did use the Channel 9 app 9NOW as it’s easy to use and you can watch it on your phone on the go. 

Happy for your comments below. Remember it’s reality TV 😉

Much love, Andy

Bit of a smirk lol - I should trademark my hair haha #bighaircelebrant 😂

What to ask your celebrant

I’ve been there. 🤗

Organising a wedding is a big deal and there’s so many little things to remember; To-do lists, excel sheets, maps, websites, endless conversations with your partner, ideas and dreams, expectations and the never ending debate over the guest list. 

When it comes to your celebrant, I think you really want someone who’s - a friend-ly, someone you ‘click’ with.🙃🤓 

For every wedding I’ve done, I wanted to be an extension of the couples network, a friend who knows why we are gathered here today and who understands you as a couple and as a person - a friend to celebrate your love. 🥰

Once you’ve booked your venue and have a date, you should contact your celebrant straight away as the good ones book out often more than a year in advance. To save yourself time, always ask these questions first -

• Are you available on DATE at TIME?  

• Can you travel to LOCATION?

Once the date/ location is discussed and your celebrant is free, that’s a tick off your list. 🥳

Now that the celebrant is all yours, be sure to ask plenty of questions and see if you ‘click’, if it feels right in your gut and you could be ‘friends’. Your celebrant is there to make your love shine and take care of the ceremony. She/ he will give you ideas and inspiration that should reflect who you are as a couple, and your celebrant will look after all legal aspects. Your celebrant should really take you by the hand and guide you through the processes etc. Don’t worry, it’s loads of fun!!! 🥳💃🥳

Here comes the bride…

10 Questions

• How many meetings are needed before the wedding and what paperwork is required, what do you need from us?

• Are you willing to travel, what are your fees and what do they include? 

• How long does the ceremony approximately take? 

• Do you provide all your own equipment? Is your speaker of good quality?  

• We want a personalised ceremony, how can you help us? Writing personal vows, do you help? 

• Do we require a rehearsal prior to the wedding? 

• What time will you arrive pre-ceremony and what will you be wearing on the day? 

• What happens if you are sick on the day? Do you have a cancellation policy? 

• Do you have a certain style to your ceremonies? 

• How long have you been a celebrant and how many have you concluded?

I normally discuss all the above on the first call and then set up the first face to face meeting. Here we can relax, chat and really get to know each other, talk all legal bits and pieces, the order of ceremony and anything else you’d like to include or discuss. 

I will bring the first form to fill in, the ‘NOIM’ (Notice of Intended Marriage) to complete and sign before me, which is your first legal paper towards your marriage. All we need is your passports and drivers licences. If you do not have your passport, please bring your birth certificate and your drivers licence. All I have to do is to establish your identity as well as consent to marry from the two of you - so lots of kissing from your end really... 😘😉

I hope this blog helps you finding your ‘friend’-ly celebrant. Well better contact me now and I’ll be your friend. 😊

Much love, Andy 

Cheers to the Newlyweds 🥂