Guide · Legal basics
Notice of Intended Marriage: timing for a Queensland wedding
Published October 2026 · Sean Harman
In Australia you must give your celebrant a Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month, and no more than 18 months, before your wedding. It applies to every legal wedding in Queensland, whether it is civil or religious, at a registry or at a venue.
How the one-month rule works
The date your celebrant receives your notice starts the clock. The earliest you can marry is one month after that date. For example, if your celebrant receives your notice on 1 March, the earliest wedding date is 1 April.
When you can lodge it
You can book your celebrant as early as you like, but the legal notice cannot be given more than 18 months before the wedding.
Who you give it to
You give the notice to the celebrant who will marry you, who must be authorised under the Marriage Act 1961. Signatures must be witnessed. A celebrant cannot waive the one-month period. A shorter notice period can only be approved by a prescribed authority, and only on specific grounds.
What it means for planning
- Book your celebrant early, then diarise your notice date.
- Do not leave your notice until the last fortnight.
- If you are marrying overseas or one of you is overseas, ask your celebrant how signatures can be witnessed.
The legal side is separate from your film, but both benefit from early planning. See when to book your wedding videographer. This is general information, not legal advice, so ask your celebrant for the details that apply to you.
