NO DISABILITY OR DISEASE WILL PREVENT YOU GETTING LEGALLY MARRIED IN AUSTRALIA

And Yes, I AM shouting that from the rooftops.  Let me say it again. There is no disability or disease that will prevent you getting married in Australia.

The only personal requirements for marriage

There are three requirements that everyone wishing to marry in Australia must meet. And only three.

• You must both be at least 18 years old
• You must be free to marry, that is, not married to any other person or closely related to the other person by blood or adoption (first cousins are fine, ancestors, descendants, and siblings are not)
  
• You must give real consent, that is, you understand what marriage is and are marrying of your own free will and no one is forcing, coercing, or tricking you into the marriage

Workarounds when you have a disability

Whatever your disability might be, if necessary, there are workarounds that will accommodate your needs while still complying with the requirements of the Marriage Act. And these include technology assisted methods of communication.

Regardless of whether your disability is visible or not, there are ways to accommodate your needs and make sure that you are confident and comfortable on the day while meeting all the legal requirements.

For example, while there are historical reasons for the wedding party to stand (simply that mediaeval churches often had no seating!), it is not a rule. So if you need to sit, or even lie down, that's fine.

I firmly believe that being inclusive means being alert to your individual needs and committed to working with you to make your wedding work for you.

What about your witnesses?

A requirement for a legal marriage ceremony is that you must have two adult witnesses present who can, if need be, later testify that they have witnessed your marriage taking place.

Workarounds apply for them too!

Related information

• 7 Things your Celebrant does NOT need to know ... and 3 things they have to be sure about
  

Thanks for reading!