Legals Only Wedding Melbourne
Looking for a simple, affordable way to get legally married in Melbourne? A legals only wedding is exactly that. No big guest list, no months of planning, just a beautiful legal wedding ceremony that covers everything the law requires.
Our legals only wedding packages start from $295, and we take care of everything from the paperwork to the registration. Whether you're planning a bigger celebration later, getting married after receiving your visa, or you just want to keep things simple, a legal only wedding in Melbourne is a great option.
What is a Legals Only Wedding?
A legals only wedding (also known as a legal wedding ceremony or legal only ceremony) is a short, legally binding ceremony that covers only the required components under the Marriage Act 1961. It includes:
A qualified celebrant to conduct the ceremony
The legal vows required by Australian law
Two witnesses signing your marriage paperwork
All the official forms lodged with Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria
The whole ceremony takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It's just the two of you, two witnesses, and a celebrant who will make you feel welcome and at ease.
This is the most popular option for couples who want to get married without the fuss of a traditional wedding.
What's Included in Our $295 Legals Only Package
Our legals only wedding package is genuinely all inclusive. No hidden fees, no add ons, just one straightforward price for everything you need:
A registered, experienced celebrant who will make you feel welcome
Use of our beautiful ceremony space at The Ivory Room (located inside St Kilda Road Towers)
All legal paperwork prepared and lodged with BDM Victoria
A 15 to 20 minute ceremony in a relaxed, no fuss environment
Your official marriage certificate, if ordered separately
Pricing is as follows:
$295 Monday to Thursday
$395 Fridays
$595 weekends
That's everything you need to be legally married in Melbourne.
Who Chooses a Legals Only Wedding?
A legals only wedding works for more couples than you might think. People choose this option for all kinds of reasons:
Couples planning a celebration overseas or interstate: Get the legal part done in Australia, then have your big celebration somewhere else
Couples on a budget: All the legal benefits of marriage without the cost of a traditional wedding
Couples planning their own party: Get married legally, then throw the celebration you actually want without all the formalities of a traditional wedding
International couples: Get legally married quickly after arriving in Australia
Long term couples: Making it official after years together, without the pressure of a big event
Couples who just want simple: No guest list, no speeches, no stress
Whatever your reason, we'll look after you.
How it Compares to the Victorian Government Registry
If you've been looking into the Victorian marriage registry in Melbourne or a registry wedding in Melbourne, you've probably come across a few frustrations. The government registry office has long wait times, limited appointment slots, and a more impersonal experience. A legal wedding ceremony with us gives you the same legal outcome without any of that.
Here's how we compare:
Waiting time: Government registry has a 3 to 4 month wait. Our ceremonies are available within a month, often sooner
Price: Government registry is $365. Our legals only starts from $295
Availability: We're open 7 days a week, including evenings. Government registry has limited appointments
The experience: Our celebrants make the ceremony feel personal and welcoming, not rushed or impersonal
You get the same legal marriage outcome either way, but the path is much easier with us.
How the Process Works
Getting legally married with us is simple. Here's how it works from start to finish:
Choose your date and time. We're available 7 days a week, including evenings. Need something at short notice? Just ask, we often have availability
Complete your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form. This needs to be lodged at least one month before your ceremony. You can sign it with us in person, or we can witness it over Zoom, FaceTime or WhatsApp if that's easier
Bring photo ID and your two witnesses on the day. If you don't have witnesses, we can provide them for $50 each
Enjoy your 15 to 20 minute ceremony. We'll handle the paperwork and register your marriage with BDM Victoria afterwards
For a full walkthrough, read our 3 steps to get married guide. For more on the witness requirement, have a look at Can You Get Married Without Witnesses?
Where Your Ceremony Takes Place
Your legals only wedding takes place at The Ivory Room, our beautiful ceremony space located inside St Kilda Road Towers. It's modern, calm and filled with natural light, with sweeping views over Albert Park Lake and Port Phillip Bay. It's the kind of space that makes even a simple ceremony feel special.
We're centrally located in Melbourne with easy access by car or public transport. See our directions and parking page for details on getting here.
Ready to Book Your Legals Only Wedding?
If a legals only wedding sounds like the right fit for you, we'd love to help make it happen. We're quick to respond and happy to answer any questions you have before booking.
Check your date and book now or get in touch to chat through your options. You can also view our full ceremony pricing if you'd like to see the other packages we offer.
Getting legally married in Melbourne doesn't have to be complicated. Let us show you how easy it can be.