Wedding Vows in a Registry Office

When most people think about getting married in a registry office, they often picture the classic “I do” exchange portrayed in films and TV. But if you’re planning a registry wedding in Australia, you might be surprised to learn that the law works quite differently here.

Unlike many other countries, Australian marriage law gives you considerable freedom in how you express your commitment, while still requiring certain elements to make it legal.

The legal foundation: Marriage Act 1961

The Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961 sets out exactly what needs to happen to make your marriage legal, whether you’re in a registry office or any other venue with a celebrant.

After giving at least one month’s notice, your ceremony can take place. At this point, certain words must be spoken - but they’re not what most people expect.

What your celebrant must say

In any civil ceremony (including registry weddings), your celebrant must first say:

I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law.

They then need to remind you what marriage means legally:

Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

This monitum (Latin for “warning”) establishes the legal framework for what follows. Interestingly, the Act includes the phrase “or words to that effect,” giving celebrants some creative flexibility while maintaining the legal meaning.

The minimum legal vows YOU must say

Here’s where Australia differs significantly from many countries: there is no required “I do” question and response. Instead, each of you must say (or repeat after the celebrant):

I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [your full name], take thee, [partner’s full name], to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse.

That’s it - just these twenty words (give or take) breathe your marriage into legal existence. The Act again includes “or words to that effect,” allowing some personalisation while keeping the legal intent intact.

What about “I do”?

The Guidelines to the Marriage Act specifically addresses this common misconception:

A ‘question and answer’ form of the vows is not contemplated by the Marriage Act for non-religious marriage ceremonies. It should not be used as a substitute for the couple stating the vows set out in the Act.

This means if you really want the “I do” moment, it needs to be in addition to the required legal vows, not instead of them. In my ceremonies, unless specifically requested, we typically skip the “I do” exchange as it’s not legally necessary and often feels like repeating ourselves.

Can I add personal vows?

Absolutely! While the guidelines suggest placing personal vows after the legal requirements (to avoid confusion), the law doesn’t mandate this order. Your personal vows can be as creative, meaningful, or unconventional as you like - they’re the perfect opportunity to express your unique commitment in your own words.

Many couples I’ve married have written beautiful, heartfelt personal vows that truly capture their relationship, while still incorporating the required legal elements seamlessly into the ceremony.

Making your registry office wedding personal

Even in the most straightforward registry office paperwork-only ceremony, your marriage vows can still be deeply personal. The legal requirements are minimal, serving as a foundation upon which you can build a ceremony that truly reflects your relationship.

Whether you choose to keep it simple with just the legal wording or add your own promises, what matters is that your ceremony feels authentic to you both as you begin this new chapter together.

After all, marriage isn’t just a legal status - it’s the bedrock of family, community, and society itself. Your vows, however simple or elaborate, mark the beginning of something truly transformative.

Looking for a marriage registry office near you?

I reccomend the:

• Hobart Marriage Office
• Sydney Marriage Office
• Brisbane City Celebrants marriage office
• Newcastle Marriage Office
• Melbourne Marriage Office