Courthouse Marriage in Western Australia
What Americans Call a “Courthouse Wedding”
If you’re looking for what Americans call a “courthouse wedding” in Perth or Western Australia, here’s what you need to know. In Australia, you can’t get married in a courthouse like in the United States, but you can have a simple legal marriage at the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in Perth. However, The Marriage Office offers a more flexible, personal, and meaningful alternative: a quick, simple, and affordable legal marriage ceremony at your chosen location.
How It Works in Western Australia
In WA, the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in Perth does offer registry weddings, but these are limited to their office and can feel impersonal. With The Marriage Office, an authorised civil celebrant comes to your chosen location—your home, a park, a café, or anywhere you like in Perth or across Western Australia. We provide a legal marriage service that’s just as official, but far more personal and convenient.
What We Provide
Our paperwork-only marriage service is perfect if you want:
- A simple, legal marriage ceremony
- Just the required 120 words to make it official
- No fancy venue or expensive celebrations
- Quick and efficient service
- Professional, experienced celebrants
- The flexibility to choose your own location and time
The Legal Ceremony
The ceremony includes only what Australian law requires:
- The celebrant’s legal statements (the “monitum”)
- Your legal vows (just one sentence each)
- Signing the paperwork
- Two witnesses (we can provide these if needed)
That’s it! The whole process takes about five minutes, and you’re legally married.
Why Choose The Marriage Office Over the Registry?
- Location Freedom: Get married anywhere in Perth or WA, not just at the BDM office.
- Personal Touch: Our celebrants make your ceremony meaningful, even if it’s simple.
- Flexible Timing: Available 24/7 by appointment, not just during office hours.
- No Waiting Room: No need to queue or wait in a government office.
- Professional Service: Experienced celebrants who guide you through every step.
Who Chooses This Option?
Our simple legal marriages are perfect for:
- Practical couples who want to avoid wedding expenses
- People saving for a house in WA’s property market
- Couples planning a celebration or ceremony overseas
- Those who need to marry quickly for visa or legal reasons
- Students and professionals managing their budgets
- Anyone wanting to get legally married now and celebrate later
The Process
- Contact The Marriage Office to book your appointment
- Submit your Notice of Intended Marriage (must be done at least one month before)
- Prepare your required documentation
- Attend your appointment with two witnesses (or we can arrange them)
- Get married in a brief, legal ceremony at your chosen location
- Receive your marriage certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this marriage legally recognised?
Yes! It’s exactly the same legal marriage as any other Australian marriage.
Where does the ceremony take place?
Anywhere you choose in Perth or Western Australia—your home, a local café, a park, or any other suitable location.
How much does it cost?
Our service is significantly more affordable than a traditional wedding. Contact us for current pricing.
Can we still have a celebration later?
Absolutely! Many couples choose to have their legal marriage with us first, then plan a celebration or ceremony when it suits them.
About The Marriage Office
The Marriage Office has been providing simple legal marriages in Perth and across Western Australia for years. We understand that not everyone wants or needs a traditional wedding celebration, and we’re here to help you get married simply, legally, and affordably—wherever and whenever you choose.
Contact us today to learn more about our registry-style marriage service or to book your appointment. We’re here to make getting married in WA as straightforward and meaningful as possible.