01/06/2020
COVID-19 Guidelines for Weddings in NSW – Public Health Order (3) 2020
Dear Marriage Celebrant,
The NSW Government has now published Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 3) 2020 providing detailed information on requirements for weddings taking place in NSW.
Guidelines advise that as of the 1st June 2020:
Up to 20 guests may attend a wedding, in addition to the couple, the people conducting or assisting in the conduct of the wedding and a photographer and/or videographer.
All individuals attending will be required to provide their name and contact details, so that they can be used for contact tracing if needed
The relevant person responsible for recording the names and contact details of attendees is specified in Part 2 Restrictions on gatherings and use of premises, Section 11(3)(a) and (b) of the Public Health Order.
Public Health Order (3) 2020 can be viewed at:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/public-health-orders.aspx
For the health of the community it is crucial that you are aware of and following advice from State and Federal Governments. We encourage you to review any Public Health Orders as they are published.
In addition to Public Health Orders, the NSW Government has developed a dedicated web page for questions and advice on COVID-19 and any associated restrictions: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Update on Witnessing of Notice of Intended Marriage Form (NOIM)
With regards to other changes that have come about during the pandemic, it has come to our attention that there may be some confusion around whether a Justice of The Peace (JP) can witness the signing of a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) via audio visual link. The Registry has sought advice from the Attorney General's Department in Canberra on this matter and received confirmation that the amendments to the Electronic Transactions Act (2000) that took place on the 22nd April 2020 do not apply to witnessing signatures of the couple on the NOIM. The Electronic Transactions Act (2000) does not extend to the NOIM as the parties are required to have their signatures witnessed in the presence of an authorised person (subsection 42(2)(c) of the Marriage Act).
Certificate Delivery Times
We have recently received a number of enquiries relating to expected delivery times for marriage certificates. Australia Post have provided updates on delays they are experiencing, particularly for items sent to international addresses at this link: https://auspost.com.au/about-us/news-media/important-updates/coronavirus
Should you need advice or support with a marriage registration or assistance with our online eRegistry portal, our teams continue to be available on the contacts below:
eRegistry Support Hotline:
Ph: 02 6885 9332
E: [email protected]
Marriage Registrations Helpline:
Ph 02 6885 9334
E: [email protected]
Yours faithfully
Amanda Ianna
Registrar - NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages
We are doing everything possible to keep delivering during the Coronavirus pandemic. Most of our Post Offices are still open, while our posties and drivers are working to get your parcels to you.