Marriage Act 1961 Section 46
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5. Marriage Act 1961 Section 46
46 Certain authorised celebrants to explain nature of marriage relationship
(1) Subject to subsection (2), before a marriage is solemnised by or in the presence of an
authorised celebrant, not being a minister of religion of a recognised denomination,
the authorised celebrant shall say to the parties, in the presence of the witnesses, the
words:
―I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law.
―Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.
―Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life; or words to that effect.
(2) Where, in the case of a person authorised under subsection 39(2) to solemnise
marriages, the Minister is satisfied that the form of ceremony to be used by that
person sufficiently states the nature and obligations of marriage, the Minister may,
either by the instrument by which that person is so authorised or by a subsequent
instrument, exempt that person from compliance with subsection (1) of this section.
