Want to get married without having a big wedding?
A legals-only ceremony gives you everything required to become legally married in Australia without the expense, planning or formality of a traditional wedding.
Whether you're planning something tiny and intimate, saving the big celebration for later, or simply want to make it official, I can make the process easy, relaxed and stress-free.
Enquire About a Legals Only WeddingSimple legal marriage ceremony
Everything you need to become legally married, without the big ceremony
A booking fee of $100 is required to secure your date and time.
See full packages & pricing for Intimate, Signature and other options too.
Enquire About a Legals Only WeddingIn plain English: it's a short ceremony that covers the legal requirements needed for you to marry under Australian law. I'll say the required celebrant words (the monitum), you'll each say the legal vows, and we'll sign the marriage documents with your two witnesses.
That's it — no long speeches unless you want them, no big production. You can still exchange rings if you like, and choose a simple location that suits you both. The focus is on becoming legally married in a way that feels calm and comfortable.
Everything in the Legals Only package from my current packages & pricing.
Optional extras — such as a signing table, linen and chairs, or professional PA hire — are available separately. See the full list on the packages page. Rings aren't a legal requirement; you're welcome to exchange them if you wish.
Choose a date and location and check my availability. We'll have a relaxed chat about what you need.
I'll guide you through the required marriage documentation and the Notice of Intended Marriage process.
Meet at the agreed location with your two witnesses and complete the short legal ceremony.
After the ceremony, I lodge the required marriage documentation with the relevant authority.
If you've been searching for a Canberra registry office wedding, you're not alone. Many couples looking for a simple, inexpensive way to get married in the ACT type that phrase into Google.
Unlike some other Australian states and territories, the ACT does not offer a walk-in government registry office ceremony where you turn up and get married on the spot. Marriages in the ACT are performed under the Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961, and the ceremony is conducted by an authorised marriage celebrant (or minister of religion).
What most people actually want is a short, low-cost legal marriage ceremony — and that's exactly what a legals-only wedding with a Commonwealth-registered celebrant provides. I'm not affiliated with the ACT Government, Access Canberra or the Commonwealth Government; I'm an independent, authorised marriage celebrant based in Canberra who can help you make it official in a calm, straightforward way.
For official information on getting married in Australia, see the Attorney-General's Department guide to getting married. For how marriages are registered in the ACT, see Access Canberra — marriage registration.
Enquire About a Legals Only WeddingA small legal ceremony doesn't need a traditional wedding venue.
Quiet green spaces around Canberra work well for a short ceremony.
A classic Canberra backdrop if you want something scenic and simple.
Your place, a friend's backyard, or my home office in Kaleen.
Or another suitable location we agree on together.
Straight answers for couples getting married in Canberra.
My Legals Only package is currently $500. A $100 booking fee secures your date and time. Full inclusions are listed above and on the packages & pricing section of the homepage.
Under Australian law, you need to meet with your celebrant to sign a completed Notice of Intended Marriage at least one calendar month before the ceremony, and no more than 18 months before. In limited circumstances, a prescribed authority may approve a shortening of that notice period. Get in touch and we can talk through your timing.
Yes. Australian marriage law requires two witnesses aged 18 or over to be present at the ceremony and to sign the marriage documents.
Yes. Family members or friends aged 18 or over can be your witnesses, as long as they are present for the ceremony and able to sign the documents.
No. Rings aren't a legal requirement in Australia. Exchange them if you want to — or skip them entirely. It's completely up to you.
No. There's no requirement for traditional wedding attire. Wear whatever feels comfortable and right for the two of you.
Yes. The Legals Only package includes up to four guests present, including your two witnesses. If you'd like a larger gathering, we can look at whether another package suits you better — subject to the location you choose.
A legals-only ceremony centres on the words required by Australian marriage law. You can still share a short personal moment if that matters to you, but the legal vows must still be said. If personalised vows and your story are a bigger part of what you want, an elopement or the Intimate or Signature packages may be a better fit.
You'll need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage and provide identification and any other documents that apply to your situation — for example, evidence of date and place of birth, and evidence if either of you has been married before. Exact requirements vary, so contact me and I'll walk you through what you need for your circumstances.
Absolutely. Plenty of couples get legally married first, then celebrate with family and friends later — sometimes overseas, sometimes with a bigger party at home. A legals-only ceremony makes that straightforward.
Yes. Once all legal requirements are met and the marriage is registered, it is a legal marriage — the same as a marriage that follows a large traditional wedding ceremony.
If you're keeping the wedding small but still want a personalised ceremony, vows and your story included, an elopement ceremony might suit you better. An elopement is still a genuine wedding ceremony — just not a big traditional one.
Explore Canberra ElopementsAllison Barker — Canberra Marriage Celebrant
I'm Allison Barker, a Canberra-based Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrant. I'm relaxed, approachable and inclusive — and I believe in marriage equality. All couples are welcome.
My focus with legals-only ceremonies is making the legal process straightforward so you can feel comfortable rather than overly formal. Whether you're keeping things tiny or simply want to make it official, I'll keep things calm and clear.
Read more about me on the homepage, or get in touch to check availability.
If you want to get married without the fuss of a traditional wedding, I'd love to help. Tell me what you're planning and I'll make the legal side as straightforward as possible.
Request a Free ChatTell me a little about your plans for a legals-only wedding in Canberra — I'll be in touch soon.