Marriage Outside Australia (for Australians)

Marriages entered into overseas are generally recognised as valid in Australia as long as :-

• the marriage is recognised as valid under the law of the country in which it was entered into, at the time when it was entered into

and

• the marriage would be recognised as being legal under Australian law, had the marriage had taken place in Australia.

There is no requirement to register in Australia a marriage which takes place overseas. A foreign marriage certificate is prima facie evidence in Australia of the occurrence and validity of the marriage. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website has further general information about marriage overseas.

In the United Kingdom

In Scotland

In other countries

Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)

If you require a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) by the authority marrying you, please download an application form from the Smartraveller website. Instructions on having your CNI witnessed can be found within that application. Consular staff can also witness your signature at the High Commission.

The High Commission can produce your CNI either by post, or in person.

Obtaining a CNI by post (application must be witnessed by a person listed on the application)
Obtaining a CNI in person.

There are fee's associated with obtaining a CNI from the High Commission.