Shortening of Time for Marriage
A shortening of time is the process for asking permission to marry in less than one month.
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:
- book first at paperwork.net.au/book
- complete the NOIM
- send the paperwork in quickly
- 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.
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Click Get Married to fill out the booking form and pay the fee. Then prepare your NOIM. Once we receive the paperwork, we confirm a date, time and place in Byron Bay or the Northern Rivers, subject to availability.