Permits, Paperwork & Process for Weddings & Elopements in Geelong

(The Legal Steps to Saying “I Do” in the Geelong Region)

Planning a wedding in Geelong, on the Bellarine Peninsula, or along the Great Ocean Road? One of the biggest questions couples ask us at I Do Drive Thru is: what about the legal stuff?

From filling in the Notice of Intended Marriage so your marriage will be legally recognised, to council permits for public spaces, there are a few boxes to tick before you can officially say “I do.” But don’t worry the I Do Drive Thru team will guide you every step of the way.

The good news? We make the process simple and easy to follow, and our team are always available to answer any questions you may have.

This guide covers everything you need to know about wedding legalities and permit requirements in Geelong, the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula, and beyond, so you can relax and focus on the fun parts of your wedding day.

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Celebrant: Zena Lythgo
Photographer: Verity of Gingerandmint

Legal Basics for Weddings in Victoria

1. Lodge Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

The NOIM is the first step in every legal wedding in Australia.

  • It must be lodged with your celebrant at least 1 month before your ceremony (and up to 18 months ahead).

  • You’ll need:

    • Passport or birth certificate + photo ID.

    • Proof of how any previous marriages ended (divorce decree or death certificate).

  • Lodging is free — your celebrant includes this in their service.

👉 Tip: Don’t delay! If your wedding date is 20 March, your NOIM must be lodged by 20 February at the latest. Earlier is always best for your peace of mind.

2. Work With an Authorised Celebrant

Only celebrants registered with the Attorney-General’s Department can legally marry you. A professional celebrant in Geelong will:

  • Lodge and manage your NOIM.

  • Check and certify your ID documents.

  • Guide you through the minimum legal vows on the day.

  • Submit your signed paperwork after the ceremony.

At I Do Drive Thru, we hand-pick the celebrants we work with. They are all fully authorised, experienced, and here to take the stress out of the process — whether you’re eloping at Eastern Beach or hosting a micro wedding on the Bellarine.

Council Permits for Weddings in Geelong

Dreaming of a ceremony at the Eastern Beach fountain, the Geelong Botanic Gardens, or one of the Surf Coast’s iconic beaches? Public spaces are beautiful, but they often require a council permit.

Why You Might Need a Permit

  • If you’re setting up chairs, arbours, or amplified sound.

  • If your guest numbers are over 15–20.

  • If alcohol is involved.

How Much Do Permits Cost?

  • City of Greater Geelong: generally $50–$250 depending on site, group size, and setup.

  • Surf Coast & Bellarine councils: similar costs, but with slightly different rules.

  • Always check conditions around marquees, generators, or amplified sound.

How to Apply

  • Contact the City of Greater Geelong events team for local parks and gardens.

  • For Surf Coast or Bellarine locations, apply through their respective councils.

  • Apply early, especially for summer weekends or holiday periods.

👉 Local insight: Spots like Torquay Foreshore, Barwon Heads Bluff, and the Geelong Botanic Gardens are especially popular for elopements. Book early, these spaces fill up fast!


Costs & Certificates Beyond the Ceremony

Even after the big day, there are a couple of important details:

  • Official Marriage Certificate: Order from Births, Deaths & Marriages Victoria (about $75). This is essential for changing your name on licences, bank accounts, etc. Your celebrant can order this for you at your request and add it to your I Do Drive Thru package.

  • Celebrant Fees: Vary depending on package and time of week. I Do Drive Thru specialises in affordable weddings that still feel personalised and fun making us a popular registry office alternative in Geelong (especially since the Melbourne Registry Office is quite a drive away!).

  • Photography Add-Ons: Photographers can be added to your package to capture the magic.

  • Witnesses: If you need witnesses, we can arrange them for a small fee, recognising the time they’re taking out of their day to support you.

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Celebrant: Zena Lythgo

Essential Wedding Timeline for an I Do Drive Thru Wedding in Geelong

To keep things simple, here’s a checklist:

  • Minimum of 2 months out: Book your celebrant and lodge your NOIM.
    (Remember: you need at least 1 month for the NOIM so if your timeline is shorter, you’ll need to move quickly on the paperwork component.)

  • 1 month out: Secure your ceremony spot and apply for council permits. Bureaucracy can be slow, so don’t put this off.

  • Choose your ceremony type: Do you want a basic 2-minute ceremony, a cheekier 5-minute version, or a more romantic 7 minutes in heaven?

  • Wedding week: Relax, enjoy the lead-up, and have a good morning. The I Do Drive Thru team will lead you through a relaxed, intimate, and joy-filled ceremony!

FAQs About Wedding Legalities in the Geelong Region

Can we get married anywhere in Geelong?
 Yes! From Eastern Beach to wineries on the Bellarine, or perhaps in your own backyard, you can marry anywhere, as long as permits are sorted if it’s public land.

Do we really need to lodge a NOIM?
 Yes. The one-month minimum is a strict legal requirement in Australia. Without it, your ceremony can only be a commitment ceremony.

What if we forget something?
 That’s why you work with a team like I Do Drive Thru. Our celebrants and photographers are across every detail. We’ll guide you through the paperwork, permits, and practicalities so you never have to worry about missing a step.

Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re eloping with just two witnesses or planning a micro wedding by the sea, the legal steps to get married in Geelong are straightforward once you know what to do. The most important part is working with a team that understands the process, the paperwork, and the local council rules — so you don’t have to stress.

Here at I Do Drive Thru, we provide all of that in a convenient one-stop shop. Since 2020, we’ve married hundreds of couples across Australia.

Our Geelong, Surf Coast, and Great Ocean Road team are friendly, experienced, adaptable, and ready to marry you anywhere you want! We’re here to help you tick the boring boxes so you can focus on the fun stuff — like vows, rings, and how to celebrate afterwards.

👉 Ready to plan your Geelong wedding? Get in touch with us today

Zena Lythgo