Strawberry Umbrella Marriage Consultants

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs, The Process, Requirements & More

How does it all work?
Book

Choose a date, a ceremony time and location using the easy online portal. Once you have paid the $410 fee you will receive a welcome email containing information on the first element of legal paperwork – the Notice of Intended Marriage (also known as a NOIM), with instructions on how to complete it.

Paperwork
  1. Complete the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), ensuring it is witnessed by one of the recognised authorities (**see below), then scan and send it back to Strawberry Umbrella. This must be completed at least 35 days before your booked ceremony date. This is to comply with current Australian legislation (NOIM must be lodged a month before the ceremony) as well as allowing Strawberry Umbrella some administration processing time. It is your responsibilty to ensure Strawberry Umbrella receives your NOIM at least 35 days before your wedding date.
  2. Additionally, you will need to scan and send us a copy or a photograph of your ID to prove that you exist and what your date and place of birth was – we will need this for each of you.For most people this can be a passport or an official birth certificate, showing the date and place of birth of each party – and they can be Australian or international.In certain circumstances, other documents such as an official extract of an entry in an official register, or a statutory declaration can be used. This must be completed by the party or a parent of the party stating that, for reasons specified in the declaration, it is impracticable to obtain such a certificate or extract and stating, to the best of the declarant’s knowledge and belief and as accurately as the declarant has been able to ascertain, when and where the party was born.The following documents cannot be accepted as identification;
    • a faxed/photocopy of an original birth certificate or extract
    • a certified copy of an original document
    • an Australian citizenship certificate
  3. We will also need proof of identification; this can be a passport, a driver’s licence, a proof of age/photo ID card, a birth certificate or an Australian citizenship certificate along with another form of photo ID. Once you have submitted your completed NOIM, you then need to select your preferred ceremony and advise us via email so we can get prepared for your big day!


    Unless all of the legal paperwork requirements are met, as detailed above, Strawberry Umbrella     cannot marry you. In such an instance, where the paperwork has not been sent in time for your booked date, please be aware that Strawberry Umbrella reserves the right to cancel your booking, retaining any fee you have paid.

Ceremony

Turn up at least 10 minutes before your selected start time of your ceremony and remember to bring your original chosen ID with you as it will need to be checked in person by the celebrant. There is a small amount of paperwork to be completed before the ceremony, known as the Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage, and once that is all done, it is time to say your ‘I Do’s’! At the end of the ceremony, the rest of the legal paperwork will be signed by yourselves, your two witnesses and the celebrant officiating the wedding.

Celebrate

Head off to your wedding day celebrations knowing that we will be sending off all of the paperwork on your behalf to register your wedding with the authorities!

We will then be in touch a few days later with a follow up email, giving you the link to apply for your official marriage certificate that will allow you to change your name. We will also send you a handy tips sheet on where you will need to change your name if you are doing so.

 

** You can get your NOIM witnessed by the following people;

  • a justice of the peace
  • a barrister or solicitor
  • a legally qualified medical practitioner
  • a member of the Australian Federal Police or the police force of a State or Territory.

If you are overseas and cannot be back in Australia before the due date of the NOIM, it can be completed and witnessed overseas under the watchful eye of one of the following authorities;

  • an Australian Diplomatic Officer
  • an Australian Consular Officer
  • a notary public
  • an employee of the Commonwealth authorized under paragraph 3(c) of the Consular Fees Act 1955
  • an employee of the Australian Trade Commission authorised under paragraph 3(d) of the Consular Fees Act 1955.
What are the legal requirements to get married in Australia?

Age – You must be over the age of 18 or if you are aged between 16 and 18, or the person you want to marry is aged between 16 and 18, you can apply to the Family Court or Magistrates Court to get married. A Court will only allow you to get married if you can prove that there are unusual or exceptional circumstances.

Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) – Must be completed and lodged with Strawberry Umbrella at least 35 DAYS clear of the chosen ceremony date; this is to comply with current Australian legislation (NOIM must be lodged a month before the ceremony) as well as allowing Strawberry Umbrella some administration processing time.

Generally, the NOIM will be signed by both parties being married, and witnessed at the same time. The marriage act does allow for one party to sign before the due date as long as the second party can sign before the marriage is solemnised. The NOIM must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to Strawberry Umbrella 35 days before the wedding.

This allows for interstate, FIFO workers or overseas partners to be married.

Shortening of time – In exceptional circumstances, you may be awarded a shortening of time which allows you to get married with less than a month’s notice. The five circumstances are;

  • employment related or other travel commitments
  • wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious considerations
  • medical reasons
  • legal proceedings
  • error in giving notice

The onus is on you, the couple to apply for the shortening of time. Go to a Prescribed Authority (normally your local courthouse) to request a Shortening – take the signed and witnessed Notice of Intended Marriage with you, so that the Notice can be signed as approved by the Prescribed Authority. You must return the signed Notice of Intended Marriage to Strawberry Umbrella.

Proof you are not already validly married – if you have been married previously, you will need to provide evidence of death, nullity or dissolution of the marriage to Strawberry Umbrella (scan or send a photo of a copy to us at the time of booking) and bring the original to the celebrant on the day of the ceremony so that it can be checked

ID requirements – As previously mentioned, you must provide two forms of ID for each person, which can be in the form of a passport, birth certificate, driver’s licence or other photo ID. You must also be able to prove your name, date and place of birth.

Documents must be in English – If your ID documents, or other documents needed (for example divorce paperwork) are in another language, they must be translated into English using a NAATI accredited translator https://www.naati.com.au/ and must be done at your own expense.

Must not be in a prohibited relationship – you must not be marrying a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or sister. Marriages of parties within a prohibited relationship are marriages: (a) between a person and an ancestor or descendant of the person; or. (b) between a brother and a sister (whether of the whole blood or the half-blood or adopted)

Must provide two witnesses – They have to be over the age of 18, have been present at the ceremony, heard and understood the ceremony in its entirety and witnessed you signing the legal documents at the end of the ceremony.

They can be family or friends, and must record their names in full, including any middle names. It is therefore desirable that the witnesses know the parties to the marriage. Arranging for the attendance of witnesses at the marriage ceremony is the responsibility of the parties to the marriage. They must not be inebriated; under the influence of alcohol or any other substances, and this will be determined by the celebrant attending your ceremony on the day.

Am I allowed to have an alcoholic drink before my ceremony?

Generally, a drink or two prior to your ceremony is ok. However, according to law here in Australia, if a celebrant believes that you are drunk or under the influence of any substance, then they are not legally allowed to marry that person and your ceremony will need to be rescheduled, at a $200 fee.

Additionally, the two official witnesses to your marriage must adhere to the same rules, as set out by the Marriage Act of 1961.

Once you are married, and the ceremony is completed, you can enjoy as much drink as you like!!

What is the latest and earliest date that we can book our ceremony?

The latest you can book your wedding is one month before your wedding date (plus the 5 days for administration as mentioned above). The onus is on you to complete and scan back to us (with appropriate witness) the NOIM and submit it to Strawberry Umbrella, no later than 35 days before your wedding date so that it is lodged legally with us to comply with the Marriage Act of 1961.

The earliest you can book your wedding is 18 months before your chosen ceremony date.

How many guests are we allowed at a Strawberry Umbrella ceremony?

Our ceremonies take place in public spaces, which allow you to use them for any purpose providing you stay within a certain number of guests. In order for us to keep our ceremonies at an affordable rate for you, we consequently have to cap our numbers at a total of 20. This also links into the spaces we use, some of which offer a feeling of privacy and enchantment due to their overall size and they may not have extended facilities or the extensive parking you would need for a larger group.

Please bear in mind that the number of 20 will include the attending authorised marriage celebrant and the couple marrying, meaning you are able to invite a total of 17 guests to bring us to our strict maximum numbers. This also allows us to be considerate of other users of the locations we are featuring.

The minimum number of people you have to have is 5 – that is the attending authorised marriage celebrant, the couple who are getting married, and their two nominated witnesses. **(You must bring witnesses with you to your ceremony as Strawberry Umbrella is unable to officiate a ceremony without the witnesses present in person).

The reasons are multiple – our ceremonies are a heartfelt, but simplified and intimate way to get married and are not for those that want a big fuss of a more traditional wedding day. They are about the people that are getting married and what the commitment they are making to each other on that day means to them, it is not a show for the people who may be watching.

What if we are late?

The wedding must start at the booked appointment time. If you arrive later than the chosen start time for your ceremony, Strawberry Umbrella will charge a reschedule fee of $200 and you must rebook another ceremony time and/or date.

Can we bring any extra set up – chairs/arbour etc?

In short, no. As we perform our ceremonies in a variety of stunning and unique locations, we focus on the setting not the ‘extras’. We are conducting simplified, elopement or registry office style ceremonies which are perfect for people who are looking at those options but don’t want to do it in a stuffy government building or go to the fuss and extravagance of a big wedding. We provide a signing table, cover and ourselves, and that is all that we need to make your day magical.

Who will marry us?

We have a selection of fun, friendly, experienced, local authorised marriage celebrants who have been hand-picked to ensure that they will provide you with the best ceremony possible.

What is included in our Strawberry Umbrella wedding ceremony?
  • Experienced, friendly and local Authorised Marriage Celebrant
  • All of the legal paperwork required to register your wedding under current Australian Law
  • Easy step by step process – no prior meetings needed
  • Short and simple registry style wedding ceremony on the day of around 15 minutes duration
  • Signing table
  • Commemorative certificate
  • Cover for whatever the weather
  • Follow up with handy hints on changing your name and applying for official marriage certificate
What is the price of a Strawberry Umbrella Wedding? Are there any extra ‘hidden costs’ that we need to know about?

Each ceremony costs $500. That’s it. Book, pay, get married.

We are aware that this price makes us, without doubt, one of the most cost effective ways to get married in Western Australia, however, we want to reassure you that you will receive fantastic customer service and a smooth, stress free experience from booking to ceremony, which allows you to focus on the important things – each other and your love story. Which is what this is all about, surely?

What if we need or want to reschedule our ceremony date, time or change the booked location?

If you want to reschedule your ceremony date, time, or the location that you originally selected, and you have given Strawberry Umbrella more that 35 days-notice, subject to availability, there will only be a minimal $50 administration fee charged.

If you want to reschedule your ceremony date and/or time, and you have given Strawberry Umbrella less that 35 days-notice, a $200 reschedule fee will apply. New dates, times and locations are all subject to availability.

What if we have to cancel our ceremony?

In the unfortunate event of a ceremony cancellation, Strawberry Umbrella require written notice from the couple as soon as is practicable.

In such circumstances, the full fee of $500will be retained by Strawberry Umbrella.

What about COVID-19?

We are ever hopeful that your ceremony date and time will go ahead as planned. However, if your date is impacted by a government directive linked to COVID-19, you will be able to reschedule your ceremony at no additional cost. For the sake of transparency, no refunds will be made, however, we are happy to reschedule at no additional cost.

Strawberry Umbrella’s celebrants have all completed the Australian Government Department of Health Infection Control Training – COVID-19 and follow all of the practices within our ceremonies.

Strawberry Umbrella are committed to keeping updated with the latest COVID-19 state government guidelines and we will advise our couples of any changes that are applicable to them and their booking.