Do you need Public Liability Insurance for your wedding?  

We all understand the difference between needs and wants.

Because when it comes to marriage and a wedding, the wants almost always outweigh the needs.

You want the release of white doves as you say, ‘I do’.

You want a horse-drawn carriage.

A thousand white rose petals strewn down the aisle: a common want.

Catering by a Michelin-starred chef, and who doesn’t want that?

And, of course, you’ll want an enchanted evening of dancing, laughter and free-flowing Champagne with fireworks to end the evening of all evenings.

Or maybe your wants are a bit humbler.

If your close friends and family are gathered and the rain holds off, that’s all you ask.

Yes, the wedding wants we’ve heard over the years range from minor wishes to weddings you can see from space.

And that’s great. That is what makes weddings both unique and wonderful.

But to get married in Australia, what needs do you need to meet?

And is public liability insurance one of them?

We get asked the question occasionally, so let’s tick off the minimum requirements to tie the knot and ensure you’re across all of them.

What are the basic needs and legal requirements for getting married in Australia?

To get married in Australia, you must jump some relatively low hurdles.

Firstly, you cannot be married to anyone else. Previously, sure, though, for this up-and-coming wedding, you’ll need to be single and verifiably so.

You can’t marry a close relative.

You must be 18; if one party is 16 – 18, a court must approve the marriage.

To get married in Australia, you’ll need the understanding and consent of both parties: that you understand what marriage is and that you freely agree to marry.

And for one you might not have known, you’ll need a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), which you’ll need to give to your celebrant at least one month before the wedding.

(Don’t worry: your celebrant will handle all of this.)

In keeping with the celebrant theme, you’ll also need an authorised celebrant. Elvis is fine if they’re certified and authorised.

Finally, you will need two witnesses over 18 to be present at the ceremony.

And that’s it.

Tick those seven needs, and you’re good to go. It’s time to move on to the wedding wants.

But do we need Public Liability Insurance for our wedding?

No.

Not only is it not a requirement, but we aren’t sure how a couple would even meet the eligibility requirements.

Public Liability Insurance (PI) is for businesses that might harm third parties or third-party property.

Each of your vendors – the wedding venue, the wedding caterers and so on – should have Public Liability Insurance.

They are businesses that could harm third parties while undertaking their business.

As a couple, you’re not a business.

So, public liability insurance is not only unnecessary for your wedding but also unlikely to be a want, no matter how much you might want it.

Which insurance do I need for your wedding?

You don’t need insurance to get married.

Though there is wedding insurance, and it’s something we recommend.

Wedding insurance is becoming increasingly popular in Australia as wedding prices grow.

Wedding insurance covers many mishaps, interruptions and events that could sour your big day.

From wedding cancellation, postponement and rescheduling to covering failed wedding suppliers. In addition, there are lost wedding rings, damage to supplier equipment, damaged attire, and even professional counselling in certain circumstances.

Wedding insurance is a simple, once-off cost with no excess for claiming.

Wedding insurance can be taken out as close as 30 days to the wedding date.

Tick off all your marriage needs.

And add wedding insurance to your wedding wants.

It’s peace of mind, and we know whatever your plans and vision for the big day, you’ll want – maybe even need – it to go without a hitch.