One of the most common questions I get from my Hong Kong couples during our first Zoom call is: "Is it legal for us to marry in Australia if we aren't residents?"The answer is a resounding Yes.

Australia welcomes everyone to marry here, regardless of their nationality or gender. Whether you are visiting on a tourist visa or planning a full overseas wedding, Melbourne is one of the most seamless places in the world for same-sex couples to say "I do."

Here is exactly how to make it happen from 4,500 miles away:

Choose a Gay-Friendly Marriage Celebrant

Melbourne has a world-class community of LGBT-inclusive celebrants who specialize in making the ceremony feel safe and modern. I highly recommend legends like Flora. They aren't just "officiants"; they are advocates for our community who ensure your ceremony is far from a boring legal lecture.

To ensure your day flows as smoothly as a Melbourne flat white, meet Flora—our incredible trilingual celebrant and MC who bridges the gap between English, Cantonese, and Mandarin with total ease.

Lodge your "Notice of Intended Marriage" (NOIM)

This is the most important legal step to getting married in Australia for HK residents. You must lodge the Australia NOIM form with an authorized Australian celebrant at least one month (and no more than 18 months) before your wedding date.

ProTip: You don’t need to be in Melbourne to do this! You can sign it in Hong Kong in front of a Notary Public or an Australian Consular Officer at the Harbour Road office. Once signed, you can email the scanned copy to your Melbourne celebrant to "start the clock."

Prepare Your Documents

To ensure your Melbourne marriage registry process goes smoothly, you’ll need:Your HKID or Passport (Passport is preferred for international couples).Your Birth Certificate.If applicable, a Divorce or Death Certificate to prove you are free to marry.Note: If your documents are only in Chinese, you will need a NAATI-certified English translation. As your photographer, I can point you toward local Melbourne translators who specialize in this.

The Ceremony: From Laneways to the Great Ocean Road

To be legally married in Victoria, the requirements are surprisingly simple. You only need:

An authorized celebrant.
The two of you (plus your rings and vows!)
Two witnesses over the age of 18.
If you are choosing one of my small elopement packages in Melbourne, I often act as one of your witnesses! It is a huge honor to put down my camera for a moment to sign your certificate.

Recognition: The Apostille Marriage Certificate

On the day, you’ll sign a commemorative certificate. However, for your marriage to be used for official purposes back in Hong Kong (like insurance, medical rights, or employer benefits), you need the Official Marriage Certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria.

For HK couples, you will also likely need an Apostille marriage certificate from Australia. This "legalizes" the document for international use. Your celebrant can help you order this, or you can visit the DFAT office in Melbourne CBD during your honeymoon!

Whether you want Melbourne laneway wedding photos or a quiet moment under the eucalyptus trees, I’m here to capture the journey.

Would you like a copy of my "Melbourne Elopement Checklist" for HK couples? Send me a message, and let’s get your NOIM started!