COVID-era measures that allowed for marriage notices to be carried out online are being made permanent.
Changes to marriage laws introduced to federal parliament on Wednesday will allow for a notice of intended marriage to be witnessed virtually, rather than requiring it to be done in person.
Temporary measures allowing online witnessing were introduced in 2021 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the laws will make it permanent.
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All couples looking to tie the knot will need to fill out a notice of intended marriage at least one month before their wedding.
However, celebrants will still need to meet in person with the couple before the ceremony takes place.
The laws will also set in stone the requirement for the couple, celebrant and two witnesses to be physically present on the day of the wedding.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus says the changes will make it easier for couples to sign the notices.
“Remote witnessing will provide greater access and convenience for marrying couples, especially those in rural, remote or regional parts of Australia,” he said.
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