Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) in Queensland

Learn how the Notice of Intended Marriage works in Queensland, including timing, witnesses, remote witnessing, and required documents.

The Notice of Intended Marriage, usually shortened to NOIM, is the document that starts the legal marriage process in Australia.

It must be given to your celebrant at least one calendar month before the marriage and no more than 18 months before it.

If you are ready to complete or download your NOIM, use NOIM Easy.

The Timing Rule

The NOIM must be lodged:

at least one calendar month before the marriage
no more than 18 months before the marriage

If the notice period is not met, the marriage cannot go ahead unless a prescribed authority approves a shortening of time.

What the NOIM Includes

The form asks for information such as:

full legal names
current addresses
dates and places of birth
relationship status
details of previous marriages
parent details

What Documents Usually Support It

You will usually need to provide:

evidence of date and place of birth
current photo ID
documents proving the end of any earlier marriage
translations where required

Does the NOIM Have to Be Witnessed?

Yes. Each signature on the NOIM must be witnessed by an authorised witness.

If signed in Australia, that can include an authorised celebrant, a justice of the peace, a lawyer, a doctor, or a police officer.

If signed overseas, the options include certain Australian diplomatic or consular officials, a notary public, and some other authorised people.

Can the NOIM Be Witnessed Remotely?

Yes. Since 12 June 2024, the NOIM can be witnessed remotely by audio-visual link if the legal witnessing rules are met.

That is about the NOIM only. The marriage ceremony itself still must happen in person.

Do We Have to Sign It Together?

No. The two parties can sign at different times and with different authorised witnesses.

Common Questions

Can we email the NOIM to the celebrant?

Often yes, but the celebrant still needs to be satisfied about the legal requirements and original supporting documents before solemnising the marriage.

What if we are missing a document?

Sometimes a statutory declaration or other supporting material can help, but it depends on the issue. It is better to raise document problems early than close to the ceremony date.

What if one of us is overseas?

That is common. The NOIM can still be signed and witnessed overseas through the authorised overseas witness options.

Next Steps

Read the requirements guide
Learn about the one-month notice rule
See whether a shortening of time may apply
Ask about your circumstances through the contact form