You can keep the ceremony straightforward and give the meal most of the day. Treat the Registry booking and the restaurant booking as two separate arrangements, then make the handover easy for your guests.
Confirm the Registry booking first
The NSW Registry requires a marriage interview before you can book the ceremony. Both partners attend. Its booking guidance says the ceremony date must be at least one calendar month after lodgement of the Notice of Intended Marriage. Use the current Registry instructions to confirm your documents, dates and venue capacity.
Choose and brief your witnesses
The Registry requires at least two guests to witness the ceremony and sign the marriage certificate; it does not provide witnesses. Check the full witness requirements with the Registry and make sure your chosen people know where and when to arrive.
Ask the restaurant for the complete arrangement
Confirm the room, guest count, menu, drinks, minimum spend and any hire fee. Ask about a cake, speeches, decorations, dietary needs and accessibility. A private dining booking is not automatically exclusive use of the restaurant. Request a written total and the cancellation and payment terms.
Leave breathing room after the ceremony
Build in time for congratulations, photographs and travel. Arrange who carries flowers and any belongings, and tell guests exactly where to go next. Keep a contact person at each booking so you are not organising arrivals during your own photos.
Your next steps.
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Check the current details.
Official guidance checked 5 October 2026. Confirm the requirements for your booking with the Registry, celebrant or venue.