While cancellation or postponement of marriages in WA because of the coronavirus threat have become commonplace, the Registry is still hosting civil ceremonies which meet the new public health requirements.
As of March 26, only the couple marrying, the celebrant and two witnesses can be present at the ceremony.
“While that’s affected the wedding plans of many people, the effect on Registry marriages is less pronounced because they typically draw interest from couples wanting a smaller, more intimate ceremony with a handful of guests and the Registry celebrant,” Ms Cherena Thompson, Manager Marriage Services said.
“Inquiries about Registry ceremonies have in fact increased in the wake of couples having to call off larger weddings at external venues,” Ms Thompson said.
Under social distancing rules, the ceremonies now see the celebrant stand at least 1.5 m away from the couple and witnesses sign the marriage certificate separately. An interpreter can be provided by teleconference if required.
The Perth CBD facility has two marriage rooms which can hold a ceremony every half-hour.
“We’ve marked the carpet so that the couple and the witnesses are appropriately distanced,” Ms Thompson said.
The wedding rooms are cleaned after each ceremony.
Couples marrying at the Registry need to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage to the office at least one month before the ceremony. The wedding can be held within 18 months of lodgement.
In other responses to COVID-19, the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages is allowing people to send applications for birth, death, marriage and previously registered change of name certificates by email to bdm@justice.wa.gov.au. Application forms can be found on the Department of Justice website.
ENDS
