Shortening of Time for Marriage

A shortening of time is the process for asking permission to marry in less than one month. If you simply want to marry as soon as possible, read how to get married quickly first.

The first rule

The Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged first.

No lodged notice means no shortening application.

We cannot approve it

We can explain the process, but we cannot:

• approve the shortening
• guarantee an outcome
• pressure the authority
• make the decision for you

The official categories

The recognised reasons include:

• employment or travel commitments
• wedding or celebration arrangements
• medical reasons
• legal proceedings
• error in giving notice

Important reality check

Even if a shortening is approved:

• it does not create a wedding service
• it does not guarantee our availability
• it does not replace the need for correct documents

Our advice

If you think you may need a shortening of time:

1. book first at paperwork.net.au/book
2. complete the NOIM
3. send the paperwork in quickly
4. ask us what the next step is for your circumstances

Keep the service simple.

That gives you the best chance of moving quickly if a shortening is possible.