Wedding Vows in Australia – Legal Requirements Explained
When couples start writing their vows, one of the most common questions I hear is:
“Do we have to say anything specific for it to be legal?”
The short answer is yes — but there’s plenty of room for personality, meaning and love.
The Minimum Legal Wedding Vows in Australia
Under section 45(2) of the Marriage Act 1961, each person must say the minimum legal vows during the ceremony, in the presence of an authorised celebrant and two witnesses.
These vows confirm that you knowingly and willingly marry each other.
The legal wording is:
“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [full legal name], take thee, [full legal name], to be my lawful wedded wife / husband / spouse.”
These words — or approved variations — must be spoken aloud. Without them, the marriage is not legally valid.
Can You Change the Legal Wedding Vows?
Yes, within limits. The law allows approved variations, as long as the meaning stays the same.
Standard Wording Permissible Change
call upon ask
persons people
thee you
wife/husband/spouse partner in marriage
For best practice, full legal names should be used when speaking the minimum vows.
Personal Wedding Vows vs Legal Vows
Personal vows are where you get to speak from the heart — sharing promises, reflections and hopes for your future.
Personal vows:
Are spoken in addition to the legal vows
Must not replace or contradict them
Can be as short, funny, emotional or poetic as you like
I help couples weave both legal and personal vows together so the ceremony flows naturally and feels like you.
FAQ: Wedding Vows and Legal Wording in Australia
Can we write our own vows entirely?
Yes — as long as the legal vows are also included.
Do we have to memorise the legal wording?
No — your celebrant will prompt you gently.
Can we use inclusive language?
Absolutely — approved wording options allow for this.
Final Thoughts
Your ceremony should feel warm, personal and deeply meaningful — and it can be all of those things while still meeting Australia’s legal requirements.
My role is to take care of the legal side quietly and confidently, so you can stay present, relaxed and focused on what truly matters: celebrating your love.
If you’d like help planning a ceremony that feels calm, heartfelt and genuinely you, I’d love to chat.
